[KCV6]

For steel items I use 10% hydroclauric (1/3 pool acid to 2 thirds tap water). Cheap and effective. Removes rust and zinc. Most of the items I do are off of old cars and require at least an hour soak, which will definately load the part with hydrogen.

There use to be an aluminium cleaner called CT-13, was a thick liquid and pink in colour and available at most Truck parts stores. This stuff mixed in water use to work great for removing zinc and rust as it contained other detergents and additives which seemed to reduce the amount of grey/black smut that forms on acid dipped parts.

Hope this helps

cheers Mark