Cleaning Mould Lube from Aluminum Molds

[Themoose]

I have a couple LBT molds that are perfect in every way with the exception of cosmetic appearance from the lube sticks that I used near the sprue plate... I have no issue with lead, dirt or anything, just the mold lube residue or stain from the mold lube purchased from Veral... I believe it is a mix of some of his bullet lube and graphite... I am getting longer in the tooth and see me passing them on to another caretaker and I would like to return them to a pristine appearance... does anyone have any suggestions? They cast and release flawlessly and I do not want to use anything on the interior surfaces of the mold... again, just remove the dark stains from the mold lube... thanks for your advise in advance..

Kindest regards,

TheMoose

[country gent]

Not sure what lube it could be as to lube but removing the stain may be hard. Maybe leave as badge of use. You might try a little hopes 9 or other solvent but I doubt it will remove the stain.

[pworley1]

Any caster that can't appreciate the signs of a well cared for mold does not deserve to be the caretaker of your molds.

[rockshooter]

this is a great time to remember the rule- if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Loren

[mattw]

Man, I have been looking for those little lube sticks for years... Now I know where they come from!

[tazman]

I had a bad issue with release agent in mold cavities with an aluminum mold once. I found that letting it soak with a heavy coating of Kroil loosened it up enough I could clean it off. This might work for the lube as well.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

this is a great time to remember the rule- if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Loren

Agree.

[Dragonheart]

IAs long as it wasn't a casting problem I wouldn't worry about it. But if you really need to remove the discoloration there are a number of safe cleaner/polishes on the market for aluminum. I use a product called "Bar Keepers Friend". You might even get it off by rubbing the stain with a lemon half dipped in baking soda.

[Froogal]

Go to your local auto parts store and get a can of brake cleaner. I don't know if it will remove the stain, but it will remove all traces of that lube. I've never used anything other than candle wax to lube the sprue plate.

[gwpercle]

I have cleaned mine with the following :

Ed's Red Bore Cleaner
Acetone
Disc Brake Cleaner
Carburetor Cleaner

Scrub aluminum moulds with a toothbrush .. no wire brush .
All of them work well to remove baked on grunge , rub the really baked on areas with stiff toothbrush and 0000 steel wool on the stubborn places ,
be very careful inside the cavities ... don't scratch them .
Super Tech Carb. Cleaner at wally mart is $1.97 a can .

Gary