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A variety of chemicals are available to remove the rust by chemically converting it to a safe compound. Some rust conversion chemicals are mixed with water, and the rusted component is then immersed in the solution for several hours. This type of chemical converter is best used for eliminating rust on your bike's smaller components, as you can remove these parts from the bike and immerse them in a large bucket. Other chemical conversion products require you to mix two chemicals together, then brush them onto the rusted surface. Although this type of conversion system is time-consuming, it is the cheapest way to get rid of the rust.
Rust conversion chemicals are now available within an aerosol can. You just spray the chemical onto the rusted surface and let it sit. This is the easiest and fastest way to eliminate the rust; however, the aerosol cans cost much more than the other chemical delivery systems. -
Media blasting is a more popular option, although it can be messy, expensive and dangerous. With media blasting, you remove paint, carbon or rust from a surface with compressed air and small particles of an abrasive. Three components are required: an air compressor, a blasting tank and the media. The best media for removing rust is either ground glass in a grit of 10/40 or 40/70, or aluminum oxide in a grit of 60 or 90.
Media blasting is only a matter of pointing the spray gun at the surface and pulling the trigger on the gun. This will quickly strip all rust away, leaving your bike clean. Once the media strikes the bike, however, it falls everywhere like snow, so cleanup can take time. And because of the small particle size and the speed at which the abrasive exits the gun, you should always use safety goggles and a respirator.
