Thread: Oh the irony

So I thought I was being proactive and I got a wooden box on ebay to store my razors in. I stained it and spray painted a gloss coating on the outside.

I lined the inside with felt and glued it in place with elmers white glue. I slipped my razors inside, along with some other shaving bits and pieces, and a few dessicant bags.

I pulled out my razor the other night to shave, and the backside, was rusted! pretty deep too, took 240 grit paper to get it off, and it still left pitting behind. All three of my razors were effected, but only on the side that was touching the felt, and only along the spine.

So I think it was a reaction either with the glue drying or the stain still curing, because only those sides were rusting. anyone have any thoughts?

Where do you live? Climate would give us a better idea.... Do you live by water? In a jungle? Desert? Tree house?

I'm in Valley Forge PA. It stays pretty dry in the house, not a lot of humidity except in the summers. I never had a problem leaving my razors in a toothbrush holder in the bathroom, even with the shower steam as long as i dried them after use. This leads me to believe that the rust really was something to do with the glue or stain curing, especially since when I close the box for a while I can still smell the chemicals from the stain so I assume it needs more time to set. The fumes definitely could have reacted with the metal I think, but my chemistry isn't up to par to know for sure.

Luckilly all the razors are still serviceable, and none were display-case types that were particularly prized posessions!

I guess now I need at least one nice shiny razor! RAD.....

You would have to look at the ingredients to get an idea what kind of fumes would be given off and a smattering of chemistry would help. Check with Neil Miller I bet he would know.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

You would have to look at the ingredients to get an idea what kind of fumes would be given off and a smattering of chemistry would help. Check with Neil Miller I bet he would know.

Thanks - I think I have an idea of what may have happened...

The glue you used is a poly vinyl acetate (PVA) type, and though it is relatively stable it does give of acetic acid. In an alkaline environment the acid release is quickened. I think that a soapy substance is used in making felt, so it has an alkaline substance in it. If this isn't washed out fully, the alkali in the felt is probably degrading the glue, releasing alcohol and acid vapours.

Acetic acid gave rise to what was known as 'vinegar' syndrome in triacetate kodak safety film - it smells like vinegar and is quite destructive. The same substance can be released by certain types of celluloid, pitting and corroding the blades of razors.

OR

The felt could have trapped the moisture released when the glue dried, and you have got just plain rusting. Got to be one or the other scenario.

Regards,
Neil

How long did you let the Elmer's dry for,before adding your razors? Elmer's Glue contains water.