Step-by-step instructions for making a rust converter with your own hands

Products called “Rust Converter” help solve the problem of corrosion of metal products.

Today there is a wide range of such chemicals on sale. However, the issue of making anti-rust products on their own is of interest to many.

Having decided to use a homemade converter, you must follow the recipe and technology for its use. At the same time, it is worth remembering all the pros and cons of such a product, as well as precautions when using it.

We'll tell you how to make a rust converter with your own hands at home in this article.

Can it be done at home?

The purpose of any rust converter is to convert iron oxides into inert compounds that form a hydrophobic film on the metal surface.

In order to achieve this goal, manufacturers select a specific chemical composition. Each company has its own secret nuances that it tries not to disclose.so as not to provoke the creation of fakes.

In addition, the converter may include:

• tannins (convert iron oxides into neutral tannate complexes);
• zinc compounds (after reaction with orthophosphoric acid forms a protective layer);
• corrosion inhibitors (form an additional film, slowing down the corrosion process).

At home, it is easy to find analogues of the main active ingredients and prepare a simple but effective converter. It is prepared from a smaller number of components by conventional mixing in a container.

Pros and cons of a homemade product

The anti-rust product, made by yourself, has a number of advantages. However, it cannot completely replace professional converters. Due to the existing disadvantages, many users prefer ready-made store-bought chemicals. For an objective assessment, it is necessary to consider both the pros and cons.

Homemade composition is valued for the fact that it:

1. It is not toxic to humans, as it consists of harmless substances.
2. Does not require very complex and time-consuming manufacturing technology.
3. Has simple and clear instructions for use.
4. Helps achieve rust removal and coating protection.
5. It is much cheaper than branded analogues.

The disadvantages of a homemade converter make its use limited and reduce its popularity among motorists, housewives and production workers.

The weak points of the homemade corrosion modifier are:

1. The need to find a convenient container and method of application.
2. Can only be used with a thin layer of rust.
3. Lower efficiency compared to special means.
4. The need for mandatory coating of the product with paint or varnish.

How to make, what is included?

Any converter must contain two main substances that react and form a protective film on the metal surface.

Step-by-step manufacturing algorithm home converter is as follows:

• add 1.3-1.5 liters of citric acid to 1 liter of water;
• stir the solution to distribute the acid evenly;
• add 15 g of baking soda to the lemon liquid, mix;
• wait for the end of the chemical reaction (this is about 40 minutes);
• pour the converter into a convenient-to-use bottle.

Citric acid can be replaced in the recipe with oxalic acid. The technology for preparing anti-rust with this organic acid does not change.

How to use?

Taking into account the general recommendations for the use of rust modifiers, the features of the homemade product and its degree of activity, instructions for use are as follows:

1. The surface of the rusty metal is cleaned of dirt and dust, and if necessary, a detergent is used.
2. If the corrosion layer is thick (more than 100 microns), remove it with sandpaper or a wire brush.
3. Check the quality of cleaning by running your hand over the treated area. If the surface is rough, correct it with sandpaper.
4. A cloth or rag is generously moistened in the prepared converter and applied to the stripping site.
5. Allow the solution to react for a quarter of an hour without lifting the soaked cloth from the treatment area.
6. After complete drying, a primer is applied to the surface and covered with paint or varnish.

Precautionary measures

Despite the low toxicity of the substances used in the recipe, when processing products it is necessary to remember precautions. The solution should not come into contact with mucous membranes and skin of the hands..

Therefore, you must wear rubber gloves when using the inverter. It is advisable to carry out cleaning in the fresh air or in a ventilated area.

Additional Tips

The accumulated experience of users and recommendations from specialists can help deal with rust on metal products more quickly and efficiently.

When using a homemade composition, it is worth remembering:

1. Depending on the degree of corrosion, it is advisable to use more powerful tools to remove rusty deposits: an angle grinder, sandblasting devices.
2. When using different methods of mechanical cleaning of rust, coarse-grained samples are first used, gradually moving to fine, fine-grained sandpaper.
3. Before using the modifier, it must be shaken or stirred to create a uniform distribution of the active ingredients by volume.
4. The container in which the ingredients are mixed must be glass, enamel, or ceramic. It is not recommended to use aluminum cookware.
5. For convenient application of the product, you can use not only cloth napkins or rags, but also a spray bottle. It helps in cases where contact with the problem area is impossible.
6. Each applied layer (anti-rust, primer) must be thoroughly dried. Otherwise, it is washed off by the subsequent layer and becomes ineffective.

You will find all the most important and useful information about rust converters in this section.

Conclusion

If you want to find a cheaper alternative to professional multi-component rust converters, then a recipe for a homemade analogue will help out.

Its preparation does not require much time and deep knowledge of chemistry, and the application largely coincides with the standard scheme for using converters. To evaluate the effectiveness and longevity of the result, it is worth trying the product in practice.