Tannic acid and iron

We have recently received a large number of heavily corroded iron
tools and machinery parts from a sunken Civil War-era ship.  They
were removed from tanks of distilled water where they were stored
for about 15 years and then allowed to dry.  Many of these items are
in extremely fragile condition and would not stand up to
electrolysis.  We have been using tannic acid (Conquest) to coat
iron that has gone through electrolysis with great success and have
even used it to "glue" pieces together.  Does anyone know what the
consequences might be of using tannic acid on iron that may still
contain salts?

Debbie Wallsmith


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:57
                  Distributed: Friday, April 27, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-14-57-013
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