How do I clean mild steel?

Question

I have a spool of mild steel (NOT galvanized or stainless) that I plan on using to craft a chain mail chest piece. It has that dark residue on it which I'd like to avoid getting all over everything I own. How can I clean it, pre- or post-crafting (preferably pre) to get that residue off of it permanently but not rust it? Will I lose that nice dark color it has naturally?

Also, would clear-coating it after cleaning help to prevent rust? And how would I do that?

Also again... I know to oil the metal to help prevent rusting. What's the best way to do this? WD-40 would have the smell with it. Would just spraying it with some light motor oil work? And should I then dry it or leave it on wet?

Answer 1

k, i work with many kinds of steel, i work on cars alot and have a sword dojo...use mineral oil to protect and clean steel from dirt and rust. Baby oil is 99% mineral oil the other one percent is the perfume in it, just get the unscented kind if you dont want ur steel to smell like babies. Just get a cloth dip it in and rub it on and just leave the layer of oil on it.

Answer 2

to clean it, get a rag and wet it with alcohol. isopropanol is good, else acetone (nail polish remover) will work.

to prevent rust, get a new rag and wet with light oil. 3 in 1, baby oil or aven olive oil would work. just dont use much! light motor oil will be fine. give it a light wipe, but leave most of it on.