Removing haze from steel after using Evapo-Rust

[jtischler]

Hey,

I've used evapo-rust a few times and I noticed that it often forms a haze on the blade that is near impossible to remove without a harsh abrasive (which I do not like to use). Does anyone have an idea why this happens and what to do about it?

Also, what have you found is the best way to remove high corrosion spots from blades again, without using harsh abrasives on a wheel or sandpaper.

Thanks!

[mainaman]

have you tried flitz, maas, or another polishing compound?
When I tried rust remover on a blade, it got darker and I had to sand it to get it to shine again.

[BKratchmer]

You're frosting or etching the blade with an acid compound... you'll either have to sand off the haze, or use something other than a chemical cleaner.

[jtischler]

Evapo-rust isn't an acid - it's Ph neutral. It works through chelation.

[jtischler]

Yeah, rubbed with Maas till the cows came home. I also got the same issue with Renaissance De-Corroder - significantly more expensive than evapo-rust at $60 per liter, but it works under the same general principle.