Surface Rust

Hi all.. Last summer I let 3 of my razors sit out in my bathroom during an unusually long time of humid days we had and yes the dreaded surface rust crept up pretty fast.. Cleaned them up pretty quick and got the edges taken care of so not too big of a deal.. But I'd like to clear as much as I can now without doing too much damage to some of the inlay.. So any help would be appreciated as usual.. The pics are of only the Coral with some inlay but the other 2 are just the same so didnt figure I need a ton of photos... Thanks, Scott WAttachment 317832Attachment 317833 Hard to see the rust but top pic where the number 1070 is shows how most of blade face is in regard to surface rust..

If that is really light etching, you could just cover it with masking tape while you polish the blade.

Ahh.. Yes I believe that is a good idea.. What would you suggest to use? Been awhile since I have done any kind of work on blade faces, removal of anything really.. Believe I have and used mothers, turtle wax light scratch n swirl remover, sandpaper up to #2000, steel wool, etc, But those were old razors from e-bay and antique stores that needed a lot of rust and gunk removed just to get to that old patina look.. With these 3 I am afraid of doing to much as to deep scratch or put swirl scratches on the face.. thanks
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I've found Mothers to be gentle and won't leave scratches. I've used it with something like a cotton bed sheet stretched tightly over my finger tip so as not to get too deep into the etching. It is possible with too much rubbing to get down into etching and take away the contrast.
Now that i thing about it, i may have even stretched it over one of my cork lined sanding blocks when i used it for cleaning over a etching. It's not a super fast polisher but i think it should do the job.

3M Marine metal restorer/polish, will make it like new.

dang that sucks, usually I go to mothers polish with an old T-shirt if I get some unwanted rust. Personally I keep my razors out of the bathroom unless it is time to shave just because of the steam when I'm taking a shower (may not be a problem for different people and different rooms though)

You can use polish and elbow grease and the 3M is great for that, but I find that a bit of hand sanding will give you a better finish by leveling the surface.

I would tape the etch with electrical tape, Kapton tape or scotch. Kapton is thin but very durable and stick very well, it is also inexpensive from eBay.

Sand with 600 wet and dry wrapped around a wine cork, a synthetic cork has straight ends, that will allow you to get right up to the tape or etch and into corners. Sand until you get an even finish.

Then switch to 1k and finish on 2k. A 2k finish is near mirror and will easily polish from there with 3m, Mothers or Maas. I think Maas give a bit brighter finish. It should not take much sanding to get a good finish. 600 grit scratches are easily removed with 1k and 1 and 2k will easily polish with any good metal polish.

I polish with the blue paper shop towels and buff with microfiber. Polish the etch with metal polish only or lapping film if you have it.

To prevent rust, try Frog Lube, I have been using it on shipped razors and on hand tools, and firearms. I restore Stanley hand planes. It is an excellent rust preventive and a good gun lube. It was designed as a gun lube and rust preventive for military marine use.

Buy the paste, it is about $30 for a small tub but for most, a lifetime supply. Make sure to follow directions, clean scrupulously, alcohol, break cleaner or acetone, on a paper towel, (be careful with scales and chemicals) and heat the metal with hair dryer or heat gun. I apply with cut down paint brush scrub it in and let cool, wipe and buff. Less is more, (better).

It is good stuff.

Nice razor. You will have to hone after sanding and polishing.

Thanks fella's... Have everything at home besides some of the sandpaper and have to stop by hardware store today anyway so will grab some... Since my workload has dropped because of the obvious sounds like a perfect time to take care of these razors..Everyone stay healthy and safe out there..
Peace! Scott W