Category: Outdoors, Rust Treatment
Rust converter is an easy and safe alternative to physically removing rust from a corroded surface. Using rust converter needs no special experience or equipment and is highly effective at protecting a surface and preventing further damage. Although rust converter will not convert rust back to metal it will achieve some level of restoration on the underlying surface details.
Created with the combination of a metal surface and oxygen in the air, rust takes on the copper colour which many people deign as one of the household pests. The conversion of rust is an easy task and can be achieved with a water based rust converter in a short space of time.
How Dose Rust Converter Work?
Rust Converter works by using an acid to react with the rust (iron oxide) and chemically convert it. The addition of organic polymers result in a stable protective primer layer.
Rust converter contains tannic acid and complex organic polymers. Tannic acid is a complex organic acid (found in plants). It reacts with rust to form iron tannate (or ferric tannate) a dark-coloured stable material. This creates a uniform finish that enhances the appearance of an object or surface. The organic polymers in the rust converter solution ensure that the final surface is a stable and protective polymeric coating that requires no further treatment.
How to use rust converter
Here’s some steps to take to get the best results when working with a rust converter:
Where can I use Rust Converter
Rust Converter is suitable for use on an rusty iron or steel objects. This includes wrought, cast iron such as railings, vehicles, trailers, farming equiment, gates and gardening equipment. Rust converter is not suitable for treating aluminum, copper, stainless steel or galvanized metal.
Choose a warm day
As the solution is water based the drying time for the rust converter can vary depending on several factors including the temperature in the room and any humidity in the air. Although generally the drying time is around 20 minutes at room temperature this time could be reflective dependent on the weather. Opting to carry out the task on a warm day will reduce the drying time for the rust converter.
Preparing the surface
Before applying your rust converter on to the designated surface it is advisable to clean up the surface first. Using a stiff bristled brush or sandpaper scrape away any large pieces of loose rust. This will enable the converter to stick to a more stable surface and create a more streamlined effect on your surface once it has completed its work.
Applying rust converter
Application of a rust converter is straight forward by using a brush. Just brush it on like applying paint to a wall. The solution is non toxic so it can be used on practically any surface which has been affected by rust. For larger surfaces a roller could be used for greater coverage. When using the solution it does not need to be thinned as it should be used as you receive it. Rust converter reacts with rust to produce a dark compound that can stain wood, leather etc. Be aware and try to avoid contact with other porous materials to to minimise dark stains.
Painting over rust converter
Once the rust is converted it cannot react with the oxygen in the air so the surface is protected and there is no need to treat or protect is further. However the rest of the metal surface is not immune to the possibilities of rust. Though it is not compulsory, it’s a good idea to use 2 coats of good quality metal primer / paint to cover the surface and prevent any further rust from developing on the surface.
