Polishing bare metal cast iron fireplace

[rossyl]

I need to polish a bare metal cast iron fireplace.

I don't want to use anything that will "paint" the cast iron black, I want it to be polished bare metal.

To speed up the job,I'd like to use a machine! The fireplace is huge.

I wondered if I could use something on a drill bit I could use that will polish the cast iron fireplace, and won't scratch it to hell.

Was thinking of just using wd40 to polish it.

Grateful for recommendations

Thanks

 

[RandomGrinch]

I need to polish a bare metal cast iron fireplace

What sort of state is it in currently?
Is it covered in rust spots etc. - can you post a picture?

To speed up the job,I'd like to use a machine! The fireplace is huge.

Was thinking of just using wd40 to polish it.

If it isn't in a bad state, it really won't take long to go over it manually, with some Brasso - quite a satisfying job!

 

[Mike13]

the best thing is the black graphite, it polishes in and removes the rust spots, done correctly you get a shiny metal look to the iron. Use a wire brush on a drill to apply it initially then buff off the bits in corners by hand.

 

[Notch7]

Was thinking of just using wd40 to polish it

it wouldnt work but at least it would smell nice

 

[rossyl]

Here's the current state.

I don't want to use graphite as it goes it a strange near silver finish.

 

[Mike13]

well cast iron is a shiny material when polished, the graphite within the iron helps it stay smooth, and when well buffed after applying it will not leave much free graphite on the surface. Look at the colour of a cast cam lobe in an engine, that is quite silvery.

 

[Lower]

You have zero chance of polishing that up. Too big and too much detail to do even with experience of polishing and the correct tools without losing the detail.

Best option would be to get it sandblasted and lacquered,

 

[jj4091]

You have zero chance of polishing that up. Too big and too much detail to do even with experience of polishing and the correct tools without losing the detail.

Best option would be to get it sandblasted and lacquered,

I agree with you apart from the fact that I have heard sand blasting can be harmful to fine detail I woud suggest soda blasting or some other softer material.

 

[rossyl]

It's already been blasted.

It's just a it grubby from having been sat around and has picked up some light surface rust, which just wipes off.

It's clean metal.

 

[jj4091]

Have you read the similar threads below?

 

[Lower]

It's already been blasted.

It's just a it grubby from having been sat around and has picked up some light surface rust, which just wipes off.

It's clean metal.

Has it? I'd expect it to be shiny metal if its been blasted. That looks like its still got black polish or paint on it.

 

[Old Salt]

Why don't you try something out on the back to test results. I have only experienced new cast iron and obtaining a good finish and that was by hand using emery cloth. However you could try a flappy wheel, wire brush attachments etc in a power drill until you find which gives you the result you are looking for.

 

[rossyl]

Has it? I'd expect it to be shiny metal if its been blasted. That looks like its still got black polish or paint on it.

It's just the photo

 

[Odds]

Here's the current state.

I don't want to use graphite as it goes it a strange near silver finish.

You could try this heavy duty rust remover but if you don't want a shiny finish maybe go for the manual approach using a fine grade emery cloth to keep the authentic look of your fireplace intact.

 

[rossyl]

You could try this heavy duty rust remover but if you don't want a shiny finish maybe go for the manual approach using a fine grade emery cloth to keep the authentic look of your fireplace intact.

Thanks.

I've picked up some light sandpaper attachments for a dual action orbital polisher for the lather sections