Removing rust from metal, how does it work?
Rust… In a country like the UK, where it often rains and during wintertime the roads are covered with salt, everyone knows what rust looks like. But what exactly is rust, and how disastrous is rust for your car, bicycle and garden tools? And more importantly, how can you stop and start with rust removal? In this article we will give answers to all the questions.
What is rust?
Everyone knows the brown color and grained, crumbling structure of metal rusting. Less well known is how the brown metal mayhem actually occurs. Metal used outdoors, e.g. on a bicycle, car, fence, or metal garden tools, are usually given some form of corrosion protection by the manufacturer.
A layer of zinc or tin can be applied to the metal, or a special coating or lacquer is applied. As soon as this protective layer is damaged, for example because the paint has been scratched, the metal is in direct contact with the outside air. In a moist and damp environment the metal will react with oxygen, a process called oxidation. We will start to see surface rust.
For most metals, this oxidation leads to rust. Certain types of metal such as aluminum and stainless steel (an alloy of metal elements such as chromium or nickel) also oxidize, but the oxidation forms an oxygen proof layer on the surface, after which the process stops automatically. But the corrosion that occurs on other metals like iron and steel, is a process that unfortunately will continue indefinitely, if you don’t stop it. So, time for rust removal. We will go more in detail how to remove rust before your entire surface rust.
Consequences of rust for the metal
The effects of corrosion are disastrous, especially because the rust visible on the outside of the metal surfaces, is often disproportionate to the actual harm the rust has caused. It often happens someone just wants to sand down a little spot of rust, but ends up with a big hole in the back because the metal has already rusted through.
Rust continues until something is done to stop it, or until all the metal is converted into the well-known green-brown granular and brittle mass. And then it’s too late… Or at least, too late for simple solutions.
Prevention and removal of rust
If a lot of metal already rusted away, the solution is never easy. We need to remove rust and new metal, and a new protective layer, have to be applied (and that usually means welding). If an object is affected by rust (you can see rust stains), but the metal is still sufficiently intact, the solution is simpler: remove rust and then applying a new anti-corrosion protection layer.
An example of a product that can do this, is Ferrocon. The special feature of this product is that it is both a rust remover and a primer. The rust is removed, but Ferrocon also creates a perfect adhesive layer on which the new protective lacquer can be applied. The corroded metal does not need to be sanded clean, although it is advisable to remove larger and flaking parts of rust first.
Ferrocon is applied to the metal with a brush, roller or – for larger areas – a low pressure spray. For metal items with lots of corners and hard to reach areas, you can use a plunge.
Ferrocon stops the rusting process immediately and converts the existing rust into a hard phosphate layer. At the same time, the product acts as an excellent primer to which new lacquer layers adhere better than conventional primer. This is because Ferrocon has a greater viscosity.
Only Ferrocon takes care of rust removal and prevention at the same time. Also, the effects on the metal of chemicals such as salt, oil, and gasoline are stopped by Ferrocon. The product itself is non-toxic and thus fully people and environmentally friendly. It’s absolutely not one of those chemical rust removers. You can use Ferrocon with peace of mind on rusty metal objects.
Rusting metal, there is a solution
Rust is part of our rainy climate. No matter how well cars, bicycles and garden materials are protected, as soon as a scratch or dent damages the paint or coating, the corrosion begins.
If nothing is done to stop the rust, it can ruin your precious possessions in a short time. And sometimes before we even notice it. Because even a small rust spot on the outside can mean the other side of the metal is already severely compromised.
Fortunately, there is a good solution for removing the rust and immediately provide the metal with a new protective layer. With Ferrocon you can stop the corrosion process and it also is the perfect primer for virtually any finish.
Make sure you are on time and use Ferrocon to get, and keep, your metal possessions in perfect condition.
Choose a solid, professional solution (instead of a baking power, white vinegar and sprinkle salt solution).
Ferrocon – Rust remover and primer in one
- Ferrocon is the product to remove rust from, and prime, steel, metal and stainless steel.
- Very economical: 1 liter is sufficient for 8 m2.
- Available in 0,5 / 1 / 2,5 / 5 / 10 / 25 Liter.
Ferrocon – Rust remover and primer in one
- Ferrocon is the product to remove rust from, and prime, steel, metal and stainless steel.
- Very economical: 1 liter is sufficient for 8 m2.
- Available in 0,5 / 1 / 2,5 / 5 / 10 / 25 Liter.
