What Are Three Ways to Prevent Rust?

Rust is a chemical reaction (oxidation) of iron that occurs over a period of time as the bare metal surface comes and stays in contact with oxygen present in the air or water. Rust "eats" away the metal, rendering it weak and fragile. Therefore, any maneuver that prevents the direst physical contact of iron with oxygen present in air or water will prevent rust formation.

Prevention/Solution

Paint the bare metal with any durable acrylic paint. Do not use aqueous-base paints. They will only worsen the rust. The reason for this is that all aqueous base paints have water in it, and water is a rich source of oxygen. Therefore, rust will form underneath the paint.

Prevention/Solution

Avoid contact with water or moisture. Know that water has a chemical formula H2O, meaning it has 2 parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. Oxygen is responsible for the oxidation of iron and therefore forms rust. Similarly, moisture will allow same thing as well. Clean all iron items periodically and make sure they are dry.

Prevention/Solution

Use of oil or grease significantly reduces the chances of developing rust in iron. Basically, grease or oil form a protective layer over iron just like paint does and therefore prevent rust formation.

Considerations

Use stainless steel wherever and whenever possible. Steel is an alloy (metallic mixture) of iron and zinc. Presence of zinc in iron decreases the oxidation of iron, and minimal rust formation occurs.

Warning

Rust serves as an excellent media for growth of a bacteria that can cause tetanus. This bacteria is known as Clostridium tetani. If your skin is punctured by a rusty nail or knife, see your doctor as soon as possible. You might need a tetanus shot or a booster.