Restoring Damaged Photoetch

[afx]

I bought a kit recently with damaged photoetch. It appears to be corroded. Does anyone have any suggestions about how I might restore the photoetch?

[65slotcar]

i would try 1000 grit wet sand paper. should look like brushed aluminum.

[Chief Joseph]

You can try mixing some plain vinegar and table salt together and dipping the fret into that solution for a few minutes. There will probably still be some discoloration.

[afx]

Bill, I want to save sanding for the last resort.

Joseph how long should it stay in the vinegar/salt solution?

Edited March 16, 2014 by afx

[afx]

Hey Joseph, the vinegar/salt solution really seem to be working! I'll post pictures when I thinks it finished.

[mnwildpunk]

After its done in that solution if it was me i would hit it with some 000 steel wool

[DirtModeler]

That's a bummer it is corroding. I wonder if they used a reactive metal to make it out of, or did some flux or something get spilled on it some time ago, and not cleaned up enough.

I'd coat it with something after you are done. If it corroded once, it may corrode again, though the second time will be on your model.

[afx]

Here is the after picture:

There is still some discoloration that it's not picking up in the picture but its a big improvement. Thanks again Joseph

Edited March 17, 2014 by afx

[afx]

That's a bummer it is corroding. I wonder if they used a reactive metal to make it out of, or did some flux or something get spilled on it some time ago, and not cleaned up enough.

I'd coat it with something after you are done. If it corroded once, it may corrode again, though the second time will be on your model.

Michael, The kit was water damaged when I purchased it. I think that's where the corrosion came from.

[Quick GMC]

In the future, you can use chrome wheel cleaner. The active ingredient is ammonium biflouride, which is also active ingredient in many rust removers. It etches and can damage the finish of the metal, but if you do it correctly, it will remove the rust and brighten the metal. I use a more concentrated version of ABF, but I work with it regularly, I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone. If you soak a towel and wipe it in a linear motion without stopping, then rinse, it shouldn't leave any marks.

Edited March 17, 2014 by Quick GMC