Coal Chute Cover - Rust Removal

[chris101]

I have discovered, buried under the existing paving on my front pathway, the original Victorian steel coal chute for the property.

It has a lot of rush and it seems the designs/text is either damaged or not restore-able?

I have used a wire brush to get rid of a lot of the rust to bring it back to a better condition but as I continued for some time, it felt the letters/designs was breaking off the more I tried to brush?

Should I be concerned that I can actually damage the coal chute details or is it just the surface rust coming off?

 

[Burnerman]

Time and wear and tear have taken their toll.....you won't be able to restore the lettering as its long gone, but the good news is the entire lid isn't likely to collapse!
John

 

[chris101]

Thanks for the advise.
Shall I continue to sand it down or is it ready to paint?

 

[Burnerman]

Although its cast iron, it really still needs a primer to help the paint adhere.....consider Hammerite Kurust rust killer (Pink liquid when brushed on, then turns blue / black) followed by Hammerite primer then gloss.
John

 

[JohnD]

you could use the battery charger + washing soda method of rust removal, if you want to preserve what remains of the pattern without abrasion.

Otherwise, I agree with Kurust, but not Hammerite as it is thick and very difficult to remove or repaint. Ordinary black paint is more in keeping, or leave the cast iron bare.