Not each rust restore permits for stripping again to reveal metallic and refinishing like new. Take into consideration body upkeep, trailers, and store gear. For these conditions, the query that always comes up is whether or not it’s higher to make use of a chemical rust converter product or just bury the rust in an encapsulator paint. The choice will sometimes come all the way down to how rusty the half is and what you propose to with it when you handle the rust. However earlier than we get into that, let’s clarify what these two completely different merchandise are and the way they work.
Rust Converter
Rust converter is a chemical emulsion that reacts with rusty iron or metal to cease the corrosion course of as an alternative. A phosphoric acid emulsion, it reacts with the iron oxide (rust) to transform it to a extra steady polymeric compound. The response finally turns the previous rusty metallic black, after which it may be painted. The truth is, the transformed metallic will finally start to rust once more if it’s not painted or in any other case sealed, because the coating isn’t thought of everlasting.
Rust converter works solely on rusty metallic, nonetheless, and subsequently won’t react with non-oxidized metallic, paint, or different supplies. This implies it requires a minimal of floor preparation earlier than use. Merely take away any unfastened materials (rusty scale, paint flakes, grime) with a wire brush after which clear and degrease the realm to be handled. As soon as the rust has totally transformed (about 48 hours in whole), merely wipe it clear earlier than portray.
Rust Encapsulator
The identify is fairly self-explanatory, however to be clear, there isn’t any chemical response going down with this product. Rust encapsulator is a specialised impermeable paint. It merely seals off the oxygen provide that causes rust to proceed forming, whether or not airborne or from direct contact with moisture. The rust that already exists stays in place, however isn’t allowed to unfold.
As a result of it’s a paint and doesn’t create a chemical response, it may be utilized nearly wherever you’d usually apply paint, making it particularly versatile for chassis elements and equipment makes use of. Prep includes eradicating unfastened materials with a wire brush and making ready the realm to be handled simply as you’d usually would for paint. No heavy sanding is required, and there’s no have to get down to reveal metallic.
When to make use of each
Rust converter may be the fitting answer when you will have severely rusted metallic, particularly deeply pitted rust, which will should be completed in a selected colour. As soon as the rust has been transformed, the metallic may be primed and painted like every other metallic half. This answer works effectively for a lot of sorts of equipment, significantly solid elements which have tough surfaces anyway. It’s an effective way to cease heavy oxidation on cart elements earlier than portray them.
The fantastic thing about rust encapsulator is its versatility as a end paint that requires little or no in the best way of preparation. It may be utilized on high of most different finishes, permitting it to mix with present paint reminiscent of chassis and underhood elements. It may also be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on, making it handy for area repairs and upkeep with none specialised gear. Out there in quite a lot of colours and textures, together with rubberized, it stops rust completely whereas offering a horny end. Rust encapsulator is a go-to spot restore end for tasks that don’t require a full refinish however the place look nonetheless issues to some extent.
