The Many Ways of Preventing Rust

Imagine rust "eats" away the metal, rendering it weak and fragile. As the bare metal surface comes and stays in contact with oxygen present in the air or water, the rust gradually occupies the whole surface. This chemical reaction in metal and other alloys is called oxidation. This is due to the transfer of electrons from iron to oxygen.

Likewise, other metallic compounds react with oxygen to form their oxides. Steel and iron are found to rust more easily than other metals. By preventing the direct physical contact of iron with oxygen present in air or water we will also prevent the build-up of rust in metal compounds and other alloys.

The following are different specific methods of rust prevention for vehicles and other metallic objects that are continuously exposed to several rust causing factors.

Preventing Rust on Vehicles:

    * Cleaning and waxing is the easiest methods of preventing your vehicles from rust.
    * There are kits available in the market. These kits are available in the form of sprays that will protect your cars from rust.
    * It is necessary that you take extra care of your cars during winter season, because during winter season the amount of sodium chloride within the atmosphere increases. This can increase the chances of rust.
    * When the car is washed with water then it is necessary that you let it dry in the sun for some time.
    * The vehicles should be soaked in the chemicals properly by the companies to prevent them from rusting.
    * Galvanizing the car bodies will also help in protecting the cars from rust. Cars should be galvanized before applying the primer coat on the bodies of the car. In galvanizing, a coat of zinc is applied to the vehicles.
    * Small parts of the vehicles can be protected from rust by the process of bluing. In this process of bluing, water-displacing oil is rubbed on the steel or the body of the parts of the vehicle.
    * It is necessary that your vehicles are well protected by the metal coating. If the metal coating on the vehicles starts isolating or getting peeled off then it may result into rusting. Metal bodies of the vehicles should be well protected by applying paint or protective layer of metal coating. Most of the times wax based products are used in protecting the vehicles from rust.
    * Large ranges of rust prevention products are available in the market. Rust preventing products such as that of Rust Bullet’s may be available in the form of gels, liquids and aerosols. Application wipes are also commonly used products to prevent your vehicles from rust.

Preventing other Metallic Objects from Rust:

    * Rusting is common in regions where the atmosphere is humid. You need to take extra care of the metallic objects in humid conditions.
    * Cream waxes and pastes can be applied to the metallic objects as a protective layer to prevent rusting. These are commonly used for wood working equipment. Some of the oil-based products can also be applied to these metallic tools to prevent them from rusting.
    * Do not allow the water to stay for a longer time on the metallic objects. Wipe the metallic objects frequently to protect them from rust. If water stays for a longer time on the surface of the metals then it results into rust and corrosion of the metallic tools.
    * Usually it is seen that water pipes and metallic doors face the problem of rusting. Water pipes are continuously in contact with water. Apply a protective layer of oil-based paints on the doors and the water pipes.
    * Install dehumidifiers in the rooms which are not ventilated properly. Installing these dehumidifiers in the basement and garage will also help in controlling the humidity. Controlling humidity is very essential in regions that are closer to the sea, because the air in such areas contains a lot of humidity.
    * You can coat your metallic objects with surface protection tape. These are best to prevent the metal from rusting. They provide 100% protection from rusting.
    * You can also prepare a rust protection product at your home. To prepare this product you need anhydrous lanolin and paint thinner. Mix 5 parts of paint thinner with 1 part of anhydrous lanolin. Using a paint brush apply this liquid mixture to the metallic objects completely.
    * Use stainless steel instead of iron wherever possible. Stainless steel is an alloy of zinc and iron. Due to the presence of zinc the oxidation of the iron is halted thus preventing rust to take over.

The methods presented above are very helpful to protect and avert your metals from rusting and damaging. These preventive measures will help you in increasing the life of metallic objects as well as for other common alloys.