How to Prevent Iron Rusting
Iron, and products made from iron, including most forms of steel, can rust when not probably taken care of. When iron (Fe) interacts with the oxygen (O2) in the air, it forms FeO2, iron oxide, more commonly known as rust. Short of re-forging the iron to add other minerals like nickel, the only way to prevent rust is to prevent contact between iron and the oxygen in the air. This is done with a good coat of paint or even a rust converting chemical with a polymeric component.
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Things You'll Need
- Primer Paint Mineral Spirits Paint Application system (brush, roller, sprayer) The iron object to be painted Optional rust converter Wire brush Rags Rubber gloves Safety glasses
Instructions
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Coating Without Rust Converter
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1
Use a wire brush to remove as much rust as possible. Try to remove the rust from the surface of the iron if the optional rust converter will not be applied.
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2
Wipe the surface of the iron with a rag dampened with mineral spirits. The mineral spirits will evaporate quickly and the iron should be wiped with a dry rag to remove any excess.
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3
Apply primer to the entirety of the iron surface. Use the chosen applicator system and allow the primer to dry completely. After the first coat of primer has dried, take note of any discrepancies in the primer coat and reapply if and where necessary.
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4
Apply the finish coat of paint. Again, use the chosen applicator system and allow to dry thoroughly.
Coating With the Rust Converter
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5
Use a wire brush to remove rust from the iron surface. A light coat of rust must remain on the surface for the rust converter to work properly.
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6
Wipe the iron surface with a rag dampened with mineral spirits. Then, allow the mineral spirits to dry completely. When the surface is dry, wipe off any excess with a dry rag.
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7
Apply the rust converter to the iron surface with the chosen applicator system. The rust converter will be clear when applied. The rust converter will turn black when it is completely dry. If you missed a spot, a spot application of the rust converter may be applied.
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8
Coat the surface with primer. Only do this when rust converter has been applied to the entire surface and the surface has turned black. Be sure to allow the primer to dry completely.
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9
Apply the finish coat of paint. Use the chosen applicator system and allow to dry thoroughly.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use paints that are described as "self-leveling" for the best result. The rust converter may be applied with a brush since it is self-leveling.
Undertake this project in a very well ventilated area. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when working with a rust converter, since most contain phosphoric acid.
