Savogran wood bleach - OA bath
 

Has anyone used this particular product for oxalic acid baths?

I've used it for my first OA bath I'm giving for some bits and pieces on an old maruishi road bike I'm restoring for my dad. At first I prepared a mixture of a gallon of water with about 2 tablespoons of the white crystalline powder but even after a 24 hour soak I have not noticed any removal of rust material. Since then I've placed at least 2-3 additional tablespoons of Savogran but still fail to see any of the dramatic results I've seen with other users on this forum. I do notice small buildup of white/yellow/greenish plaque on some of the rust spots though...

I'm starting to wonder if Savogran contains a lot of inert additives inside and only a small portion of oxalic acid as the active ingredient.

I'd appreciate y'alls insight!

Are you sure the bits and pieces are chromed bits and pieces?
Zinc plated parts and to a lesser extent alloy parts don't fare well in OA.

The Savogran powder is recommended, and 24 hours ought to be enough to make some headway - but be sure to wash off the part thoroughly with water - the plaque as you call it has to be rinsed off.

nvm

Actually, after comparison with the photos from before I have noticed a reduction in surface rust, at least for what I presume to be the chrome plated pieces of the headset. The rust on the seat rail clamp largely remains. I'm guessing those parts are zinc coated. auchencrow, you're right!

I'm a bit concerned about how long it's taken though. I need to make more headway soon enough or else I won't finish in time >.<

I use about 0.2% by weight, for one gallon that calculates out to about 1/4 of an ounce. That Sav product usually comes in a 12 ounce tub.

Personally, I would ditch that seat post clamp and get a nice alloy replacement. Alloy seat posts are about $10, have a much nicer clamping mechanism, and make a nice upgrade.

That seat post clamp is most likely zinc plated.

That headset should clean up nicely.

Thanks Bill. I hear you on the seat post clamp. I'm going to avoid treating zinc plated parts for now on. I added some more of the powder, so we'll see how things turn out by tomorrow?