Used oxalic for first time ever today - out on the boss' patio (manoeuvered around the rain), ventilated area, outdoors, wore surgical gloves, long dishwashing gloves over the surgical gloves, long sleeves, and one of those circular masks made of fabric with the elastic band. Smelled basically nothing, but when washed off face as precaution after, stains on towel revealed a nose bleed. Question is: do you guys using oxalic use a mask like what I used, or an actual respirator mask with a plastic face shield and tubes and stuff?

On way home, I got stopped by police, who said I ran a red light, which I totally don't think I did, and as part of the standard questions, asked if I'd had any drinks. I hadn't. I'm glad he didn't ask if I'd been doing acid.....

I just use the real long chemical rubber gloves that go up to my elbow.
as far as a mask Ive never used one. I think if your outside you would be ok as long as you dont stick your face over the acid and inhale the fumes.
maybe im crazy though? would be interested to hear some views on this.
Andy

I use regular long plastic household gloves I paid a buck for at Wal-Mart (Mr. Clean brand if I remember right). Don't use any respiratory protection, but I only use oxalic outside and do try to avoid breathing the fumes any more than necessary.

The Acid fumes are at there worst when you first introduce the 2 together & stir for the first time, At this time you do not want to stick your head over bucket & inhale as you will get a nasty wiff of toxic fumes. After this first introduction period the fumes pretty much reside. I sometimes stick my hands in the acid with no gloves, Burns the Cuts, Not recommended. Best to use dishwashing gloves. LEON.

Thanks for the info. I want to be sure I use the acid safely. The nosebleed, I think was a fluke. Plan to keep on using the oxalic, finding location is the trick, don't want to use it at home, have no outdoor area, not even a balcony I can use. Ran some cans in acid, most still not identifiable, but I'll soak them once more. Photo shows what I have so far. The quart is a Brockert. Stopped soaking it as soon as I realized what it was, since don't plan to keep it, not in that condition, not only flat-ish, but has large hole.

Use in you bathroom if well ventilated. I use 5 gallon buckets and fill half way, then rinse in two additional 5 gallon buckets, and finally rinse in the sink, and let air dry on an old cookie sheet with some paper towels. If you leave in too long or use too strong the cans top and bottom will be greenish.

Use in you bathroom if well ventilated. I use 5 gallon buckets and fill half way, then rinse in two additional 5 gallon buckets, and finally rinse in the sink, and let air dry on an old cookie sheet with some paper towels. If you leave in too long or use too strong the cans top and bottom will be greenish.

Jon wrote:Thanks for the info. I want to be sure I use the acid safely. The nosebleed, I think was a fluke. Plan to keep on using the oxalic, finding location is the trick, don't want to use it at home, have no outdoor area, not even a balcony I can use. Ran some cans in acid, most still not identifiable, but I'll soak them once more. Photo shows what I have so far. The quart is a Brockert. Stopped soaking it as soon as I realized what it was, since don't plan to keep it, not in that condition, not only flat-ish, but has large hole.

I'd take that Brockert quart & de dent it myself if you still had it LEON.