clean new greasy steel to prep welding/painting
#1
08-16-06, 08:39 PM
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: US
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clean new greasy steel to prep welding/painting
HELP! I have purchased new posts, pickets, channel and castings for a old-looking fence. But the posts and channel are covered in a greasy dirt. I need to clean this off before it is welded (would be impossible to get into all the corners after). I really had to scrub to get it off my hands. I was thinking TSP in water, but the last thing I want is to encourage rust. And wiping all the pieces down with mineral spirits would take forever -- the dirt is really thick. There must be a better way - any ideas? Thanks.
#2
08-17-06, 06:59 AM
Why would wiping with mineral spirits take longer than washing with TSP?
Mineral spirits is what is most commonly used to wipe off oil and contaminates prior to painting metal. If the dirt is real thick a putty knife or wire brush could be used to remove the bulk prior to washing with thinner.
Mineral spirits is what is most commonly used to wipe off oil and contaminates prior to painting metal. If the dirt is real thick a putty knife or wire brush could be used to remove the bulk prior to washing with thinner.
#3
08-17-06, 07:24 PM
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Hmmm...I do use water on metal, but only if it's going to be hit with something else real quick...either a paint prep (solvent), acetone, or water-displacing oil or wax
I would water (and degreaser...or rather water-based de-greaser) wash the big chunks off and solvent clean it right away
I would water (and degreaser...or rather water-based de-greaser) wash the big chunks off and solvent clean it right away
