What is Rust?

Rust is an all-too common occurrence. Whether it’s an old fence crumbling away or a vehicle in a junkyard, we all notice rust on regular intervals and know it is the consequence of a metal item not being maintained. It can be situated on a wide range of metal surfaces, from stair railings to metal doors, and can be the cause structural damage and artistic issues when left unchecked. Have you ever thought of why it happens though? What causes metals to rust initially?

Comprehending how rust works is vital for maintaining the lifetime and value of your metal structures, such as pool fences and staircase railings. At the chemical level, rust happens when metal is susceptible to moisture and oxygen. The chemical reaction that causes rust is a type of corrosion that gradually eats away at the rusted metals surface, over time resulting in:

• Deterioration
• Discoloration
• Weakness

In this post, it is going to explore the causes and impacts of rusted metal, in addition to the rust preventive actions that should be taken to stop it.

What is the Cause of Rust on Metal?

Rust is a kind of corrosion that happens on the surface of metal when iron responds to oxygen and water. The chemical reaction that is the cause of rust is known as oxidation. The oxidation process corrodes the metal and produces visible rust on the surface of the metal. After metal is subjected to any type of moisture — even the airs humidity — the metals iron atoms react with the oxygen molecules in the air to produce iron oxide, also referred to as rust.

The chemical reaction can be denoted by the below equation:

iron + oxygen + water = iron oxide (rust)

Rust can happen on any iron-based metal, in addition to iron, steel, and cast iron. The pace at which rust grows on metal surfaces is subject to the level of humidity, the volume of oxygen present, in addition to the kind of metal.

The longevity of uncoated metals that is prone to rust is considerably less than one that’s coated with zinc-rich cold galvanizing compounds. If left untreated, rust can completely wear down metal into dry oxide dust.

Application Options for Rust Prevention

Once applied and dried, cold galvanizing compounds are created to perform to the same high-level industry standards of corrosion prevention either sprayed-on or brush applied. There are several different products, each specifically created for particular use cases. Besides selecting the precise compound, you have two application choices:

Brush-on Rust Prevention

Cold galvanizing paint is still the industry standard. It is similar in function nevertheless superior in convenience to hot-dipping galvanization. Professionals suggest brush-on applied when undertaking high-volume projects, such as steel rafter I beams. If there is a big project ahead, it is suggested liquid paint. This is because people are going to get better coverage from a gallon of cold galvanizing paint than from a spray can.

Spray-on Rust Prevention

Cold galvanizing spray may be applied in aerosol form or utilizing an airless spray method or air compressor. Compounds in this form produces the same superior performance as the brush-on kind. After application and drying, zinc-rich coatings are intended to perform to similar industry standards of corrosion prevention. This is true either sprayed-on or brushed on. They perform the same after application!

This application alternative is sought after for several various reasons. Let’s say someone needs to step up a ladder for applying the product. Would it be easier to take a 5-gallon container of paint, or a 12-oz aerosol can? Placing a spray can in your work apron is obviously the easier method of application. This is only one of the reasons people select cold galvanizing spray.