Bolt Refreshing Cosmetics

[Jack C.]

What oil/penetrant is recommended to freshen up some minor surface rusted bolts and give them a better look without using a wire brush.

Thanks,

[Chuck G.]

Re: Bolt Refreshing Cosmetics

I use a soft brass wire brush, and then use some "gun blue" on them, IF you're looking for a dark finish.

Chuck

[Alan S.]

Re: Bolt Refreshing Cosmetics

Hi Jack,
I've used a soft brass brush as Chuck noted and then sprayed them with Pre-Lube 7, which seems to really put off the return of rust if the car lives a fairly easy life.
Regards,
Alan

[Steven B.]

Re: Bolt Refreshing Cosmetics

I have used both the brass brush and 0000 steel wool if the rust is not bad and I do not "polish", just clean with the wool. I have used a number of penetrants and just made sure I wiped most of it off. I will try the gun blueing.

[Jack C.]

Re: Bolt Refreshing Cosmetics

Thanks for the tips.

[Alan D.]

Re: Bolt Refreshing Cosmetics

I used RidRust for these small parts. If you brush off with brass brush however sometimes a gold tint can be seen.

[Gary S.]

Re: Bolt Refreshing Cosmetics

Can't remember who on this board, but someone suggested putting bolts in a rock tumbler and using walnut shells to freshen them up. Easy to do since all you do is put them in the tumbler, turn it on and walk away.

Gary

[Jack C.]

Re: Bolt Refreshing Cosmetics

The bolt refreshing I mentioned was for the bolts to remain on the car.

Thank for the ideas.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Bolt Refreshing Cosmetics

Can't remember who on this board, but someone suggested putting bolts in a rock tumbler and using walnut shells to freshen them up. Easy to do since all you do is put them in the tumbler, turn it on and walk away.

Gary

Yes, if you have most of the original black finish on the bolt, this process works very well.

Patrick