Tarnished lighting stands.

[James]

I have a number of powerdrive stands of various ages, Originally Zinc finished some of the older ones are starting to show a bit of surface rust. Any suggestions on effective ways of cleaning / treating to stop further deterioration on these or similar stands? 

James. 
 

[kgallen]

I inherited a similar set a couple of years back. I stripped them down to parts and after a good scrub with soapy water and a scouring pad, I used Brasso! Replaced some of the wing bolts, bolts and nuts. Pretty good condition now and they haven’t gone rusty again!

[xllx]

1 hour ago, James said:

 Any suggestions on effective ways of cleaning / treating to stop further deterioration on these or similar stands? 

Autosol and an sheepskin polisher in an electric drill. 

[kgallen]

7 hours ago, xllx said:

Autosol

You’re right it was Autosol metal polish I used not Brasso. 

[bruce]

sorry, I mis-read that as "Anusol". Pretty sure that won't work....

[themadhippy]

Quote

I mis-read that as "Anusol". Pretty sure that won't work..

well if there a pile to do

[alistermorton]

Bummer of a job, though. 

[bruce]

Anyway - contributing something useful to this discussion - I've found that "pink stuff" paste cleaner - a slightly abrasive cleaner - and a bit of elbow grease works well. I got a tub of it in our local pound shop. After that, a wipe down with an oily rag to stop further deterioration. I guess some sort of car polish might be just as effective to protect.

 

 

[James]

Thanks all - something to try (and with a few stands in this condition If I feel enthusiastic I might try the different methods and report back on effectiveness) 

James

[Stuart91]

3 hours ago, James said:

 I might try the different methods and report back on effectiveness

Please do - I have a bunch of stands in similar condition that could do with some TLC.