How do I clean rust off an old can without hurting the graphics?

April 28, 2014 1:40 PM

I have several old retail peanut cans, that have graphics not only around the can, but also on the top. The top and bottom in particular are heavily rusted. What's the best way to clean the rust without hurting the graphics?
posted by america4 to Food & Drink (2 answers total)

I would use dry steel wool for that. Very gently. Test it in a nonvisable place first, if you can. When you're done, gve it a wipe with a rag and denatured alcohol. Again, carefully. If you'd like, spray it with clear acrylic.
posted by humboldt32 at 8:53 PM on April 28, 2014

You could also try a rust or corrosion inhibitor. It's typically available in the automotive section. In my experience, it turns the rust more of a flat, black color. Might be less noticeable amongst the graphics.
posted by Ostara at 12:16 PM on April 29, 2014