How to Use Stearic Acid in Removing Rust

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in many animal products and even some vegetable products like chocolate. Outside the kitchen, stearic acid can be used as a sealant to protect metal objects from rust. If you've developed a rust problem on the body of your car, or maybe even on the tools you use to work on your car, using stearic acid as a final step in removing rust will help keep the rust from reappearing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rust remover
• Cotton rag
• Protective gloves
• Buffer or chamois

1. Remove the rust. The method of rust removal will depend on the car part being cleaned and the kind of rust removal product you have chosen. Smaller parts may be soaked in a rust removal solution, while rust spots on the car body will need a concentrated rust removal gel.

2. Clean the object or formally rusted spot thoroughly. Once the rust has been removed, the metal must be cleaned and rinsed to remove all the rust and any residue left from the rust removal product.

3. Melt the stearic acid flakes in a bowl over a hot water bath until they have formed a liquid with a slightly gelatinous consistency.

4. Dip the cotton rag into the melted stearic acid, allowing the acid to absorb into the fabric.

5. Smear the stearic acid liberally onto the metal using circular motions. Coat the formally rusted area and any exposed areas immediately around the location to completely seal the area.

6. Allow the applied stearic acid to cool completely.

7. Apply two to three more coats to the area, allowing each layer to cool and dry completely between coats.

8. Buff the area with a chamois or electric car buffer once it is completely cool and dry. Buffing completes the seal, and removes any ridges in the stearic acid coats that may trap dirt or other debris that could work its way back down to the metal surface, opening the seal up for more rust contamination.

Tips & Warnings

• Cotton rags are much better than paper towels for using stearic acid in removing rust since the cotton will apply a smoother, more consistent coat over the metal.
• Stearic acid has a high melting point, so the melted acid will be extremely hot. Handle the melted acid only with insulating gloves, and do not splash it onto exposed skin as you work. Stearic acid flakes can be found in craft stores in the candle-making section, or in health and beauty stores that carry cosmetic making supplies.

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