Rust converters are best used for heavily rusted metal that can’t be removed otherwise. A rust converter that includes the chemical phosphoric acid also prevents rust from returning but requires a respirator mask to use and subsequent curing. Note that rust must be present for rust converters to work since this activates the chemicals in the product to turn the rust into iron phosphate. Some products are safe to apply on paint, while others will cause the paint to bubble. We have covered some paint-safe converters but suggest reading the instructions if you’re unsure. There are numerous types of these potions on the market, and they all claim to be the best, so we tested a selection of products to see which you should trust to sort your rust. How we tested them

The smallest size you can get is a full gallon, which is enough to cover a 200 to 250-square-foot room, let alone a single automobile. This means it’ll easily cover whatever rust problems your vehicle has now and in the future. Prevent Future Corrosion]-This rust treatment prevents future rust and corrosion by isolating moisture from rain and snow. It doesn’t matter if you go with a water-based environmentally friendly product or with a flammable aerosol, when you’re applying a rust converter you want to wear the proper protective equipment. Most of the rust converters on our list also act as a primer, so if you’re looking to paint over them, then they’re ready to go as soon as you’re done.

Choose the Best Rust Remover for Metal

Oil-based rust converters, on the other hand, do a great job covering a surface and acting as a primer. They’re very easy to use, but they’re generally not as environmentally friendly, and you need to be very careful about what they get on.

When using chemical rust removers, especially acid, work in a well-ventilated space and protect yourself with the proper protective equipment, including goggles, gloves, and work clothing to cover any exposed skin.Less caustic options like chelating removers and rust converters are safer to use, but not completely harmless. In most cases, you should still take basic precautions. I’d recommend wearing gloves and safety glasses of some kind no matter what. How We Evaluated the Best Rust Removers One satisfied consumer expressed, “It is the most durable rust-preventative covering and paint that I have ever used. It can be painted right over light rust, and it permanently seals it from re-emerging or spreading.” So, if you do see a little rust on your vehicle, it’s in your best interest to treat the area right away to prevent more expensive problems in the future. How Much Rust Can a Rust Converter Help With?

Rust removers can be used on a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and concrete. However, it is important to read the product label carefully to make sure that the rust remover you are using is safe for use on your specific material type. Do I need to wear protective clothing when using a rust remover? New Relic uses this cookie to store a session identifier so that New Relic can monitor session counts for an application. Sodium hydrosulfite, a more gentle option, requires a longer soaking time, but won’t scar or damage the materials you’re trying to salvage. Rust removers with sodium hydrosulfite typically come in powder form, making them ideal for removing rust from more delicate surfaces, such as concrete, marble, and other types of stone and masonry. It’s also an effective ingredient for removing rust stains from fabrics and porcelain sinks, tubs, and toilets.Rust converters transform rust into a primed, paintable surface, rather than wiping it away, which protects weathered metal from getting rusty again. Converters are typically reserved for treating broad areas that you plan to paint over, such as a trailer, metal fencing, or a vehicle. That’s why we prefer using a rust converter. You’ll need to pull off any excess paint flaking, but you can skip the entire sanding process. The rust converter can help save some of the affected areas, and it reduces the chances of an area completely rusting through. There’s no wrong choice here, just know what you’re getting and what you need before making a decision! Sanding Down vs Rust Converters Industrial strength rust removers are highly effective and dissolve even stubborn rust and large sections of debris. These tend to be harsher chemicals, and you may need a protective barrier, such as rubber glovesor a mask, when using them. Milder chemicals are gentler on surfaces, skin, and plumbing. If you have a septic system, this may be a big factor. These are not formulated to handle heavy-duty jobs, however, and you might need multiple applications to get the same results. Not only that, but you can brush it or spray it onto an area, which lets you decide if you want a faster application process or a more precise one. It’s also an automotive-specific rust treatment product, and that means it works great on metal, fiberglass, and body filler, just about anything that rusts on a vehicle.