Price Pfister

Price Pfister


How can I clean the rust off of satin nickel finishes?

This is a satin nickel finish on a Price Pfister 4-bulb vanity lighting.

This can be a little tricky as it depends on what is under the finish. Many manufacturer's use a plating over aluminum in which case you cannot use many of the solutions I can give you because they pit aluminum.

That being said, take the fixture down. Turn it over and try to determine whether it is plated over aluminum or not. If it is not, try these products in this order as we are going from least caustic to most caustic.

Wet a cloth with a product found in the laundry aisle called WINK. It is made to take rust stains out of fabric and carpet so it is least caustic. Keep wiping until you see the rust appearing on your soft cloth. If the rust has permeated the finish you will be left with rough spots that you must seal in order for the rust to not start again.

If that does nothing, try CLR by applying in the same method, looking for the same thing. If that doesn't work, try a product found in the dishwashing section of the grocery store called BarKeepers Friend. Make a paste with water and Barkeepers Friend, use a soft cloth, go WITH not against the grain of the metal. Wipe the residue with a damp soft cloth.

Depending on whether you are left with rough spots or a smooth nickel finish, seal the spots where the rust was with a paint on rust inhibiting sealer. If you want to protect the entire fixture, take out the light bulbs and spray on a light coat of non-yellowing, rust sealing and prohibitive polyurethane.