Rust is the oxide that appears on the surface of a metal in contact with air and water. Finding red spots on iron, steel, brass, etc. objects, measures should be taken immediately. The fact is that the oxidation process is progressing very quickly. Fortunately, there are many methods for removing rust from metal. The choice of a specific technology depends on the type of surface being treated, the degree of damage, etc.
Basic removal methods
To process a metal surface from rust, the following can be used:
- sandpaper, brushes or a drill with an appropriate nozzle;
- special tool for removing rust from metal (paste, spray, liquid).
Like any other oxide, the corrosion layer is easily neutralized by acid. Therefore, this substance contains almost any tool for removing rust from metal.
Machining
It is advisable to apply this technique to remove corrosion from flat surfaces with a large area. In this case, the metal is first thoroughly cleaned of dirt. Then the red spots are removed using a drill equipped with a brush head or abrasive wheel.
Processing should be carried out before the appearance of pure metal. In hard to reach places, rust is removed with the help of sandpaper.
Removal with purchased chemicals
Store compounds designed to clean metal from rust can be used in a variety of situations. However, usually all kinds of pastes and liquids acquire, if necessary, the processing of small items of complex shape. When using such means, as when using a drill, you should be as careful as possible. Since all anti-corrosion pastes and liquids contain acid, it is highly undesirable to allow them to come into contact with exposed skin.
When carrying out repairs and construction work, you should also use some kind of chemical agent to remove rust from the metal. Before painting all kinds of street and located in wet rooms structures should be processed. It is simply pointless to use coatings without preliminary surface cleaning in this case. Even under the paint, the oxidation process will certainly continue.
Electrochemical method
This technique is suitable for cleaning almost any metal objects. To remove rust in this way, you will need a current source and an electrolyte. The latter is poured into a plastic bucket. There, an item requiring cleaning is placed. Next, a positive contact is connected to the electrolyte, and a negative contact to the metal (so that it does not come into contact with the liquid).
After applying voltage in the bucket, an electrochemical reaction begins, the result of which is the separation of oxide and its sedimentation to the bottom.
How to clean rust from a car body
Red spots appearing on the metal parts of the machine should be removed as quickly as possible. Most motorists know that if there is rust on the car body, its cost is reduced by about 2-3 times. Replacing parts corroded by corrosion is very expensive.
There are several ways to clean the car body. Most often, for this purpose, a strong concentrated liquid means for removing rust from metal is acquired.
Sometimes damaged parts of the body are also treated with diluted phosphoric acid. Another good way to get rid of red spots on a car is to use a mixture based on zinc salts. In this case, the electrochemical cleaning method is used, but, of course, without the use of a container. The mixture is simply applied to a rag wound on an electrode. Next, the latter is connected to the battery.
Comparison of rust removers for car metal (purchased)
Various kinds of compounds designed to combat corrosion, today there are many on sale. For processing large parts of a car - a body or an engine, for example, the Deoxyl agent is often used. Its main component is surfactant acid.
In addition, very good reviews are also available about the NEOMID 570 Antirust fluid. It can also be used to process a body or engine. This tool is also praised for removing rust from metal cars, among other things, also because with its use it is possible to clean not only light new, but also old spots. In the latter case, either concentrated liquid or diluted, but in several layers, should be applied to the surface. Half an hour after treatment, the composition should be washed off with water.
An even more pronounced effect when cleaning auto parts can be obtained using the Zinkar metal detergent that is used to remove rust from metal. After processing, this composition leaves a complex protective film on the surface. It is Zincar that today can be considered the best anti-corrosion agent for metal surfaces.
Small chrome parts of cars are usually cleaned using not a liquid, but a special paste. Very good for this purpose, for example, Metall Polish from the Avtosol company is suitable. This paste is simply applied to a rag, after which the part is rubbed until the oxide is completely removed.
Cleaning kitchen utensils
Any rust remover in a car usually contains a very high amount of acid. Therefore, for the processing of items used in everyday life, it is still worthwhile to use other, more gentle compounds. Sprays and liquids specially designed for this purpose are available today. With their help, you can easily clean steel sinks, chrome parts of kitchen sets, utensils, etc.
Very popular with housewives is, for example, Adrilan, a tool for removing rust from metal. Judging by the reviews, it is possible to remove oxide spots from different surfaces with its use, practically without straining. At the same time, Adrilan can be used to clean not only metal, but also enameled surfaces. Rust converters such as Omega-1, Avs Avk and Runway also enjoy a very good reputation with housewives.
Folk methods of struggle
Next, let's see what improvised tool for removing rust from metal at home is best. In this case, by the way, different techniques can be used. So, soda is most often used to clean steel and cast iron objects. From it, make a thick slurry (adding water) and smear the surface with it. After about half an hour, the treated item must be wiped with a stiff brush or wire sponge for dishes.
In addition to soda, to clean metal surfaces from rust, you can also use:
- Ketchup. It is applied to the affected area, and then wiped the surface dry with a clean cloth.
- Lemon juice. This tool is used in the same way as ketchup.
- A mixture of vinegar and salt. Using such a slurry, even fairly old rust spots can be removed.
- Food foil. It must be crushed into a strong lump and rub the stain.
Also, if desired, you can use such an inexpensive tool for removing rust from metal at home, like grated potatoes mixed with coarse salt.
It so happens that red spots appear not only on steel utensils, but also on cast iron. In this case, vegetable oil is usually used for surface treatment. They cover the walls of a cast-iron pan, then pour water into it and put on fire. In order to completely remove rust from cast iron, boiling is usually repeated twice.
How to handle tools
Various kinds of household equipment very often need cleaning from red spots. And of course, many owners of apartments and houses are interested in what means to remove rust from metal can be used in this case?
It is believed that wrenches, pliers, forks, rakes, etc. are best and easiest to handle with diesel fuel. For this, fuel is simply poured into a container and tools are lowered into it. After a few hours, the inventory is taken out, rubbed thoroughly with a rag and washed with water.
Non-ferrous metal processing
Brass, like steel, is best cleaned from rust with a mixture of vinegar (120 g) and salt (1 h / l). At the same time, a little flour should be added to the pulp. After 30 minutes, the paste applied to the metal should be washed off with warm water.
It is quite easy to clean aluminum from rust using Alka-Seltzer. Acquired tablets must be dissolved in water in a container and immersed in a liquid subject to be processed.
How to prevent corrosion
There are many ways to clean the areas affected by rust in metal. If the process has not gone too far, this will not be particularly difficult. However, it is even simpler, of course, to prevent the appearance of oxide on metal objects. In order that the iron, iron, steel, aluminum, etc. surfaces are not oxidized, two simple rules must be observed. Keep such items in a dry place. After use, they should be thoroughly wiped.