Have you used a rust converter?

6

6pack

ex-Mod
If anyone has used a rust converter and it worked perfectly let me know the brand.

What is a rust converter? It's a chemical with phosphoric acid and something else which reacts with rust to form a hard waterproof surface. It's stops corrosion of the iron or steel surface. The liquid either becomes white or black depending on what you buy. Mainly used everywhere instead of iron oxide or other things. From cars, bikes, iron railings, ships, bridges etc.

I searched on Amazon and there's a Tuf Kote but reviews are mixed. Some say it worked some say the liquid only became a thin layer and came off. So don't feel like buying it.
 
What you described sounds like a rust remover to me. I don't think there such a thing as a rust converter. Usually once rust is removed you would need to add some extra protective coat on top.

Its a two step process from I understand
 
blr_p said:
What you described sounds like a rust remover to me. I don't think there such a thing as a rust converter. Usually once rust is removed you would need to add some extra protective coat on top.

Its a two step process from I understand
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chyawanprash said:
Where do you want to use it?
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On a bunch of products. Balcony grill, some iron tools, steel pc cabinet (the fan grill has started to rust and the protective paint has come off), some other miscellaneous rusted objects here and there.

Edit: There are molybdenum polymer based products too which do the same job but costly

 
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6pack said:

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These products have inhibitors in them so don't need an extra protective coat.

But to remove all the rust, the remover is the way.

These products use phosphoric acid. But citric acid will work too. But has no inhibitors so it needs a protective coat to be applied after. Otherwise the rusy will just return.
 
6pack said:
On a bunch of products. Balcony grill, some iron tools, steel pc cabinet (the fan grill has started to rust and the protective paint has come off), some other miscellaneous rusted objects here and there.iron

Edit: There are molybdenum polymer
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Balcony grill: after applying rust converter make sure any holes etc are filled before painting. Otherwise the inside of the grill will keep on rusting.

PC cabinet: this is the perfect use case.

Small items like nuts and bolts: if possible, dunk them in the rust converter.

The process: remove any loose rust with steel brush or steel wool. If required, wash the surface with soap to remove any oil or grease. Apply rust converter and wait for the recommended time mentioned by the manufacturer. Remove any rust further loosened by rust converter. Apply another coat if some areas are still exposed.

Once rust converter has done its job, wash or clean the material with water. This is important step.

Generally you need to apply a primer before painting but in this case you can skip the primer. If you already have primer with you then apply it on stuff like balcony grill, gates etc which are exposed to the elements.

You don't need to buy the newer and costlier versions as your application areas are small and non-critical.
 
No need to paint something like PC cabinet where the chances of rubbing off the coating is minimal, unless you are using it around screw holes and latches. Iron phosphate is pretty resilient to oxidation. However, you may need to paint the surface to improve the look, because all acids cause some pitting/pickling.

You will definitely need to paint exterior structures like balcony grill.
 
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