Rust remover: choice, application

Rust is a common "disease" of metals. These sturdy, versatile materials surround us everywhere. They are used to create household appliances, cars, air transport and much more. All the strongest fasteners are also made of metal. But here's the problem: over time, many of them are liable to oxidation - corrosion. The material is destroyed under the influence of the environment, and the construction begins to deteriorate. How to save metal from imminent death? Which remedy for rust removal? Let's look at the article.

Light contaminant removal

The earlier rust is detected, the easier it is to fight it. If the damage is not too deeply entrained in the metal, it is sufficient to resort to a mechanical cleaning method. To do this, you can surface the surface with a stiff brush. Grinding will remove a layer of contamination and relieve the metal from further spread of the "contagion".

It is worth noting that the mechanical cleaning phase is also used to combat deeply rooted rust before applying chemicals to achieve the best result. As a hard brush, you can use a large sandpaper.

Auto Cleaner

A good remedy for rust removal is an automotive metal cleaner. This tool is available: it can be purchased at any specialized on the goods for the car store. Before application, it is recommended to clean the surface damaged by rust with a hard brush. After that, the area is covered with a layer of medium up to 5 millimeters thick and left for a couple of minutes. Then it is necessary to wash off the residues and wipe the surface to dry. If the rust is not completely gone, repeat the procedure.

It should be remembered that any remedy for rust removal is toxic. Usually it is acids, getting on the skin causes a burn. Work should be in protective gloves, glasses and a respirator. In addition, it will not be superfluous to carefully read the instructions for use and precautions.

Homemade solution

As a result of popular experiments, many "home" recipes for rust removal have been created. They are based on substances that dissolve iron oxide formed on the surface of the collapsing metal. Homemade rust removal liquid is prepared according to the following recipe:

• Water - 300 ml;
• Ammonium - 50 g;
• 40% formalin - 250 g;
• Caustic soda or sodium hydroxide - 50 g.

Mixing the ingredients, they must be diluted with a liter of water. In the solution put the metal elements that have been corroded (for the treatment of surfaces the product will not work). Leave for 15-40 minutes, occasionally watching the process. Remove the parts immediately after rust disappears. Then rinse well in hot water and wipe until dry. The original appearance and natural metallic luster are guaranteed.

Acids against rust

It is known that acids are capable of dissolving many chemical compounds. Hydrated iron oxide is no exception. For a qualitative purification it is necessary to resort to strong acids, which are hydrochloric, sulfuric and orthophosphoric. However, it is not worth using pure solutions: they are too caustic. Acid from rust will work correctly if you add an inhibitor to it - a substance that slows down the chemical reaction. One of the most accessible is urotropine.

The recipe is quite simple: you need to take any of the described acids and dilute it with water to form a 5% solution. Then add the inhibitor in the calculation of 0.5 grams per liter of liquid. Surface treated with the resulting product and left for a while. With the task without effort will cope with hydrochloric, sulfuric or orthophosphoric acid. Where to buy the inhibitor? If the market and specialty stores do not, use this recipe:

• Potato tops are to be put in a three-liter jar (it must fill half of its volume);
• Pour acid to cover the stems;
• 20 minutes actively stir the contents;
• Drain the liquid and the metal cleaner is ready.

Means with phosphoric acid

A solution made on the basis of phosphoric acid, struggles with rust in a very profitable way. The product converts the rust layer into a durable coating. What concentration should be orthophosphoric acid? Where to buy it? Find acids, including phosphoric, can be found in car chemistry stores or industrial departments. To prepare an effective solution that converts hydrated iron oxide into a durable metal coating, it is recommended to use a 15% or 30% aqueous solution of orthophosphoric acid. The resulting product is applied by brush or spray and left to dry completely.

Another effective method of combating the "redhead" on the basis of orthophosphoric acid is the following recipe:

• Butanol - 5 ml;
• Tartaric acid - 15 ml;
• Phosphoric acid - 1 liter.

Why does orthophosphoric acid affect rust so much? Everything is easily explained from the point of view of chemistry: it converts iron oxide into phosphate, which forms a kind of film on the metal surface that protects it.

Other methods of chemical attack

What other substances can successfully remove rust? Perhaps, more simple methods will be such tools as:

• A mixture of liquid paraffin (or vaseline oil) and lactic acid in a 2: 1 ratio;
• Dissolved in 100 ml of water zinc chloride (5 g) and tartar (0.5 g);
• Turpentine or kerosene for minor corrosion.

All these methods are good for removing rust on metal machines and other elements from "non-domestic" metal. For home use, there are several simpler and more accessible methods for removing reddish plaque:

• Fish oil - applied to rust and left for a while;
• A mixture of citric acid and vinegar in equal proportions will relieve corrosion in the bathroom and rust stains on clothing, the product is applied for 20 minutes, after which the surface is cleaned with a hard sponge;
• From baking soda make a gruel (by adding water to it) and apply to the surface of the metal, leave for an hour, then wash off;
• Solution of oxalic acid: 6 tsp. Dissolve in 300 ml of water, lower the rusted elements in the received liquid for half an hour;
• The drink "Coca-Cola" perfectly copes with rust due to the content of orthophosphoric acid in it.

Methods of prevention

Removing rust from metal is a long and not an easy process. Avoid corrosion by using some means that protect the surface from destruction. Here are some useful recipes to prevent rust:

• Paraffin or wax (20 g) mixed with gasoline (40 ml), the resulting solution - an excellent tool for protecting carpentry tools from corrosion;
• Wax or paraffin (10 g) and kerosene (30 ml) will prevent the appearance of rust on metal polished tools.

To avoid the "reddish", you should take good care of the material: avoid excessive moisturizing, remove dirt and dust in time. A lot of anticorrosive coatings have been developed , which can be found in car shops.

A rust remover is a caustic solution that dissolves the problem or converts it into a protective film. It is worth remembering that any remedy (home or shop) is very toxic to both man and metal. It is necessary to strictly follow the rules of application and precautions to avoid damage to the skin and metal surface.