How to Refinish Weight Lifting Plates

Rusted plates are not only unsightly, but can have sharp edges as well.

Steel plates begin to lose their shiny protective layer over time as a result of wear and tear or simple aging. Once the layer is completely removed, the plate's underlying metal can become exposed to oxygen, allowing rust to form. This can create an unsightly problem and can cause the plates to become dangerously jagged and sharp on some areas. Though refinishing your weight lifting plate to their original shine can take a few days and requires a few tools, the end result will have your plates looking brand new.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Towel
• Aluminum pan
• Broom stick
• Cardboard box
• Primer
• Anti-rust paint

Instructions

1. Brush the plates with a wire brush vigorously to remove any dirt or other particles which have collected. Spray the weights down with a water hose to remove any excess residue you may have scrubbed off with the brush and wipe each plate down with a towel.

2. Place the weights in a large aluminum container such as a cooking or turkey oven pan. Pour enough Coca-Cola over the weights to completely submerge them in liquid and allow the plates to sit in this solution for four days. Stir the solution about once a day.

3. Remove the weights from the container on the fourth day. Use a wire brush once again to remove any rust or grime from the plates. Once the plates are rust-free, wash away any residue with a water-hose and dry each plate with a towel. Add a layer of WD-40 to each plate.

4. Pierce a regular brown box large enough to house the weights with a broom stick through one side and out through the opposite side. Place the broom stick halfway into one side of the box and begin stringing the broom stick through the weights. Next, place the broom stick in the opposite hole. The broomstick will allow you to hold the weights in place while you paint them and will resemble a roasting pit.

5. Paint the weights using primer and anti-rust paint. Make sure that the paint is anti-rust or the weights will start rusting again. Also, make sure that the weights don't touch each other while they are drying. Once dried, remove them from the box.

References

• Angel Fire: Isotronics