Prop Acid Wash

[Paul_f7]

I need something simple and easy to get the usual winter growth off my props. I was told to apply and "acid wash". Can anyone point me at the right stuff?

 

[Poignard]

I think they mean "brick cleaner", i.e. hydrochloric acid. Available from builders' merchants.

 

[dkm]

are there any limits on what metals this can be used on?

 

[Poignard]

So far, I have only heard of it being done on bronze props. There's a retired chemist posts on here called VicS, he could probably provide a better answer.

 

[ccscott49]

Its ok on all materials used for props, bronze, ally, stainless.

 

[JamesTT]

Paul, acid didn't work for my stainless props.

In the end I bought a metal polishing kit for about £15 off ebay. It comes complete with a mandrell to attach to a drill. I set the props in a vice and polished them to a bright finish with the various types of wheels and bars of polish supplied the kit came with instructions and advice.

they came up great but it's messy and time consuming.

 

[DanielJaffe]

In spain they do that all the time. I think its called agua fuerte, probably just hydrocloric. They just poor it straight on.

 

[Paul_f7]

So neat, on to Brass Props??

 

[Bandit]

You normally put it only long enough to dissolve the shells of barnacles and other marine growth and then wash it off with a hose within an hour. I would not leave it on for an indefinite time.

 

[DavidJ]

My SS props were done in Sardinia with HCl. It must have been quite concentrated because the barnacles became fizzed instantly.

 

[Hurricane]

In Spain they call it Agua Fuerte (Fire Water) but it only reacts with calcium so I dont think it will help much with the UK weed.

If you DO have barnacles then its good feeling to get your own back on the little ?astards. Squirt it on neat and watch them smoke. Doesnt seem to put their friends off though - they always come back.

 

[burgundyben]

[ QUOTE ]
So neat, on to Brass Props??

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, I just did it on NAB (Nickel Aluminium Bronze) props, neat, use a bucket under the prop, a sponge, some rubber gloves and keep sponging it on and catching it in bucket. Goggles. Must wear goggles.

Keep a really full bucket of fresh water handy to rinse off skin as it does sting a bit when splashed.

B and Q own brand, gallon can, about 8 quid I think.

Very effective, but to be honest I've done it for years with a wire brush and there is not much in it and a wire brush is less nasty!

 

[carlton]

I've used kettle descaler (in the utility room sink - SWMBO was impressed), but now I use these on an electric drill...

Bring my SS props up like new. Screwfix - about £12 I think...

 

[Poignard]

Looks like a fancy display of Twiglets.

What are the "bristles" made of?

 

[carlton]

Er......I can't remember.

Hang on - I'll see if I can find more info.

 

[carlton]

They're 'Nylon threads impregnated with abrasive grit'. They now cost £10.76.

You can see them here - Screwfix.

 

[Poignard]

Thanks for that. I'll give them a try next winter.

 

[whisper]

What about on rubber, any idea? Could maybe be useful to get the little varmints off outdrive bellows.

 

[ccscott49]

Rubber is also OK, stored in rubber/plastic containers amongst other things, but wash it off afterwards with lots of fresh water, then no worries. I use it on my heads pipes, the inside anyway, to dissolve calcium build up.