How to Get Rid of Rust?

One fellow who believed he had the comedian’s gift said the best way to get rid of rust is to not let things rust in the first place. But apart from this obvious advice, there are ways to clean up rusted areas and prevent it from developing again. You simply have to follow the directions of people who are experienced in such tasks.

Rust forms from a chemical reaction that involves moisture and items made of iron or steel. The chemical name for common rust is iron oxide (a combination of elemental iron and oxygen). Rust is found on nearly every metal surface, inside and outside, even in places that you may think are dry and well protected. Rust causes otherwise sturdy objects to corrode and lose their strength. In addition, this problem is unsightly, to say the least.

Prevention, Elimination
If a clean, dry metal surface is properly coated with good paint or another substance it won’t rust much, if at all. But even the most careful treatment can’t stop rust completely. If the surface you are concerned about is already showing signs of rust, there are some steps you can take to keep the deterioration from going any further. Remember, the earlier you catch rust and treat it the better.

The first step involves scraping away the flakes of rust with a wire brush or putty knife, for example. Sandpaper will also work well with rust spots that aren’t too far along. If the rusted area is large or the flaking is raised and rough, you may have to employ a wire brush or even an electrical sander. Putting a wire-brush attachment on the sander is a good way to attack rusted spots as well.

Basically, you want to get the surface as smooth as possible by removing all traces of the reddish flaking and roughness. Make sure the surface is completely clean and as smooth to the touch as you can get it. It’s time to carefully apply a primer that will also prevent future corrosion. (Nearly everyone is familiar with Rust-Oleum, for example).

Put on one coat of primer and let it dry completely. Then apply a second coat and leave it until it is dry to the touch. Good primers will adhere to the surface and get into some of the pits and small cracks that rust leaves behind. Now it’s time to put on a finish coat, applying it evenly over the entire surface so that it is protected from moisture and air.

Some rust-removing advice suggests phosphoric acid. This is a great substance for removing rust but it is toxic so be sure you follow directions. Use hand and eye protection.

Rust stains that seem to defy removal are another matter altogether. If small amounts of rust begin to appear on your stainless steel surfaces, a piece of aluminum foil and some vinegar may help remove most traces of rust. All other chemical methods should be used with extreme caution, if at all.

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