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Stromrider
This must be the place



Registered: 06/02/13
Posts: 7,325
Loc: Dept of know what I'm say...
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Steel drum Sterilizer rust solution (maybe)
#26693015 - 05/24/20 04:12 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I've been using my steel drum Sterilizer for about 9 months now and it's been a constant battle with rust since the beginning. I've tried different types of paint but the rust always returns. Apparently the paint just can't handle the steam.
It wouldn't bother me so much if it didn't get all over my bags and end up being messy in the lab. Maybe someday I'll be able to afford a stainless barrel
Well the solution I've settled on for now is regular clear silicone. It took me 7 tubes (about $40) and I coated the whole thing using a wide putty knife. I've ran a couple cycles through it and it's holding up great. Only complaint is it was terrible to apply. Had to hold my breath and go in then come out to breathe. I run it twice a week. I'll update in a few weeks as to how it held up.
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SHROOMSISAY01
Mr. Shrooms



Registered: 01/22/17
Posts: 3,849
Loc: Virginia, USA
Last seen: 1 day, 19 hours
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Re: Steel drum Sterilizer rust solution (maybe) [Re: Stromrider]
#26693604 - 05/24/20 08:04 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I have been saying to use silicone for a long time. Did you mix with naphtha or mineral spirits to thin the silicone? I am waiting until my drum goes out before I do mine. I decided on Gaco 100% silicone roof. I got a gallon for $35. Keep us updated on how long it lasts, please!
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Stromrider
This must be the place



Registered: 06/02/13
Posts: 7,325
Loc: Dept of know what I'm say...
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Re: Steel drum Sterilizer rust solution (maybe) [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
#26693719 - 05/24/20 08:46 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Nah I didn't do anything to it. I just slathered it on. The fumes were atrocious. Just have to hold your breath and go in for as long as you can. Unless maybe you have a serious gas mask
I'm almost positive its going to work long term. I've got quite a bit of experience with Silicone and it's amazingly resilient. I'm thinking at least a couple of years. I absolutely hate taking bags into a clean lab and getting rust everywhere! I'll update
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SHROOMSISAY01
Mr. Shrooms



Registered: 01/22/17
Posts: 3,849
Loc: Virginia, USA
Last seen: 1 day, 19 hours
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Re: Steel drum Sterilizer rust solution (maybe) [Re: Stromrider]
#26693738 - 05/24/20 08:56 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Wow, you put it on without thinning it. I was going to thin it with naphtha because it leaves nothing behind and paint it on.
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Stromrider
This must be the place



Registered: 06/02/13
Posts: 7,325
Loc: Dept of know what I'm say...
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Re: Steel drum Sterilizer rust solution (maybe) [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
#26693767 - 05/24/20 09:08 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
SHROOMSISAY01 said: Wow, you put it on without thinning it. I was going to thin it with naphtha because it leaves nothing behind and paint it on.
That will probably be quite a bit easier to work with. Won't take near as much silicone either. On the other hand mine is on nice and thick with one coat. I'd say on average 1/16"
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SHROOMSISAY01
Mr. Shrooms



Registered: 01/22/17
Posts: 3,849
Loc: Virginia, USA
Last seen: 1 day, 19 hours
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Re: Steel drum Sterilizer rust solution (maybe) [Re: Stromrider]
#26693798 - 05/24/20 09:27 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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1/16" is definitely thicker than mine will be. But I don't think it needs to be thick it just needs to seal it. I am just wondering if it will release from the drum. The drum will be expanding and contracting every cycle. I used to install stainless walls with silicone an a couple of times we had to take the stainless off a section of the wall it was no easy task. So I know it sticks well. But that was with no expansion and contraction going on. I guess time will tell. I am going to paint over the lip and go down about 6 inches just in case it does release it will be like a glove with something to hold onto. Hopefully it does not release though.
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Stromrider
This must be the place



Registered: 06/02/13
Posts: 7,325
Loc: Dept of know what I'm say...
Last seen: 1 day, 7 hours
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Re: Steel drum Sterilizer rust solution (maybe) [Re: SHROOMSISAY01]
#26709236 - 05/31/20 02:10 PM (3 years, 7 months ago) |
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After a couple more barrel runs the silicone is still holding up great everywhere except where the lid goes on and off. I had anticipated this because of how tight fitting my lid is. I really have to force it on and off. With a looser fitting lid this could definitely be avoided
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SHROOMSISAY01
Mr. Shrooms



Registered: 01/22/17
Posts: 3,849
Loc: Virginia, USA
Last seen: 1 day, 19 hours
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Re: Steel drum Sterilizer rust solution (maybe) [Re: Stromrider]
#26710073 - 05/31/20 09:20 PM (3 years, 7 months ago) |
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You are going to have to deal with it now. You can't fix it easily. It might have been better using something thinner at the top of the drum. but now fixing will be harder because silicone will not stick to silicone. But I am sure you know that already.
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