Learn how this innovative solution stops corrosion and protects your metal surfaces.

05 March 2024

BY Josh Hibbert

How Does Rust Converter Work?

Are you curious about corrosion control? Are you looking at the rusted surfaces within your household, attempting to find a simple solution. Look no further than a rust converter. This guide will teach you the basics on “how does a rust converter work”. Also, we will help to showcase what makes rust converters a game changer in preserving metal surfaces.

Rust converters are a simple and easy to use alternative to traditional loose rust removal. By simply applying a single coat of a high-performance rust converter, you can watch as a dramatic colour change takes place upon your rusted surface, which will overtime show that your rust has effectively been neutralised. While a rust converter wont return your surface back to a pristine metal, it can effectively restore a large degree of the underlying surface’s condition. A great rust converter, such as Ferrozinc, converts rust into a ready to paint surface both quickly and efficiently.

Understanding Rust Converters:

when metal surfaces react with oxygen in the presence of moisture, the metallic surface begins to oxidise as rust is formed, known as iron oxide. Rust converters combat this through the use of complex organic polymers, as well as a complex organic acid known as tannic acid.

This combination of organic materials, many of which are environmentally friendly, reacts with rust to form iron tannate, which is what produces the finish synonymous with a rust converter, enhancing the appearance of the rusted surface.

The inclusion of organic polymers within a rust converter guarantees the development of a durable and safeguarding polymeric coating on the surface, providing a surface for which a layer of paint can be brushed upon as the organic polymers have effectively neutralised the rust on the surface. Above all, rust converters are not suitable for treating all metals, with clear examples to showcase being stainless steel, galvanized metals, copper and aluminium.

How To Use A Rust Converter:

Using a rust converter, such as Ferrozinc, we have put together these simple steps in order to get the best use out of your rust converter, in order to obtain the best results. This step by step method has been written to ensure you can get the most out of your rust converter and restore your rusted surface back to its prime condition.

Clean and Degrease

Using a suitable prep clean, the first step is to clean and degrease the rusted areas to ensure all rust, dirt or contaminants have been removed from the rusts surface. Once any excess substances within the heavily rusted areas have been removed, scrape or brush the area to remove all loose contamination upon the rusted surfaces. It’s ideal to follow this up with an efficient cleaning process in order to remove any grease, oils or dirt from your rusted surface.

By doing this, you will enable the rust converter to stick to the rusted surface and neutralise the rust effectively. So, be sure to remove all noticeable rust before application to obtain the desired result with your rust converter spray.

Apply a Thin Coat

Once any loose contamination has been removed, the next step is to apply your rust converter to the area. Rust converters are best applied with a short or hard bristled brush, with a dabbing motion. By doing this, you’re able to precisely target the rust and treat the specified areas you are looking to coat.

In addition, there are many other ways that a rust converter can be applied, for larger surfaces a roller could be used for greater coverage, as well as a rust converter spray. However, we recommend using a brush in most situations in order to get the coat evenly and in order to treat the rusted areas to the desired effect.

When the rust converter interacts with the surface, it generates a dark compound that has the potential to stain materials like wood and leather. Exercise caution and make an effort to prevent contact with other  surfaces so you can minimize the risk of dark stains.

Overcoat With an Applicable Product

After 2-3 hours, the rusted surface will be converted, and the coated layer of rust converter will prevent the oxygen in the from reacting with the surface. With this protection, there is no need for additional treatment or protection, which means a layer of paint can be applied onto the rust converted surface. When applying a layer of paint onto the surface, it is necessary to overcoat the surface with a product recommended by your rust converter. For example, in regards to Ferrozinc, it is imperative that you se an applicable HMG product on the rusted surface in order to receive the best results. We recommend applying 2 coats of your recommended primer and following up with a topcoat for the best finish available.

Please see this video showcasing the Ferrozinc process, which displays each of the steps listed above within the application procedure. This video will showcase the colour change that takes place before the surface is ready for painting.

Looking for more specifications; see our product guide on our water based rust converter Ferrozinc. This guide showcases all of the technical information and preparation needed for the application process.

Benefits of Using Rust Converters:

1. Cost-Effective – Rust converts offer cost-effect rust removal by eliminating the need for expensive sanding or abrasive methods of application. So, this provides an efficient and economical solution to combating corrosion problems.

2. Time-Efficient Application Process – A great rust converter provides you with swift solution to halting rust progression. With a quick and simple application, you can save valuable time in comparison to various traditional rust removal methods.

3. Minimal Surface Preparation – Demanding minimal surface preparation, rust converters streamline the application process and eliminate the need for pre-treatment as well as extensive priming. This ease of use significantly reduces the time and effort that is typically associated with surface preparation, making rust converters practical for both professionals and non-professionals alike.

4. High Versatility – The versatility that comes with a high-quality rust converter is what makes them a highly sought market leader in many sectors. For example, rust-converters can be used on many metal surfaces, including but not limited to vehicles, tools, machinery and various equipment. This adaptability makes them an excellent choice for diverse applications in corrosion protection.

5. Easy to Use – Finally, rust converters are user-friendly, which offers a straightforward application process that makes them easy to use, even with no experience. The simplicity of a rust converter allows for hassle free treatment and protection to rusted surfaces, both at home and within the workplace.

 

Thanks For Reading!

If you are looking for a simple clean, easy to use rust converter, browse our Ferrozinc range HERE.  Furthermore, If you require further information, please contact:
Josh Hibbert
HMG Paints Communications
marketing@hmgpaint.com

0161 205 7631

HMG Paints Ltd is the UK’s leading independent Paint Manufacturer and a proud, family-owned business situated in Manchester. Working alongside new and long-term customers, HMG strive to create the best tailored coatings solutions to meet their customer’s needs. With over 90 years’ experience in developing innovative coatings, HMG’s portfolio of wet paint and aerosols cover virtually every type of surface imaginable across a whole host of industries including industrial, commercial vehicle, decorative, automotive, defence, toll manufacturing, wood finish and arts & craft. HMG have a drive to set the standards for the industry not just meet them. www.hmgpaint.com

Connect with HMG Paints on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn