Rusting is one of the significant problems with metallic surfaces. Whether it’s your home furniture, tools, equipment, or industrial inventory, preserving the metals from rusting is one of the painstaking jobs, especially if you don’t use the right tools.
However, by ensuring some simple hacks and techniques, you can keep your metals new and shining, away from rust. This post will look at some practical ways to prevent your metals from rusting.
How Does Rusting Occur?
Rusting is a common chemical phenomenon, and it happens in corrosive metals. When oxygen in the air and water reacts with iron, it creates iron oxide. This compound is called rust. Likewise, corrosion can happen with other metals like copper, brass, silver, etc.
In copper, the reaction with copper produces a green layer, while silver tarnishes and brass turns green upon reaction with oxygen.
But interestingly, not all compounds resulting due to the reaction are harmful. It’s rust that causes deterioration in metals like steel and iron. As a result, metal eventually weakens to a point where it breaks. On the other hand, the green patina on copper protects the internal metal layers and can provide longevity to the metal.
Protecting your metals from rust is critical to preserve metal furniture, grills, and other structures.
How to Prevent Metals from Rusting
Preventing metals from rusting depends on the type of metal and its structure. So, the selection of metals is critical here. For instance, if you’re running a grocery store with hundreds of metal carts, you can opt for custom secure carts made from the right metal type that helps it evade rusting. As a result, you can make a more cost-effective choice for your store in the long run.
But other than choosing a specific metal type, there are several ways to protect your metallic structures from rusting. Let’s find out.
1. Galvanization
Galvanizing the metal is widely practiced at the industrial level. It ensures rust protection in steel and iron structures. In this process, the metal is covered with a layer of zinc-containing metal. Typically, metallic nails and sheets are all galvanized.
This technique is most suitable for metallic items and structures for outdoor use. For instance, galvanization can be an effective technique if you want to protect your garage gate, doors, and metallic sheets.
In galvanization, the metal is dipped into molten zinc, which melts around 800 degrees Celsius. Since zinc is more corrosion-resistant, it forms a protective outer layer that forms zinc hydroxide upon reacting with the air and water.
The zinc hydroxide reacts with carbon, forming an impenetrable layer that protects the internal metal. So, even if the metal gets scratched or abrased, it doesn’t cause rust in galvanized metal.
To get the perfect finish, it’s better to hire professionals to get the job done. So search for galvanizing services near me and opt for the best that suits your preference and budget. This is a sure-shot way to save your precious metals from rust and other harmful elements.
2. Bluing the Metal
Bluing refers to oxidizing the metallic surface and creating a protective layer that prevents it from rusting. It’s commonly used to protect steel guns from corrosion. There are two standard methods for bluing, i.e.,
- Cold Bluing
- Hot Bluing
Cold bluing is relatively more straightforward as it requires a premixed bluing solution. You can rub the solution on the metal and coat it for rust prevention. On the other hand, hot bluing involves a complicated chemical mixture that must be heated before applying to the metal.
Bluing is typically used for small metallic items like cutlery, tools, etc. Moreover, it works with iron and various types of alloys. However, if you don’t want a bluish tinge on your metal, using some other rust prevention technique is best.
3. Choose Your Metals Wisely
One of the most effective ways to avoid rusting is to choose metals that don’t corrode easily. It’s cost-effective, especially if you have a large amount of metal. Alloys are explicitly designed for rust prevention.
Therefore, materials like stainless steel provide high resistance to rusting. Even though stainless steel is quite expensive, it can save cost in the long term as it’s low-maintenance in rust prevention. Likewise, several rust-resistant alloys and metals can help avoid rusting problems in metallic structures.
4. Dry Coat Metallic Objects
Dry coating products are used to prevent rusting in metals. These products don’t have any residue, and they form a protective barrier on the metallic surface. That’s why dry coating is one of the most effective and long-lasting rust protection methods, widely used in the shipping and storage industry.
The dry coating is also suited for protecting moving parts. Moreover, the dry coating also improves the frictional coefficient on metallic surfaces allowing them to grip better. So, protecting your tools and other metallic objects that require manual handling is ideal.
The dry coating can be used with powder coating, which enhances its rust protection capabilities. Moreover, the dry coating doesn’t alter the looks of the metals, so it’s ideal for protecting your home furniture and intricate metallic objects.
5. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
The most cost-effective way to avoid rusting is regularly cleaning the metal. Rusting occurs when there are oxygen deposits on the metallic surface. For instance, you should clean your metallic door regularly to avoid any water droplets from damaging and causing rust.
Likewise, cleaning the interior furniture can enhance longevity against rusting. Moreover, here are a couple of things to enhance rust prevention.
Use a Rust Remover Twice a Year
Clean your metallic items with a rust remover at least twice a year. It removes any rust particles from the surface and helps clean the surface thoroughly. You can use warm water, detergent, and rust remover to preserve the surface shine.
Ensure Safety for Coating Damage
A damaged coating will almost always lead to corrosion, so it’s important to protect the coating consciously. For instance, two metals can rub off the coating from each other when they come in contact. Likewise, cover the metallic surface before moving it to avoid scuffing on the surface.
Conclusion
Rust prevention is much easier than it seems. In addition to the hacks mentioned in this post, you can use many DIY hacks, like sandpaper, oiling, etc., to prevent metals from rusting. By ensuring these simple methods, you can keep your metallic objects, furniture, and structure cleaner and rust-free and improve their lifespan.
