What is rust or oxidation?
Rust is a simple chemical reaction that takes place when metal molecules on the surface combine with oxygen, which creates an oxide. As rust is porous, oxygen keeps penetrating it, generating more rust in the long run.
What are your recommendations to prevent rust?
In order to prevent rust, we advise our customers to keep their metal surfaces clean and dry where possible, as water is the leading cause of rust. Another important recommendation is to keep surfaces scratchless, as there is an increased possibility of water accumulation in these, and hence, rust apparition could occur. Last but not least is to apply a protective coat or our Action Corrosion Clear Xtreme - High-Performance Metal Sealer and Primer to prevent moisture from affecting your surfaces. Surfaces that are exposed to outdoor conditions are more prone to develop rust, so this sealer and primer will be ideal for prevention.
If you do see rust on your item, make sure to treat it as soon as possible, as it will be easier to remove and will avoid further damage.
What are the benefits of liquid rust removers or rust remover sprays?
Chemical rust removers come in liquid and gel form, so it is easier for them to penetrate and remove rust from the tinier gaps compared to physical scrubbers or sanding. The components are also mixed in a way that does not pull any painted finishings, protecting the item without harming it while acting as a lubricant as well Particularly if you are dealing with heavy rust, the whole process is a lot simpler and quicker than other methods, leaving a smooth and clean finish, at the same time that it is cheaper and less messy.
Both Action Corrosion Rust Bucket and Action Corrosion Rust Removal Gel are great to achieve the best results. Remember that the liquid form is easier to apply, but the gel is best recommended for vertical surfaces, as it will ensure the product stays in place and does not run off before accomplishing its action.
What precautions should I take while working with metal rust removers or metal rust removal sprays?
Since the rust removal process is pretty quick with metal rust removers, you should supervise the process and avoid leaving it more than the time recommended in the instructions. By doing so, damage to the item can be done. Although all our products are safe to use, it is always recommended to perform this process in a well-ventilated area. However, bear in mind our products are made out of harmless and biodegradable components to keep your safety a priority.
How does a chemical metal rust remover work?
Chemical metal rust removers are concentrated acid manufactured with components that help loosen the bonds between the metal surface and the rust. As they are generally liquid or gel-like products, they have a better penetration in more porous areas. Once you apply the product to the surface, it takes a few moments to act, and after that, it is simply scrubbed off. Rust removers are designed to only work on rust but keep the paint intact. Always chose less acidic products which are milder, like Action Corrosion's, to guarantee your paint coat will remain safe, as well as any other surrounding surfaces.
What can I use rust removers on?
The list of items and surfaces you can apply rust removers is extensive and not limited to, for example, tools, metal pipes, antiques, machinery, equipment, lawnmowers, boat decks, water tanks, fences, gates, walls, tiles, automotive and trailers. Whether iron or steel, any rusty metal surface will virtually benefit from a rust remover to restore it to a brand new condition. Even after years of rust accumulation, it will help you keep those items for longer instead of throwing them away. It will also provide lubrication to some of these items, translating into better performance and easier handling of these. We strongly suggest checking each of our products to see what type of metal they are most suitable for.
Are there any DIY or homemade rust removal recipes I can try?
There are a number of options that have become pretty popular on the internet, such as white vinegar, baking soda, lemon or lime, etcetera; however, we do not recommend these to be used at home and discourage their use. Even though they may seem harmless at first sight because they are everyday products we use at home, mixing them can produce uncontrolled chemical reactions, ending up being toxic for your health. Our products are safe and chemically and precisely manufactured to ensure no toxicity can come from their use.
I have now treated the area with a metal rust remover; what should I do next to prevent rust from coming back?
After applying either the Action Corrosion Rust Bucket or the Action Corrosion Rust Removal Gel to clean the surface from rust, we strongly recommend using Action Corrosion Clear Xtreme - High-Performance Metal Sealer and Primer to prevent the undesired rust from reappearing on your item in the near future. This product's function will seal any cracks or tiny gaps that moisture could penetrate and locks up the surface to repel it. It can also be used as a primer, allowing you to apply a coat of paint on top, should you wish, ensuring a fantastic and long-lasting quality finish.
What is the other rust removal method?
Aside from the chemical rust removal method, rust can also be removed by physical and abrasive techniques. These include sanding, drilling, or any other tool to perform an abrasive action over the rust. However, do keep in mind we do not recommend these since applying a little extra pressure over the surface could result in permanent damage to the item. Besides, most drills and sanders cannot reach tiny gaps or holes, leaving those areas prone to rust return. Rust removers and rust remover sprays are still the best options to treat surfaces by far.
How does the surface need to be prepared to apply a rust remover or a rust remover spray?
Rust removers are unable to penetrate the rust if the surface is covered with oil or grease, so it is best you clean the item first with a degreaser or a detergent that should be thoroughly rinsed off with water, and then let it dry fully before applying the product. This procedure will also ensure no contaminants interfere with the rust remover action.
How long does it take for the rust remover to work?
Depending on the product to be used, the type of metal, the severity of the rust accumulation and the environmental temperature, it could take as little as twenty minutes to start working and could be applied up to be left overnight for significant rust amounts. Please check your product's instructions and follow their time indications to achieve the best results. In some cases, more than one product application could be required to achieve the desired results.
What is the best way to remove rust from small metal parts?
In cases like nuts and bolts, or other small metallic parts, we've seen that what works best is simply filling a small container with the metal rust remover and then submerging these parts to soak for some time. You can also apply this technique for more significant parts like cast-iron tools in a larger container, as long as these are metallic only.
What is the difference between a rust remover and a rust converter?
Although they target the same issue and are usually mistaken as the same thing, there is a difference between them. A rust remover is mainly an acidic concentrate that could be corrosive and hazardous in some cases, unlike Action Corrosion's, which are safer products. It basically eats off the rust from the item's surface in a progressive manner to stop the process once it has reached the desired outcome, allowing you to clean it off to prevent it from getting to the paint coating. This helps to preserve the condition of your paint, as a benefit.
On the other side, rust converters are a phosphoric blend that takes the iron oxide (or simply, the rust) and converts it into ferric phosphate, leaving a black substance or coat after its application. In this case, the rust texture could remain, even though it has been converted at this stage, which will likely prevent further rust from spreading to the rest of the treated surface.