What Does
Rust Converter Mean?
A rust converter is a water-based coating material. It consists of two main ingredients, such as organic polymer and tannic acid. The first ingredient (otherwise known as 2-Butoxyethanol) produces the initial protective layer to the converter, while the second ingredient reacts with rust (iron oxide) to achieve conversion to a dark-colored material called iron tannate.
Rust converters can be further defined as primers or chemical solutions that are capable of application to iron alloy or plain alloy. This transforms iron into a protective barrier. Such compounds react with iron III or iron oxides and are later converted to a black, moisture-resistant layer that protects a surface from further corrosion.
Rust converters are sometimes called rust killers or rust removers.
Corrosionpedia Explains Rust Converter
Rust converters do more than simply remove rust. They chemically combine with rust to build a black inert layer that is suitable for painting. This conceals the presence of rust and puts off further corrosion. Different objects can benefit from rust converters—from steel items to rusty iron. It can be applied on gates, fences, trailers, vehicles, sheet metal, staircases, lawn equipment, tractors and countless other items. It will act on various types of materials such as:
· Stainless steel
· Galvanized metal
· Aluminum copper
Ideally, rust converters are the perfect solution to repairing rust on any objects that one would consider painting. However, it will work more effectively with more careful surface preparation. It is best to remove scale and rust particles using sandpaper, brush with stiff bristles and then hammer. The rationale for this is to get rid of flaking or loose rust, resulting in a stable surface area. The main goal is not to eliminate all the rust, since rust converters should bond to rust chemically and form a sealed surface.
Application of rust converters:
· Apply with a roller or brush.
· Stir and shake before application.
· It can be applied on surfaces without rust, but will not give any protection.
· A gallon of rust converter can cover up to 500 sq.ft.
· Oil-based coatings may be applied on top of the rust converter, but are not mandatory.
· Apply two coats on any surface to ensure effectiveness.