how to clean

[greendave]

Did a search, but didn't find what I was looking for. I've just finished mig welding a new ramp for my lawn service truck, and need to prep the metal before painting. The 1 x 2 frame has light rust on it, and the expanded metal has an oily coating on it. What is the most efficient way to clean this thing up?

[BSOK]

I have great results with laquer thinner and some old rags. Try that first, you may need to sand the rust and wipe again if it is deep. What are you going to finish the ramps with?

good luck

[lotechman]

Get a wire wheel to put on your grinder then wipe it down with thinner. Make up a scraper out of some tool steel such as a planer blade and scrape the spatter out of the corners.

[Brainfarth]

"Get a wire wheel to put on your grinder then wipe it down with thinner." Sounds like fire.

[Franz]

Why NOT do it the easy way?
Let it rust to a uniform coating,
Apply 5% phosphoric acid in solution with water, prefferably just before sundown so the dew will keep the acid working longer.
Let sit till dry.
Wipe down rough spots with Skotchbrite.
Paint with equipment enamel.
Smile a lot about the work you saved while sipping a beer.

I'm with Franz on this. But the phosphoric may have trouble penetrating the oily coating you mentioned on the expanded metal, so I'd use a detergent/degreaser solution first and rinse well. Try Castrol's purple stuff or equivalent, available in the auto section at Wal-Mart in gallons. Good for degreasing motors and equipment. Blows the old Gunk stuff away.

[BSOK]

OLPilot

Good idea on the Castrol purple cleaner. Never thought to use that to remove the sticky, oily coating on the expanded metal. Will give it a try next time. I have had great results with the thinner on all my steel projects. That purple stuff works great on rims and tires removing brake dust and grimy build-up. I get it at NAPA by the gallon.

thanks