Preventing rust in any metal surface is a matter of proper maintenance and timely repair after discovering the damage. This fact holds true for all kinds of metals, not just iron. The most important factor in preventing rust spots on your metal objects is to take good care of them from the very beginning.
Maintenance is probably the most effective way in preventing rust. It is important to check all your objects frequently for rust or corrosion. Make sure that you clean them after every time you use them so that there are no spots left behind.
You should also clean your tools often; the metallic surface hence preventing rust will be lessened if you do this regularly. There are two different kinds of treatments for preventing rust spots on metals; galvanized and annealed.
Galvanized is the most popular form of treatment where an electric current is applied to the metal surface; it melts the rust spots away. However, it is very harsh on the environment as it releases toxic fumes and is dangerous. For this reason, it is not the best option for the average user.
If you want something milder, annealed does the trick; it consists of an electrochemical reaction that completely consumes the rust. Before subjecting your metals to these treatments you need to find out the rust spots first. You should also try using MIL DTL 5541 if you want a more efficient approach.
Rust starts when the surface comes in contact with oxygen; the substance in the air combines with the surface of the metal and this causes oxidation which eventually spreads the rust spots all over. Metal surfaces do not react to other substances; they only bond with them.
For this reason, spot removal is easier said than done. Therefore, prevention is better than cure. You can prevent rust spots on metal objects by painting over them before they have a chance to oxidize. This may seem like an unnecessary step since your metal object should already be painted before you subject it to oxidation.
However, the paint has a lot of power when it comes to rust removal. It penetrates the outer surface and dissolves the rust spot; this makes a very deep and strong layer that protects the rest of the metal surface. Preventing rust formation on metal objects is not complete without preventing rust spots from spreading.
This is where applying thinner rust repellent paint comes in handy. These products are non-toxic and can easily penetrate the surface and flatten the spot. Some of them have the added property of being antiseptic, thus killing the bacteria causing rust spots.
These are very effective in preventing rust on metals that are made of aluminum, copper, tin, lead, and stainless steel. Other solutions for preventing rust include using various coatings. These products come in several varieties.
They include paint thinner, liquid rust repellent, and powder rust repellents. Depending on your need, you can choose among these. A liquid product will usually work best on smaller spots, while a powder product should be used for larger and bigger spots. Paint thinners and powder thinners have different levels of effectiveness.
You can also opt for certain techniques to prevent rust from spreading. Iron pipes are good examples of this. They can easily rust if left unmaintained. Thus, you should make sure to regularly clean these metallic objects. The best thing about using these products is that they are eco-friendly and can easily be found in any home supply store.
What’s more, you can buy them online and get them delivered to your doorstep. However, prevention is better than cure. So, do keep a close watch on the area around the spot where you intend to mount the rust-prevention products.
You should also regularly check the surrounding area to ensure that no other substance or object is causing rust to spread. Otherwise, your efforts to prevent rust won’t be enough. Aside from maintaining an area free of rust, you can also use some DIY methods when preventing rusting.
It is easier to maintain a metal object when it has been given a thorough clean. This can be done by washing the surface with soapy water. You can either try a commercial cleaner or make one on your own. If you are using the latter, be sure to let the metal object dry completely before re-applying the rust-removing agents.
Another method for preventing rusting is by wearing protective clothing when working on the spot. For instance, don’t work on an aluminum piece if you already have scratches on your knuckles. The same is true when applying rust remover.
If there are visible signs of damage caused by rust, try to remove them before starting the rust removal process. If you have no time to attend a maintenance workshop, you can ask a professional to come over and give you an assessment of the situation. He may also be able to recommend ways to prevent rusting in the future.
