How to Remove Rust and Corrosion

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Rust is the result of the corrosion of iron. All metals, if placed in contact with the "right" environments or fluids, will corrode. Stainless steel can also develop a form of corrosion or develop small red spots if contaminated with iron. This "how to" will guide you in selecting the right methods to remove rust or corrosion from your object.

Steps

1. Define exactly the material of your object. This can be obvious, but most of the mistake came from obvious think. An iron object or steel object will develop rust on large extent of the surface. Iron is magnetic, so it will attract a magnet. This is a simple method to distinguish between iron and stainless steel. Stainless Steel will develop very small, localized, red spot. Silver will develop the typical black patina.
   
2. Note that there are several methods to remove rust and corrosion products:
   
   • Mechanical methods such as grinding, blasting
     
   • Chemicals such as acids, gel
     
   • Rust converter — this will not remove the corrosion products but convert into a more stable material
     
   • Electrolysis — apply a current that will "revert" the corrosion product back to the original material, this a technique applicable to small object.
     
3. Make your choice. The final choice is a function of different factors:
   
   • Extent of the surface to be treated: using chemical of electrolysis for very large surfaces could be very difficult if not impossible. A sand blasting is the faster method for very large surfaces.
     
   • Value of the object to be treated — if it's a precious metal or an artistic object, using a mechanical methods can destroy the value of the object.
     
   • Your manual skill and manual ability to use mechanical tools and chemicals
     
   • Tools available — if you already owns some mechanical tools then this could be your first choice.
     

Tips

• If you're not sure about the best methods ask to an expert. Incorrect methods can destroy your object.
  

Warnings

• Mechanical and Chemical methods can be very harmful so be very careful
  

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Sources and Citations

• How does rust forms Information on the mechanisms of formations of rust.
  

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