Basic Rust Infromation

For a long while, rust (rust stains) had always been a problem in our furniture, clothes, metal accessories, cars and even concrete walls, patios, sidewalks and many more,

What is rust? How does it form? How to prevent rust from forming? And what are the possible solutions that we can do to take rust off?

These are the most questioned about rust/stains, in this article i'll try my best to give you my points of view and answers to these questions. Hope you'll like it.

(Q.) What is rust and how does it form?

(Answer)

Oxidation is the scientific name for rust, a long term contact of oxygen with certain metals produce rust. Oxygen and metals slowly combining over time at an atomic level, forming new substance called oxide. Oxide is the cause of the bonds of the metals to weaken by itself, iron oxide is the resulting rust for iron or metal based object. Rusted aluminum is called aluminum oxide and for copper which is obviously copper oxide, and so on.

Dihydrogen oxide is the main catalyst in the rusting process (better known as water). Even if iron or steel seems to be solid, water molecules can easily penetrate the microscopic cracks/pits of an exposed metals. The combination of hydrogen atoms (present in water) and other elements forms acids, this will eventually cause metals to be more exposed or prone to rusting. At the case of salt waters, sodium will produce corrosion to the metal more quickly. Meanwhile, the oxygen atoms with other metallic atoms forms a destructive oxide compound than can easily make the objects brittle and crumby.

(Q.) How can I prevent rust from forming?

(Answer)

Lest start with indoor items. To prevent rust from coming, make sure you always cleans you furniture regularly. Always check if the surface or bottom of the items are dry, and occasionally wipe your items with damp cloth. But surfaces should be always dry to prevent moisture adheres with the metals.

Outdoor items that were made especially from metals or irons are more vulnerable to rust. Applying rust resistant metal pains and galvanizing is a great way of preventing rust. If rust already makes its way to your metal items, don't just apply paint. Scrub the stained area with sandpaper or any coarse material you prefer. Make sure you clean the marked spots first, after doing it use primer paints it will provide as a second layer of the paint and prevents rust from coming again, also an enhancer to the top paint coating.

The simplest but the main thing to remember is not to neglect your metals or iron objects. If they do get in with your metals, act fast. Rust spreads quickly and can cause the loss of your valuable items.

(Q.) What are the solutions in removing rust

(Answer)

There are lots of ways, here are some to start with; If your problem is rust on concretes (a stubborn stain when its been there for a long time), you can use muriatic acids, but use extra caution while using this kinds of chemicals.  Make sure you wear rubber gloves and goggles to avoid accidental sprays. Another chemical you can use is TSP or Trisodium phosphate mixed with water. Just apply and let it sit for 20-30 minutes and rinse. Make sure you thoroughly clean the chemicals to avoid further damages on your health or skin.

if you were pretty nervous in handling chemicals you can use borax, vinegars, lemon juice (undiluted) and baking soda. Same thing with the chemicals, apply and wait. After that, rinse, repeat if necessary, know more about this rust removers.

But still the best and more effective way to remove rust is using rust removal products. This will help you get the job done more easy yet so effective, make sure that your rust removers are made from natural resources (so it wont leave harmful chemicals in your homes). Check always the ingredients of your rust removal products.

Hope I enlighten you about this rusty situation, stay stain free. until next time!!!