Quickly, effectively, safely: what acid can remove rust?

One of the main enemies of metal is rust. The metal surface is affected by corrosion in cases where it is not protected by a coating and is exposed to moisture and oxygen.

One way to remove rust is to use acids. Read the article about which acid can quickly and safely remove rust.

Products for removing corrosion from metal

Corrosive processes affecting metal worsen its characteristics, and if no measures are taken, they contribute to destruction. You can cope with the problem at home using various acids.

Lemon

Using citric acid to eliminate corrosion can help with minor metal damage.

Application:

1. Dissolve citric acid in water in a 1:1 ratio.
2. Apply to the corroded area. You can soak a rag in the liquid and apply it to the damaged metal.
3. Leave for several hours, making sure that the metal surface remains moisturized.
4. Remove loose rust with a brush or scraper.
5. Rinse the area of ​​metal exposed to the acid with water.

The best result in removing rust can be achieved by mixing it in equal proportions with vinegar. You can learn more about the use of citric acid against rust Here.

Sulfuric

Sulfuric acid will help solve the corrosion problem quickly and effectively. An aqueous solution is prepared for use.Its density should be no more than 1.15 g/cm?, since a higher concentration can damage the metal.

The procedure for exposure includes dipping the metal into the solution for half an hour. If the object is large, then surface treatment with a brush is used. At the end of the exposure, it is recommended to treat the metal with a weak solution of ammonia to neutralize it.

Orthophosphoric

Phosphoric acid is one of the commonly used components of ready-made rust removers and converters. It can be used in the form of a solution.

Work order:

• clean the metal surface by mechanically removing the top layer of rust;
• prepare an acid solution with a concentration of 15-20%;
• treat the surface.

As a result of application, a film is formed on the metal surface, which can protect the surface from further corrosion. And it can serve as a primer before painting. You can learn more about the use of phosphoric acid in the fight against rust here.

Sorrel

The use of oxalic acid requires the use of a respirator and glasses.

Algorithm of actions:

1. The area of ​​metal that requires rust removal must be washed with soapy water or dishwashing detergent.
2. Rinse with water.
3. Wipe dry.
4. Pour 0.3 liters of water into a separate container.
5. Add 6 tsp to water. acids.
6. Place the item in the container.
7. Leave for half an hour.
8. Clean off plaque.
9. Rinse the item with hot water.
10. Wipe with a napkin.

Vinegar

Table vinegar can be used to remove rust due to the acetic acid it contains.

The procedure for carrying out work using the immersion method:

• prepare a container into which the rusty metal object can be immersed entirely;
• fill the container with 9% vinegar;
• place a metal product in the solution;
• stand for several hours (at least 2);
• get an item;
• using a wire brush, remove rust;
• wash the item.

If the items are very small, it is possible, after soaking the items in vinegar, to use aluminum foil to remove plaque.

The proposed method is convenient for processing small metal objects:

• coins;
• bolts;
• nuts;
• keys, etc.

If you need to process a large metal product (for example, a shovel, fittings, etc.), then you will have to use this method:

1. Soak a rag generously in 9% vinegar.
2. Cover the area affected by corrosion with a rag soaked in vinegar.
3. Leave for several hours (at least 2), periodically moistening the rag with vinegar.
4. Clean off rust.
5. Wash off any remaining vinegar from the metal surface.

Useful information about how to remove rust using vinegar can be found in this article.

Alternative cleaning options

In addition to the effects of acids, rust can be eliminated using special purchased products and home recipes.

Home Recipes

The simplest options include:

1. Aluminum foil, which can be found in the kitchen. If you make a lump out of it and rub it over the area of ​​corrosion, the damage will be eliminated.
2. Baking soda. Removes rust well.Before application, it is diluted with water to a paste, applied to the surface for half an hour, and then cleaned off.
3. Hydrogen peroxide. It is suitable for removing rusty stains from plumbing fixtures and tiles.

Home remedies are recommended for minor corrosion damage, as most are less effective than store-bought medications.

Purchased funds

Special preparations for removing rust from metal surfaces can be either acid-containing or acid-free. In addition to active ingredients, the preparations contain thickeners, inhibitors and other substances.

Well-proven means include the following:

• Sonax;
• Chain mail;
• Hairdryer;
• Hi-Gear Rust Treatment and others.

Recommendations for surface treatment

To ensure that rust removal has maximum effect and does not cause harm, it is recommended to use the following expert advice:

1. When using caustic acids and their solutions, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment, including a respirator.
2. It is advisable to carry out work outdoors. Or in a room with very good ventilation.
3. If there is significant corrosion, it is recommended to clean the metal with a stiff brush before treating with acid.
4. After washing off the acid, the metal surface must be dried.
5. Several acids should not be mixed together unless specified in the recipe.

Using purchased products to remove rust is more convenient than making your own solutions.

You will find a lot of useful information about rust removal in given section of the site.

Video on the topic of the article

Removing rust from metal with soda, vinegar, citric and phosphoric acid, video testing:

Conclusion

Using acids to remove rust is an effective method, but requires caution, as well as compliance with all personal safety measures. In addition to acids that are chemically active towards corrosion, folk recipes and special products can be used.