White rust removal help please.

[Caneforme]

I have an Aluminum (Aluminum in North American speak ) Spool that is suffering from White Rust. Any tips or advice on how to clean it off would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, John

[Paul F]

Autosol will do the job nicely

[Wanderer]

Fine wire wool, followed by metal polish.

[Caneforme]

Thanks both, I have some Autosol/metal polish. I will borrow a bit of wire wool from work.

John

[Silfield]

I looked into this a bit recently as a rod I am working on has a very ratty looking butt cap riddled with aluminium rot. As I wanted to keep the rod as original as possible I decided to see if it was at all salvageable.
Various sources said to soak in white vinegar and scrub with an old toothbrush or similar, rinse in water to neutralise and dry thoroughly.
Apparently, once the surface has had corrosion then it remains porous to a degree and is more susceptible to further degradation. How to seal this porous surface, without painting I dont know but wonder if a light spray with a ptfe based oil or a light rub with a beeswax candle, followed by a good buff would help keep it at bay?
This is a before and after of the one I am trying to rescue.


Still a bit of work to do and it may need to be replaced in the future but worth a shot.

[MGs]

Aluminium corrosion is alkaline. The best option I have come across both with fishing gear and bike components is to neutralise it. Remove the worst of the white corrosion, then use a mild acid, I've been using lemon juice. Then use the Autosol as suggested above. It worked well on my Hardy Conquest and the white stuff has not returned.

[Wallys-Cast]

Metal putty repair will fill any gaps and once sanded smooth it looks a fairly neat repair. I saved a couple of Hardy butt caps, mainly because of the serial numbers.

Wal.

[Dom Andrew]

Museums used to use Renaissance Wax on their metal objects for protection. I don't know if they still use it.

Dom.