Can my sauna be restored?

[MegCog]

We are about to buy a place in the country with a sauna on the property. Does anyone know what kind of sauna stove this is? Is it steel or some other material? Do you think it could be restored? It has a lot of rust!

 

[begreen]

This depends on the extent of the rusting and thickness of the metal. It needs to be inspected carefully with the rocks removed to determine if it is rusting through anywhere. Poke around with a screwdriver and see if it punches through the rustiest areas. With the lights out, take a bright flashlight and shine it from the inside along all seams while an assistant looks for light leaks.

 

[bholler]

Looks like a cast iron door but otherwise all steel. From that pic it looks like just surface rust but it's hard to say without a full inspection

 

[MegCog]

So if those tests pass, then could we use a wire brush/wire wheel to clean off the rust and use the stove? Maybe paint it?

 

[begreen]

So if those tests pass, then could we use a wire brush/wire wheel to clean off the rust and use the stove? Maybe paint it?

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Yes. Use high temp stove paint, like Stove Brite satin black.

 

[MegCog]

Cool - super helpful, you guys. Thanks. Do we need to remove it to restore it properly or do you think it could be done in place?

 

[bholler]

So if those tests pass, then could we use a wire brush/wire wheel to clean off the rust and use the stove? Maybe paint it?

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After the rest of the system is checked as well

 

[Newbie78]

Imagine all of the steel/rust dust that will be created wirewheeling in a closed space....😱

 

[begreen]

Cool - super helpful, you guys. Thanks. Do we need to remove it to restore it properly or do you think it could be done in place?

Take it outside so that you can used a wirebrush and wirewheel on a drill. Wear a mask. For a finer finish, use coarse steel wool next, then fine steel wool. Blow off all dust, then wipe down with alcohol. Painting should be done in a very well-ventilated space or outdoor when over 50º. Give it 3 light coats. The paint dries quickly so it can get the next coat in 30 minutes.

 

[My_3_Girls]

And burn it outside first - paint stinks when it's cooking. Trust me on that one.