Cleaning rust off of a stainless steel gun?

[ArcadiaGP]

Heya,

I take pretty good care of my guns, clean and oil regular enough, but noticed my PPK has some brownish spots popping up. I can't "feel" them, so they must be pretty new and very surface level?

Any good ways to clean these that won't damage the gun? I was thinking some #0000 steel wool for the brushed part on top would be fine, but I'm afraid of damaging the polished part below.

 

[Leo]

try toothpaste in a small spot. oil it afterwards.

If it does not clean the stain, at least it will smell minty fresh.

 

[KokomoDave]

Clenzoil and a soft teethbrush <- yeah, I have more than 1 so it's teeth.

 

[Tomc1947]

I use "Never Dull" all metal wadding polish, you can get it at Walmart.

 

[Tactically Fat]

A light oil and some 0000 steel wool (or 00000 if such an animal exists). Or something nylon that's even less abrasive.

Then keep it protected. And don't store it in a foam case nor a leather holster. Control the humidity where it's stored.

 

[Squirt239]

Lucas Gun Polish and your finger. Wipe clean with a paper towel.

They don't pay me to tell you that. Wish they did.

I've cleaned up entire guns that have had surface rust on them with this stuff. Works wonders.

 

[DadSmith]

Lucas Gun Polish and your finger. Wipe clean with a paper towel.

They don't pay me to tell you that. Wish they did.

I've cleaned up entire guns that have had surface rust on them with this stuff. Works wonders.

Any pictures?
How bad were they?

 

[Remington 90T]

Flitz polish is my go-to rust remover --No ammonia or abrasives -Listed on the back- Stainless and hot factory gun bluing .

 

[model1994]

By the looks of it I would think using steel wool is unnecessary. 0000 steel wool is equivalent to like 400grit sandpaper, so you’ll probably see it on polished areas especially. Does wiping with a CLP cleaner or simply mineral oil not remove it? Beyond that Flitz or a cleaner wax will clean and polish, they’re ultra-light to non-abrasive.

 

[mcapo]

On stainless, I'd probably start with something like Flitz and a soft cloth with little pressure. Then move to a CLP product and then on to Kroil.

Next up would be some copper scrub pads and little to no pressure but this will easily impact the finish.

If those don't work, bead blast and a surface grinder.

A note to owners of blued guns. Kroil is sorta bluing safe and I would be hesitant to use on a blued gun with rust.

 

[Squirt239]

Any pictures?
How bad were they?

 

[sht4brnz]

 

[indyblue]

Are you sure that slide top is a brushed finish? It looks more like a matte bead blasted finish which I would be very careful with. Almost anything you do to that finish will change it short of re bead blasting it.

The side of the slide is definitely brushed finish, just stay in the direction of the grain.

 

[bgcatty]

Heya,

I take pretty good care of my guns, clean and oil regular enough, but noticed my PPK has some brownish spots popping up. I can't "feel" them, so they must be pretty new and very surface level?

Any good ways to clean these that won't damage the gun? I was thinking some #0000 steel wool for the brushed part on top would be fine, but I'm afraid of damaging the polished part below. View attachment 270198

I’ve used 0000 steal wool doused in 30 weight motor oil and gently “scrub” the rust off then keep the weapon lightly oiled at all times.

 

[STopaz1982]

I suggest you do not use anything made of carbon steel (steel wool) on stainless parts. the carbon steel can get imbedded in the stainless and make it more susceptible to corrosion.

 

[bgcatty]

I suggest you do not use anything made of carbon steel (steel wool) on stainless parts. the carbon steel can get imbedded in the stainless and make it more susceptible to corrosion.

Oops! Forgot to say that following the very gentle scrubbing with 0000 steel wool and 30 weight oil, I follow up with Flitz polish and microfiber towels to polish and clean it up then lightly oil with a CLP to keep it nice and clean.