Electrolytic Rust Removal - A Detailed Illustrated Tutorial, page 5

1. Introduction: Comparing Effects of Coca-Cola, Vinegar and Electrolysis Methods

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To compare the effects of three methods - Coca-Cola, Vinegar and Electrolysis, I decided to remove a little bit of the converted or remaining rust layer from nails that were treated with those methods.

Three Groups of Iron Objects Treated with Coca-Cola, Vinegar and Electrolysis Respectively

Three Groups of Iron Objects Treated with Coca-Cola, Vinegar and Electrolysis Respectively

To show a better presentation of the Coca-Cola effect, I used a large square nail, circa the 18th century, which was also treated with Coca-Cola for two weeks. You can see a thick layer of the converted rust enwrapping the base metal.

A Large Square Nail, ca. the 18th Century, in Better Condition

A Large Square Nail, ca. the 18th Century, in Better Condition

After I laboriously broke off a small fragment of the layer, a coating of rust showed up on the surface - not a good sign. It seems that when you wire-brush the converted rust layer off the relic after Coca-Cola cleaning, you still might face the same rust problem.

Rust Was Revealed After the Converted Rust Layer Had Been Removed

Rust Was Revealed After the Converted Rust Layer Had Been Removed