Rust

Rust forms on the surface of any metal. It appears quickly and is difficult to get rid of.

Corrosion not only spoils the appearance of the product, but destroys it. To prevent metal rot, you need to fight it.

Read the article on how to remove rust from metal at home.

Why does corrosion form, why is it dangerous?

Rust is the result of metal oxidation. A chemical reaction is started when iron comes into contact with water. For corrosion to occur, the moisture present in the air is sufficient. The more it is, the more intense this process.

The following factors contribute to its spread:

1. Chips in the paintwork. Most metal products are treated with paint to protect them from rust. If any area is exposed, corrosion quickly forms on it.
2. Scratches and microcracks on metal. The deeper they are, the more damaged it will be.
3. No anti-corrosion treatment. If you do not protect the product, it will rust over time.

There are 4 types of corrosion:

• yellow (appears in a humid environment with oxygen deficiency),
• brown (rare, grows without water),
• black (spreads without water and oxygen, grows slowly),
• red (the most common, occurs due to the influence of oxygen and water on the metal).

If corrosion damages mechanical parts, they wear out faster and function worse. Rust also spoils the appearance of any product.

How to get rid of it?

There are many methods to combat rust. You can get rid of it using:

• folk and store remedies,
• by electrolysis and mechanical cleaning,
• using a laser.

Folk methods of struggle

Folk remedies for combating corrosion are highly effective and inexpensive. The most popular recipes for removing rust:

1. Orthophosphoric acid. It is applied to the surface of the product in the form of a solution, left for about an hour, and then washed off with water.
2. Delete Coca Cola. This carbonated drink is a source of phosphoric acid, so it can be used to combat oxides on metal.

   It is necessary to purchase a sufficient amount of Cola to completely immerse the product in it. The holding time is 12 hours, after which it needs to be taken out, rinsed and dried.

3. Lemon acid. To prepare the solution you will need 40-50 g of citric acid and 1 liter of water. The product can be completely immersed in the composition, or only damaged areas can be treated with it. The thicker the rust layer, the more concentrated the solution should be.
4. Battery. To combat corrosion you will need a zinc battery, phosphoric acid, cotton pads, and wires. The battery, wrapped with a cotton pad, is connected with a wire to the “+” of the battery. After that, the battery soaked in acid is pressed to the damaged area.

   Positive zinc ions will settle on the metal, creating a protective film on it.After completing the procedure, the body is washed with a soda solution to neutralize the acid.

Even more traditional ways to remove rust - Here.

Mechanical cleaning

You can get rid of rust by mechanical cleaning. To remove rust, use the following tools:

1. Wire brushes. Scrub off corrosion by hand. This method is suitable for those surfaces that are covered with a thick layer of rust. Weld seams are processed in the same way.

   During the procedure, a lot of dust is generated. The method itself is not very effective; it will not be possible to completely remove corrosion.

2. Sanding discs. This is a highly effective method that allows you to clean the surface almost 100%. However, you need to use the tool correctly. If you lack experience, there is a risk of removing intact metal.
3. Sandblasting machine. A jet of sand released under high pressure is directed onto the damaged area. The method is effective; it can be used to work on hard-to-reach areas that cannot be reached with tools.
4. Water jet cleaning. The surface is treated with a water jet using abrasive particles. The main disadvantage of this method is that it requires a special unit to implement it.
5. Aluminium foil. This is the simplest and most affordable, but least effective method of cleaning. In this case, the rust is removed with a ball formed from ordinary food foil.
6. Sandpaper. This inexpensive abrasive can be found at home or in the garage of car owners.

Removal by electrolysis

Using electrolysis, you can not only get rid of corrosion, but also restore oxidized iron oxide, converting it into a metal film.

This method has a number of advantages, including:

• safety for human health;
• no toxic fumes;
• electrolysis does not destroy undamaged metal, acting exclusively on rust.

How to remove rust using electrolysis? Procedure:

1. Prepare a solution based on 3 liters of water and 1 teaspoon of soda, pour it into a plastic bowl.
2. Immerse the part that needs cleaning in the liquid.
3. Connect the power by connecting the electrode to the positive conductor (positive on the battery). The electrode can be a steel or stainless steel plate.
4. Connect the item to be cleaned to the negative side of the battery.
5. Turn on the power. If everything was done correctly, a reaction will start and bubbles will appear on the parts.

To completely remove rust, it most often takes about 6 hours. After the specified time, the battery is disconnected, the part is removed from the solution, rinsed under running water and dried in the sun.

Complete instructions for removing rust by electrolysis - Here.

How to remove iron by heat treatment?

Corroded layers of metal can be burned out using an acetylene torch. To do this, the flame is directed to the affected area and held until the rust melts and evaporates. This method is easy to use, but has certain disadvantages.

Firstly, it can only be used on unpainted metals. Secondly, it will not be possible to carry out high-quality cleaning. After completion of the heat treatment, mechanical removal of rust or the application of specialized compounds will be required.

How can you quickly remove it with a laser?

Rust can be removed using a laser. This is one of the most effective and safe ways to combat corrosion.

However, it is not without its drawbacks, the main one of which is the need to purchase an expensive laser system. The minimum cost of a portable laser is 120,000 rubles.

The essence of the method: the metal is scanned using a special device, after which a laser beam is directed at it and the damaged area is systematically worked on. When exposed to high temperatures, corrosion simply evaporates.

No additional processing is required. The laser removes only damaged metal without affecting entire areas. Read more about laser cleaning of metal from rust. Here, about laser cleaners - here.

How to clean with special compounds?

How else can you remove rust and clean metal? To combat rust, you can find specialized compounds on sale. These include:

1. Converters And neutralizers. They are chemical solutions that are applied to iron or an iron alloy to prevent further corrosion. By reacting with the damaged metal, the converter transforms it into a protective film.

   It will stay on the surface of the product for some time, preventing moisture and oxygen from destroying it. The stores offer a wide range of converters and neutralizers. Their prices vary depending on the manufacturer and outlet. The average cost of such compositions is 150 – 200 rubles.

2. Dye. To combat corrosion, both conventional oil paints and special ones are used. coloring solutions for rust. Classic paint is applied to a previously cleaned surface.

   Its main disadvantage is that rust can progress underneath it. Therefore, it is better to give preference to special compounds. They can be applied to a thin layer of rust.

   Such paints not only prevent its further spread and protect the metal from corrosion, but also transform oxides. This is possible thanks to a unique formula consisting of several components.

   The average price for 1 kg of rust paint is 300 rubles, although you can find compositions that cost up to 2,000 rubles.

3. Priming. On sale you can find primers that contain additives that modify rust into a protective layer. Primers level the surface, after which paint is immediately applied to it. The average price of primer enamel is 300 rubles.

What is the best way to clean different surfaces?

How to combat corrosion on non-metal surfaces? Depending on the type of surface on which the rust has formed, the methods for removing it will differ:

1. Tile. To clean it, it is better to use improvised means, for example, acetic or citric acid. The composition is applied to the material used to treat the problem area.
2. Coins. An ordinary coin can be immersed in Cola by pouring it into a glass.After 12 hours there will be no trace of corrosion left. If the coin is rare, then preference is given to laser cleaning or electrolysis.
3. Linoleum. You can remove rust from linoleum using acetic acid. The solution should not be made too concentrated so as not to spoil the floor covering. The maximum processing time is 15 minutes.
4. Plastic. You can get rid of rust on plastic using 9% acetic acid. If the stain is deeply ingrained, then the recipe is strengthened with soda.
5. Horseshoe. The horseshoe can be soaked in a solution of phosphoric acid for several hours.
6. Tools. The heat treatment method is suitable for processing tools. Calcined iron must be cleaned with a wire brush.
7. Skates. It is better to clean rusted blades mechanically. In this way, it will be possible not only to remove corrosion, but also to sharpen the skates.
8. Cloth. Rust stains from things are removed using improvised means. Preference is given to citric acid. After removing the stain, the clothes are washed. Read about cleaning white clothes here.
9. Bath. You can remove rust in the bathroom using household chemicals containing phosphoric acid. An example of such a remedy is Cillit. Another option is to use Coca-Cola.
10. Chromium. Chrome surfaces should not be rubbed. Used to get rid of corrosion vinegar, citric acid, or rust converters, such as WD-40.
11. Pan. A cast iron frying pan can be cleaned of rust mechanically using a wire brush.
12. Pipe. If corrosion appears on the surface of the product, then resort to mechanical cleaning. When it is inside the pipe, liquid acid-containing compounds or converters are used.
13. Knife. The best solution in this case would be sandpaper.
14. Cast iron. This metal can be cleaned with baking soda, salt, acetic acid or sandpaper. It is not afraid of contact with acids and harsh abrasives.
15. Automobile. You can get rid of corrosion by electrolysis, or use specialized compounds, such as paint or primer.

How to unscrew a rusty bolt?

To unscrew a rusty bolt, it must be treated with a special compound. The most commonly used is WD-40.

Another option is to heat the bolt using a torch or soldering iron.. Then you need to gently knock on it. You can try to remove the rust with acids: acetic or orthophosphoric. Read more Here.

How to treat a microwave?

To paint a microwave from rust, you first need to clean it. For this purpose, acids or converters are used.

Fire retardant paint for metal is applied over the treated area.. It can only be used for the body of the device.

If the microwave is rusty from the inside, the damaged areas are coated with an acrylic primer. Those compositions that are used to paint a car are suitable. In this case, you need to choose a paint that is resistant to high temperatures. Will tell you more details this article.

Prevention

Prevention methods rust:

1. To prevent rust from appearing on the metal, it must be in a dry place. Tools can be wrapped in paper.
2. If the part will lie idle for a long time, it must be treated with a protective compound, for example, a converter.
3. The best way to protect metal from rust is to paint it.
4. Primer enamel prevents corrosion well.

Helpful information

Removal Tips rust:

1. If acids or compounds based on them are used for processing, the product must be washed with a soda solution and then with clean water.
2. When using professional anti-corrosion compounds, you must read the instructions. It will differ depending on the chosen product.
3. Mechanical cleaning requires careful control of the pressing force.
4. Converters can be used both to get rid of existing corrosion and to prevent it.
5. Regardless of the chosen method of combating corrosion, safety precautions must be observed. Protect hands with gloves, eyes with special goggles, and respiratory organs with a respirator.

Conclusion

There are many ways to remove rust from the surface of metal and non-metal products. Regardless of which method was chosen, the main thing is to comply with the time interval and strictly follow the instructions.