What is a rust converter for cars?
Corrosion agents have a complex chemical composition. Most of them include an acid and additional components that react with iron oxide.
Corrosion products are transformed into a barrier that protects iron from oxidation.
Zinc converters have a different operating principle. The atoms of the main active substance combine with oxygen and form a film that protects the metal surface. Formulations with zinc are safer.
Acid
Often, rust removers are made based on phosphoric acid. This substance is capable of reacting with oxides, transforming them into salt crystals that are easily separated from the surface. More often, an acid solvent is used to clean the pan and car body.
If the remaining composition is not washed off in a timely manner, it will damage the iron and cause re-oxidation. Less commonly used are hydroxycarboxylic and polybasic acids, as well as tannin.
Thickeners
Thickeners are synthetic compounds that are added to rust converters to increase viscosity. Liquid does not drain from vertical surfaces, so the effect is not reduced. Thickeners do not prevent the penetration of active substances into the deep layers of the oxidized area of the metal.
Corrosion inhibitors
Zinc acts as a corrosion inhibitor. Less commonly, tannin and manganese are added to anti-oxide products. These substances form a film that protects the iron base from temperature changes, moisture and chemical reagents.
Additional Ingredients
Rust converters often include:
- flavorings;
- stabilizers;
- film formers;
- additives, etc.
Additional ingredients enhance the effect of the main components and facilitate the use of the drug.
Tips for use
Anti-corrosion agents with zinc are convenient and effective to use. But in order to eliminate possible problems and achieve an ideal result, it is advisable to remember and put into practice the following tips:
- Before applying galvanization to an expensive product, it is advisable to test it.
Most transducers require the use of gloves.- Treatment must be carried out outdoors or in a ventilated area.
- To stop corrosion, the entire surface must be treated.
- Remains of the converter and the loose layer are removed with a brush without metal bristles.
- If necessary, the processing of the metal with the converter is repeated.
- For preventative purposes, after some time the product should be galvanized again.
You will find all the most important and useful information about rust converters in this section.
Criterias of choice
To choose a good converter, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- compound;
- toxicity;
- release form;
- consistency.
Before you buy the drug, you need to evaluate the amount of work. This will help determine the required amount of product.
Main substance
Before purchasing a rust remover, you need to carefully study its composition. Products based on concentrated acids are used for extensive damage, because... these substances are able to penetrate into deep layers. They allow you to quickly remove oxidized plaque. Zinc-based compounds have a milder effect. After their application, it takes a longer time to eliminate the oxides. Then a protective film is formed.
Release forms and consistency
Anti-rust agents are produced in the form of liquids of varying degrees of viscosity, as well as in the form of aerosols. Converters characterized by increased fluidity are well suited for processing horizontal surfaces. Viscous gel-like compositions are convenient to use for vertically located parts. The spray is used to treat hard-to-reach places.
Volume
It is extremely important to correctly estimate the amount of work in order to calculate the required number of converters. Many manufacturers produce anti-rust products in small packages. They are convenient for treating small lesions that have undergone oxidation. If you need to restore a large surface, it is better to purchase the cleaner in a container whose volume exceeds 0.5 liters. Converters that differ in chemical composition cannot be used simultaneously.
Toxicity
All products used to eliminate oxides are toxic. When working with them, you must follow safety precautions. Most formulations need to be washed off. This procedure should not be ignored, because... contact with excess drug will cause poisoning or chemical burns.
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Price and where to buy?
There is a wide selection of rust converters on the market.
The most budget option costs about 100 rubles . The price of expensive modifiers ranges from 4,000 to 4,500 rubles. Such a significant difference is explained by the manufacturer, composition and volume.
Having chosen the appropriate option, you can order it online or purchase it in a specialized store. In this case, preference should be given to sellers with a good reputation. This acts as a kind of guarantee for the purchase of a quality product.
The best rust converters for cars
Some car rust neutralizers have been repeatedly tested for effectiveness by professionals and are popular with buyers. To choose the best converter, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the drugs included in the top. Below are the compositions of Russian and foreign manufacturers that have a high rating.
Kudo
The structural modifier, which reacts with oxides, does not affect the paintwork.
The product converts the oxidized layer into a protective film that inhibits the spread of corrosion.
This restorer can remove minor scratches. It is suitable for treating only small damaged areas, because... Available in small packages with a volume of 0.14 ml.
Runway
This is an effective converter that can remove even deep rust. However, it can only be used at air temperatures above +5°C. The created film requires additional sanding for further application of the finishing coating. The advantages of this product include the ability to use it to remove oxides from most types of alloys.
Hi-Gear
Hi-Gear NO-RUST is available in spray form of 255 ml and 368 ml. This automotive rust converter has a high concentration of active substance and is suitable even for metal that is heavily damaged by corrosion.
One package is enough for a small area, but it is possible to treat hard-to-reach places.
A dense, hard crust forms at the site of corrosion, which can be painted without prior sanding. It is necessary to work with this drug with caution, because inhalation of the aerosol can cause a chemical burn to the respiratory system.
ASTROhim
The drug is cheap, but high quality. The product includes several active components at once. It effectively copes even with severe rust. The composition is applied to a previously cleaned surface. This leads to the rejection of oxides. After removing salt crystals with a special cloth, a protective phosphate film is formed. ASTROhim is used for surface treatment before painting. The product will protect the surface from corrosion in the future.
MROChem
The MROChem converter is often used at service stations, where work is often carried out to remove rust from the metal surfaces of the car. This product is packaged in large plastic canisters of 4.5 liters. First, a reaction activator begins to act, penetrating into the deep layers of the damaged area, binding oxides. Then, when the composition comes into contact with oxygen, a durable polymer coating is formed.
Plastikote
This is a multi-component product that can transform even deep rust into a hard coating. No bubbles or foam are formed during operation. The product is considered non-toxic, so it can be safely used even when repairing a car yourself.
Phenom
The product converts iron oxides into soil. Exfoliated crystals must be removed. When in contact with oxygen, this composition forms a dense polymer film. Tests have shown that no traces of oxidation appear on the purified metal for at least 5 years. Fenom is used to prepare a damaged area for painting. The composition is packaged in 11 ml bottles. This complicates its use when it is necessary to treat large areas of the body affected by corrosion.
Omega
This is the best Russian-made acid-based converter. It has a paste-like consistency. The composition is capable of removing rust up to 2 mm deep. It is easily applied with a spatula or a stiff brush. Its remains are removed with rags. If necessary, the procedure should be repeated to obtain the desired result of cleaning the surface. Omega is toxic and can corrode skin, so it is extremely important to take precautions when working with it.
Autoprofi
A liquid preparation produced in 0.5 liter containers equipped with a spray bottle. One package is enough to treat large oxidized areas. The product effectively copes not only with surface rust, but also with deep defects.
LIQUI MOLY
The LIQUI MOLY converter provides deep surface cleaning, but at the same time acts gently and does not damage unoxidized metal. The drug begins to act immediately after application. LIQUI MOLY active components do not react with paint. Only oxidized areas are affected.
ABRO
ABRO RC-1000 is a converter that can quickly modify rust. When using this product, a strong, dense crust is formed on the surface, resistant to water and oxygen. It protects the metal from under-film corrosion. The coating improves adhesion. The composition should not be washed off. After hardening, the surface can be painted.
Chemist
The multicomponent solution is capable of quickly converting steel oxides into phosphates. This helps eliminate even deep rust and form a durable protective film on the damaged area.
The drug contains zinc, which enhances the positive effect and increases the adhesion of the base.
The paintwork adheres well to the surface treated by Khimik.
AdCoat
The multifunctional product is water based. It gently converts rust into magnetite and blocks the flow of air and moisture to the damaged area. This protects the metal from corrosion again. The surface is smooth and can be used without sanding as a base for paint. No additional soil is needed.
TotalBoat
TotalBoat Rust Primer is the best converter made with phosphoric acid. It can be used to process not only cars, but also bicycles, trailers, oxidized components, bolts, etc. The composition effectively copes even with deep rust, but at the same time acts quickly. Under the influence of acid, oxides easily peel off from the unoxidized metal base. The converter is available in containers ranging from 0.5 to 4 liters.
Armasil
The multicomponent composition is used not only for removing rust on cars, but also in the construction of reinforced concrete structures, repair and restoration work in various industries.
The transformation of oxides occurs in a neutral environment, so subsequent rinsing of the product is not required.
The surface treated with Armasil is further resistant to corrosion processes. After removing the oxides, painting can be done immediately.
AVS
The zinc-containing converter is effective for eliminating small oxidized areas on car parts. A weather-resistant film is formed on the treated surfaces. It is often used to prevent oxidation of recently formed chips and cracks.
Poliform red
This converter has a multi-component composition and removes oxides from chromium, aluminum, cast iron and nickel. It also combats chalk and old bluing. The product creates a passivated layer on the surface. After using it, the remaining composition must be washed off. After this, the treated area can be painted.
Eltrans
The drug is able to cope with a layer of rust, the thickness of which does not exceed 80 microns. The reaction proceeds quickly and no rinsing is required. This composition is used at temperatures above +10 °C. To improve the result, the corroded surface should be thoroughly cleaned.
Permatex
The product provides one-step metal cleaning. It removes rust well and forms a durable rubber-latex coating. The treated surface does not need to be sanded further. The composition prevents re-oxidation. It is recommended to be used at temperatures between +10 °C and +32 °C. This product is not recommended for use on vehicle exterior surfaces.
SONAX
The converter does not contain acids, so it does not affect rubber elements and paintwork. At the same time, it contains toxic substances and silver, so you need to use personal protective equipment. A polymer crust forms at the site of damage.
Yashim
The drug contains an aqueous solution of several acids and auxiliary components. It is able to remove a thick layer of rust, penetrating into cracks and pores of the metal. Dries quickly. The product has a liquid consistency, so it can be easily applied to surfaces with a brush.
Start
The acid converter removes oxides and starts the phosphating process. After applying the composition, a durable film is formed on the surface. It protects the metal from the re-formation of corrosion.
Loctite
The drug is made on the basis of synthetic latex. It reacts with oxides, transforming them into black soil. The resulting coating is smooth. To increase the effectiveness of the product, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the surface of old decorative coating and flake rust. It is better to apply the composition in 2 layers with an interval of 1-2 hours. Work can be carried out at temperatures from +10 °C to +30 °C. It is recommended to paint the surface no earlier than 72 hours after treatment.
Neomid
Concentrated product removes oxides from any surfaces. The film formed as a result of its use ensures adhesion of the metal base to the paint and varnish material. Before starting treatment, you need to thoroughly clean the oxidized area. After applying the composition, you should wait 30 minutes and then wash off the residue.
Wurth
The German-made converter, which does not contain resins, acids or silicones, begins to act immediately after application. Rust removal occurs in a neutral environment. The composition does not damage the paintwork and rubber parts if it accidentally gets on them. But a film does not form on the surface. It is advisable to paint the cleaned area within 72 hours.
Laurel
The converter includes organic acids. It can be used to remove oxides from large surfaces. To improve the result, it is recommended to apply the product several times. The consistency of the composition is liquid, so there are difficulties in applying it to vertical surfaces.
Chainmail
It is low toxic, because it contains zinc and special additives, and there are no caustic acids. This makes it easier to treat damaged areas. The composition has high penetrating ability and quickly eliminates oxidized areas. After treatment there is no need to rinse off any remaining drug.
Tsinkar
Contains acid and is suitable for processing all types of metals. A protective layer of oxide is formed on the surface. The product is highly toxic, so it should be used with extreme caution. Reapplication may be necessary to remove deep-seated rust.
Comparison table of characteristics
The following table provides a comparison of the top 5 most efficient converters.
Name | Active substance | Release form | Advantages | Flaws |
Kudo | Orthophosphoric acid Cationic polymers Corrosion inhibitors | Gel | Convenient use Low price Removing rust in 30-40 minutes | Small packaging volume |
Phenom | Orthophosphoric acid Antioxidants Corrosion inhibitors Phosphates | Solution | Double action High efficiency | High toxicity Small packages |
LIQUI MOLY | Molybdenum disulfite | Spray | High rust removal rate Large packaging Neutrality to varnishes and paints. | High price |
ASTROhim | Orthophosphoric acid Zinc ions Auxiliary additives | Liquid | Affordable price Ease of use Large volume High efficiency | High toxicity |
"Tsinkar" | Phosphoric acid Active zinc compounds | Aerosol solution | Affordable price Quick surface cleaning | The need to wash off residues |
Reviews from car owners
All effective converters have both positive and negative reviews, so it is difficult to determine the best composition. The effectiveness of a particular drug depends on what kind of preliminary treatment of the metal was carried out and whether the recommendations described by the manufacturer in the instructions were followed.
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Main varieties
If we talk about such means, then, first of all, we should highlight the following types:
- rust converter with zinc. At the moment, such substances are the most popular. They are characterized by almost instantaneous action and high efficiency. They offer increased protection against further rust. At the same time, before using them, you need to treat the surface with sandpaper, and then with a zinc solution. The product itself is used when the surface acquires a gray tint. It will take you longer than with other remedies, but it's worth it;
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- acid agents. An old and proven method that is extremely useful and effective. The main advantage is simplicity and speed of use. We simply clean the area where rust has developed, and then apply the solution there. It is important to calculate the time correctly so as not to overexpose the product, but also not to eliminate it in advance. In general, here you need to follow the instructions;
- rust converter into soil. This is a fairly new modification that helps transform corrosion into soil. At the same time, according to reviews, the use of such solutions is not the safest idea, because the substance can damage the paintwork near the source of corrosion.
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