INSTRUCTIONS
GET SET. GET GRUFF.
From the first stir to the final protective finish, here’s how to put RUST GRUFF to work. Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use.
Wear gloves and eye protection. Work with adequate ventilation, and keep children and pets away. Choose a plastic bucket, tub, or container with at least a 2½-gallon capacity, leaving room for bubbling and foaming during activation.
1. MIX THE BASE.
Open the container, remove the Gruff’s Magic Formula packet, and set it aside.
Pour the loose powder into your chosen container. Add 1½–2 gallons of water, then stir until fully dissolved.
For best performance, we recommend distilled water.
2. ADD THE MAGIC. SLOWLY.
Open the Magic Formula packet and add it a little at a time, stirring as you go.
Activation is vigorous: the mixture bubbles and foams. Pouring too quickly can cause overflow.
Keep the container unsealed during the first 15 minutes of activation to prevent pressure buildup. Maintain adequate ventilation.
3. GIVE IT A SOAK.
Once the packet is incorporated, your solution is ready. Completely submerge the items you want to treat.
Test painted or plated surfaces in an inconspicuous area first. If the bath does not cover your items, use a more suitable container. We suggest adding other non-metal, non-breakable items to raise the liquid level.
LET THE RUST SET THE PACE.
Use these soak-time guidelines at 68–72°F as starting ranges. Check progress and continue soaking if rust remains.
| Rust condition | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Flash rust | 1–2 hours |
| Light surface rust | 2–4 hours |
| Scaled rust | 4–8 hours |
| Heavy or pitted rust | 12–24 hours |
4. CHECK YOUR PROGRESS.
Lift an item to inspect the surface. Use a brush to reveal the treated metal and check whether remaining rust or residue brushes away.
If rust remains, return the item to the bath and continue soaking. Rust removal does not replace metal already lost to corrosion, so existing pits may remain.
5. RINSE THOROUGHLY.
Once the rust has been removed, rinse your item thoroughly with clean water. Brush away remaining surface residue as needed.
6. DRY IMMEDIATELY.
Dry the rinsed item immediately. Don’t leave freshly cleaned metal sitting wet while you move on to the next project.
7. PROTECT YOUR WORK.
Protect the surface promptly to help prevent flash rust.
We recommend oils for short-term protection, or paste wax, paint, or clear coat for longer-term protection. Choose a finish appropriate for your item and its intended use, then follow that finish’s surface-preparation and application instructions.
GET MORE FROM YOUR BATH.
START WITH GOOD WATER.
We recommend distilled water for best performance.
KEEP EVERY SURFACE SUBMERGED.
Arrange your items so the surfaces you want to treat stay below the solution. Choose a suitably sized container rather than crowding tools into a tight pile.
GIVE IT COMFORTABLE CONDITIONS.
The soak-time chart is based on 68–72°F. Keep conditions around that range when practical. Colder conditions can slow treatment; allow time and check progress rather than improvising a heating method.
CHECK, DON’T GUESS.
Use the chart as a starting point, then inspect the surface and brush to assess progress. A timer can remind you to check; it doesn’t replace looking at the metal.
A LITTLE SOAP CAN HELP.
We recommend a squirt of dish soap to improve rust removal.
PLAN THE FINISH FIRST.
Have clean rinse water, a drying cloth, and the appropriate protectant ready before removing finished items. That makes it easier to rinse, dry, and protect promptly.
STORE IT. REUSE IT.
The mixed solution can be reused many times. After the initial unsealed activation period has passed, store it in a covered container when not in use.
Label the container clearly so it cannot be mistaken for water or another liquid. Keep it secured away from children and pets. Wash thoroughly after use.
On your next project, check treatment progress rather than assuming a reused bath will act exactly like a fresh one.
DISPOSE RESPONSIBLY.
Follow local disposal requirements. Used solution is typically suitable for municipal sewer disposal according to local guidelines; this is not a blanket permission for every used bath.
If you are treating items painted before 1978, the paint may contain lead. Lead or other hazardous contaminants can enter the solution and may require special disposal. Check with your local county or state health department.
PRECAUTIONS & FIRST AID.
The solution is mildly acidic and may cause mild skin or eye irritation with prolonged contact. Wear gloves and eye protection during use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not ingest.
Skin: Rinse with plenty of water.
Eyes: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes and remove contact lenses if present. If irritation continues, consult a doctor.
If swallowed: Drink plenty of water and contact a physician. Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet for safety information.