Remove Rust
Metal objects are commonly used things in our daily life, such as kitchen utensils, tools, cars, bicycles, etc. However, metal items are also susceptible to moisture and oxygen in the air, producing rust. Rust not only affects the appearance and function of metal objects, but also accelerates the corrosion and damage of metals. Therefore, this article will introduce a method of using a grinder to remove rust that will allow you to quickly and effectively remove stubborn rust from metal surfaces. There are many ways to remove rust, such as using chemical agents, mechanical grinding, electrolysis, laser and so on. Different methods have different advantages and disadvantages, and are suitable for different metal materials and degrees of rust.
The purpose of rust removal
Rust can cause problems for metal objects such as cars, boats, gates, bridges, and outdoor structures. If you notice signs of rust, it is beneficial to treat the problem early to prevent further development and spread. If left unchecked, rust can cause the following problems:
🔻Weaken structural integrity and strength
🔻 Increased risk of corrosion
🔻 Affects functionality, for example, causing mobile components to stick together
🔻 Influence aesthetics
🔻Reduces the value and marketability of items
🔻 Hinders conductivity
It is beneficial to remove rust from equipment and metal surfaces prior to priming and painting to create an even finish and prevent rust. Painting over rust will only mask the problem rather than fix it.
Rust removal steps
When removing rust, follow these steps:
🔻 Thoroughly clean the surface
🔻Test a small area before applying rust removal products to an entire object or component
🔻Follow the directions to apply the product effectively and safely
🔻Wait for gel or liquid treatment to rust
🔻This product leaves a phosphate coating
🔻Spray new rust-free surface within 48 hours
Rust removal before metal is painted is important as it enhances aesthetics, provides a smooth finish, improves function and protects structural integrity and strength. If you are painting a metal object or surface, it is wise to use an anti-rust treatment option to remove rust before applying primer and paint. If you paint over the rust, this will not solve the root cause and the rust may continue to spread and develop.
Common rust removal methods
| Physical rust |
| This method is to use materials with a hardness higher than iron oxide, such as sandpaper, wire brush, aluminum foil, etc., to rub the metal surface to scrape off or polish the iron oxide. The advantage of physical rust is that it is easy to operate, does not require special tools or chemicals, and is suitable for metals that are not seriously rusted on the surface. |
| Chemical rust |
| This method is to use acidic or reducing agents, such as white vinegar, lemon juice, cola, rust remover, etc., to chemically react with iron oxide to decompose or dissolve iron oxide. The advantage of chemical rust is that it can deeply remove the iron oxide on the metal surface, which is suitable for metals with serious surface rust or difficult to rub. |
| Nano rust |
| This method uses the cleaners and coatings developed by nanotechnology, such as Nanotol nano-cleaning cream, etc., to use the physical and chemical properties of nano-particles to remove iron oxide and pollutants on the metal surface. The advantage of nano-scale rust removal and grinding is that it can clean and protect the metal surface at the same time, avoid re-rusting, and can also improve the brightness and stain resistance of the metal. |
This article will illustrate graphically based on the above rust removal methods:
1.Physical rust
The process of physical rust removal and grinding is to use mechanical force and pressure to remove rust and dirt on the surface to achieve a clean and smooth effect. This method usually uses a grinder or other similar equipment and requires the use of different types of abrasive materials such as sandpaper, diamond or other similar materials. Before performing physical rust removal and grinding, it is necessary to determine the material and surface condition of the workpiece in order to select the most suitable grinding method and material.
✔️Advantages: It can remove deep rust without causing damage to the workpiece, and can make the surface of the workpiece smoother.
❌Disadvantages: Need to use more force and pressure, need to use more time and energy, not suitable for all materials.
| Applicable materials | Steel, stainless steel, copper, brass and other similar materials |
| Unsuitable material | Softer materials, such as aluminum or brass, as these are easily damaged. |
The process of physical rust removal mainly includes the following steps:
1. Cleaning: Clean the surface of the workpiece with cleaning solution to remove oil, dust and other dirt on the surface
2. Grinding: Use sandpaper, grinding wheels, grinding rods and other tools to grind the surface of the workpiece to remove the oxide layer and dirt on the surface
3. Cleaning: Use the cleaning solution to clean the surface of the workpiece again to remove the dirt generated during grinding
4. Anti-corrosion treatment: use anti-corrosion agent to carry out anti-corrosion treatment on the surface of the workpiece to prevent re-oxidation.
It should be noted that when performing physical rust, it is necessary to select the most suitable grinding method and material according to the different workpiece materials to avoid damage to the surface of the workpiece.
| Physical rust removal tools | Application |
| sandpaper | Used for grinding the surface of the workpiece to remove the oxide layer and dirt on the surface |
| grinding wheel | |
| grinding rod | |
| grinder | It is used to polish the surface of the workpiece to remove the oxide layer and dirt on the surface. In addition, it is necessary to use some auxiliary tools, such as cleaning brushes, cleaning guns, etc., to help the cleaning fluid better contact the surface of the workpiece |
2.Chemical rust
Chemical descaling Grinding is a technique that uses chemical methods to remove rust. This technology can be applied in some cases where large-scale grinding is not possible. For example, a painted iron frame is not suitable for physical overall grinding, and the surface after chemical cleaning will have color difference caused by oxidation.
✔️Advantages: It can remove deep oxide layer and rust, will not cause damage to the surface of the workpiece, and can complete the cleaning work in a short time.
❌Disadvantages: Need to use corrosive agent, which is harmful to the human body and the environment. Cleaning time and temperature need to be strictly controlled, otherwise it will easily lead to a new oxide layer on the surface of the workpiece, and the cleaning solution needs to be treated and recycled, which increases the cost and difficulty.
| Applicable materials | Various metal materials, such as aluminum, copper, steel, stainless steel, etc. |
| Unsuitable material | Aluminum alloy: Due to the thick oxide layer on the surface of the aluminum alloy, it needs to be cleaned with a strong corrosive agent, which is easy to cause damage to the surface of the workpiece |
| Magnesium alloy: Since magnesium alloy is easy to react with water to produce hydrogen gas, it is easy to cause explosion, so it is not suitable to use chemical rust | |
| Titanium alloy: Due to the thick oxide layer on the surface of titanium alloy, it needs to be cleaned with a strong corrosive agent, which is easy to cause damage to the surface of the workpiece |
The process of chemical rust removal usually includes the following steps:
1. Cleaning: clean the oil, dust and other dirt on the surface of the workpiece
2. Pickling: Use corrosive agents (such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid, etc.) for pickling to remove oxides, rust and other dirt on the metal surface
3. Water washing: clean the cleaning solution on the surface of the workpiece
4. Anti-corrosion: Anti-corrosion treatment is carried out on the surface of the workpiece to prevent re-oxidation.
It should be noted that chemical rust removal requires strict control of cleaning time and temperature, otherwise it will easily lead to a new oxide layer on the surface of the workpiece. In addition, the cleaning liquid needs to be treated and recycled, which increases the cost and difficulty.
| Chemical rust removal tools | Application |
| Corrosive | Such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, etc., to remove oxides on the metal surface |
| Cleaning fluid | Used to clean oil, dust and other dirt on the surface of the workpiece |
| Preservative | Used for anti-corrosion treatment of the workpiece surface to prevent re-oxidation. |
3.Nano rust
The difference between traditional rust removal and nano-scale rust removal is that traditional rust removal uses chemical substances to dissolve rust, while nano-scale rust removal uses nano-scale abrasive particles for grinding. Compared with traditional rust removal, nano-scale rust removal can remove rust more accurately without causing damage to the surface of the material. In addition, nanoscale rust removal can also perform surface treatment while removing rust, improving the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of materials.
✔️Advantages: There is no need to use chemical agents, high-pressure water jets or sandblasting and other mechanical equipment, no need to disassemble the equipment, and rust removal can be performed on site.
❌Disadvantages: Professional and technical personnel are required to operate, the cost is high, and the excessively thick rust layer cannot be removed.
| Applicable materials | Iron material, steel material, steel cable, copper, aluminum, nickel plating, zinc plating, paint layer and other materials |
| Unsuitable material | Aluminum, copper, brass, zinc alloy, nickel alloy, stainless steel, etc. |
The process of nanoscale rust removal usually includes the following steps:
1. First remove the oxide layer on the surface of the rust
2. Grinding with nanoscale abrasive particles
3. Finally, the surface is protected
In the specific operation, the surface of the material can be cleaned first, then the nano-scale abrasive particles can be used for grinding, and finally the surface can be treated.
| Nano Rust Removal Tools | application |
| Nanoscale abrasive particles | The tools for nano-scale rust are mainly nano-scale abrasive particles, which can perform efficient and precise grinding without causing damage to the surface of the material. In addition, some cleaning tools, such as cleaning cloths, cleaning agents, etc. are required. Hope this helps you. |
When choosing a rust removal method, the following factors need to be considered:
- Types and properties of metallic materials. Different metal materials have different characteristics such as hardness, ductility, and electrical conductivity. It is necessary to choose suitable abrasives and tools to avoid damage or deterioration of the metal surface.
- The extent and location of rust. The higher the degree of rust, the coarser the abrasive and the greater the pressure required to remove it. The more complex the rust location, the more flexible tools are required to handle it.
- Requirements after rust removal. What kind of quality and effect should be achieved on the metal surface after rust, such as flatness, gloss, roughness, etc., it is necessary to choose the appropriate abrasives and tools, as well as the appropriate grinding times and time.
According to the above factors, grinding companies can provide customers with a variety of options and suggestions to achieve the best rust removal effect.
References
- https://neutrarust.co.uk/why-you-should-remove-and-stop-rust-before-painting-metal/
- https://www.nortonabrasives.com/en-mdle/resources/expertise/how-use-non-woven-abrasives
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-remove-rust-1387936
- https://www.essentialhomesgoods.com/products/1pc-nano-sponge-eraser-for-removing-rust
- https://www.gardeningetc.com/advice/how-to-clean-rusty-tools
