Everyone is troubled by the problem of rusting on their metal surface or metal furniture. Corrosion degrades the quality of the metal and damages it. There are many measures people take to prevent or deal with brown rust. An example of this is to prime and paint metals. Well, with the improvement in technology, various products are now being launched in the market capable of effectively removing rust.
Among the wide range of solutions, rust reformer and rust converter are the two best solutions that are highly effective at removing rust, thereby maintaining the excellent condition of your metal surface. We will be discussing the two best rust-removal products, Rust Reformer vs Rust Converter in this guide. You can evaluate both to see which will best treat the rust.
Table of Contents
What is Rust Reformer?
A rust reformer is a powerful solution that removes dust from a metal surface. There is no chemical process associated with the process in the treatment of rust. Removing the rust requires applying only a specific amount of rust reformer liquid to the affected area of the metal surface. Before applying the solution, make sure your metal surface is clean.
You can send your material before applying the rust reformer. The primary function of a rust reformer is to help the rust removal process go faster. After the rust has vanished from your metal surface, you can begin priming and painting your metal surface or metal furniture.
what is rust converter?
A rust converter is a specific chemical solution based on water. It contains two major components such as phosphoric acid and tannic acid. Besides another element, organic polymer, present in the rust converter, acts as a protective primer layer when applied to a metal surface. If you apply this converter to rusty metal, the rust will change into a black substance due to the effects of phosphoric acid.
Rust converters do not require sandblasting, unlike rust reformers. Moreover, in the process of rust removal, a rust converter consumes less time as well as less energy. The application of converters is considered best in vehicles, industrial machinery, farming equipment, and more.
It provides fast and efficient performance in rust removal. When applying a rust converter to a metal surface, you must follow a few rules. Clean and degrease the affected area first before applying the solution there. Then, apply a rust converter.
Pros And Cons Of Rust Reformer
Pros
- Ideal rust reforming product without chemical processing.
- Ensures fast rust removal process.
- Effectively dissolves the rust from metal surfaces.
- Adequate to prevent rust by providing a rust-proofing layer.
Cons
- Not designed as a primer.
- Requires sanding on metal before applying dust reformer solution.
Pros And Cons Of Rust Converter
Pros
- It contains phosphoric acid for rust conversion, which converts rust into a black substance.
- Sanding is not required on the metal before applying the rust converter solution.
- It acts as a protective primer layer on the surface.
- The rust removal process takes less time and energy.
Cons
- It doesn’t prevent rust.
3 Key Distinctions Between A Rust Reformer And A Rust Converter [rust reformer vs rust converter]
In functioning and some other respects, rust reformers and rust converters differ. We will highlight the significant differences between the reformer and converter to enhance your knowledge of the two excellent rust removers.
1. Features
Rust Reformer:
- A rust reformer combines with the rust to create a washable as well as water-soluble substance.
- It is usually used on corroded things that require bare metal cleaning and lubrication.
- If necessary, only lubrication is used to remove the rust with a rust reformer.
Rust Converter:
- A rust converter converts rust or iron oxide to iron material which can be overcoated.
- In the case of massively rusted items, you need to paint the objects after removing the rust.
- You can use oil or epoxy paint to cover the affected area.
2. Function
Rust Reformer
- A rust reformer separates the rust from the surface of the metal. It has the ability to resist rust, providing a rust-proofing layer.
- A rust reformer dissolves and eliminates the rust from the genuine metal surface.
Rust Converter
- A rust converter rusts to a stable substance. It doesn’t prevent rust as it is not designed with rust-proofing features.
- A rust converter changes rust chemically into an inert substance. The genuine metal is still adhered to by this inert substance.
3. Uses
Rust Reformer
- You can use a rust reformer when you have no plan to paint your metal surface. But, the material should be tiny enough to allow a good soaking in the rust reformer solution.
Rust Converter
- Rust converter is widely used on specific things, like automobiles, fences, iron railings, trailers, sheet metal, etc. Additionally, it can also be utilized to preserve and restore historical artifacts based on iron material.
Who Is This For?
what does Rust Reformer?
The rust reformer is ideal for removing rust without chemical processing. This solution can remove rust from any metal surface. It accelerates the rust removal process and effectively removes rust from metal.
The product removes the rust and leaves a rust protective layer on your metal surface. After removing the rust, you can prime as well as paint your metal or any form of metal material.
what does rust converter do?
Rust Converter is an excellent chemical solution that efficiently removes rust from metal. Unlike rust reformers, it converts the rust into a black substance that appears to be re-paintable.
You don’t need to sand your metal before applying the agent. Also, the rust removal product comes with a self-priming feature that primes your metal while removing rust.
You can apply this rust removal agent to your vehicle and any metal equipment to remove rust. This solution is used a lot in industrial machinery for rust removal.
The rust converter has several advantages but does not provide rust resistance. This is a drawback of this quality product.
Buyer Experiences
Buyers have found effective results in removing rust with two variants of rust remover – rust reformer and rust converter. The feedback from the buyers highly rates both the products.
However, buyers prefer rust converters for better removal results where the rust turns into a dark material that looks paintable again. In contrast, some buyers recommend rust reformers to prevent rust that a run converter cannot provide.
What Are The Types Of Rust Remover?
There are mainly three sorts of rust reformers. They include chelating, chemical, and converter. Each model has different benefits and drawbacks, but it will affect your work, depending on the situation. Therefore, be sure to choose a dust remover that suits your needs.
What Are The Types Of Rust Converters?
Rust converters are available in three forms. There is a different effect and performance for each. Here is a short explanation of each type of rust converter.
1. Gel
It is clear that the gel rust converter will be thicker than any liquid counterpart. As you apply a rust converter of water form, in the same way, you cannot apply a gel rust converter.
You will need to paint or roll it over the affected area on your metal surface. You cannot use the gel with a sprayer.
It leaks less, and therefore, users prefer gel converters to apply in their cars. Moreover, cleaning that surface after using the solvent is reasonably straightforward.
2. Liquid
The liquid rust converter is straightforward to use; therefore, it is the most common type of corrosion converter that is heavily used. You can apply it to your surface metal using a paintbrush as well.
If possible, you can also immerse the damaged item in the solvent to use it in another way. Your choice of option will depend on the project you’re engaged in.
Although a widely used liquid rust converter, it frequently drips and makes a mess.
3. Spray
The spray is a very convenient form of rust converter. This is because it enables quick application in challenging areas.
Due to the smaller size of spray bottles compared to liquid and gel containers, the spray is more suited for smaller applications.
For convenience and efficacy, use the spray version of the rust converter to deal with rust on your metal surface.
Buyer Guide To Find The Best Rust Converter For Best Buyer Experience
There are five essential factors to take into account before purchasing the best rust converter. Selecting a top product ensures the excellent performance of the product. Check it out.
1. Application
Most typically, surfaces affected by rust are painted or sprayed with a rust converter. Considering the application as you work based on your needs will be fantastic.
However, some factors, such as the size and extent of your rust-affected area, determine the type of converter. Use sprays that will be more effective if the metal surface rust is mild.
On the other hand, the liquid is better suited for use when painting huge sections of metal. The viscosity of the formula should also be considered.
Less viscous formulations may require many coatings and overspray management, whereas thicker rust converters are less messy but cannot be applied with a sprayer.
2. Toxicity
When used as rust converters, the products’ primary purpose is to trigger chemical reactions. Some of which may be volatile.
So, before using the products, make sure you can touch the warning label. Rust converters won’t result in severe burns, but they may cause irritation.
You should always use gloves because numerous products will mark your clothes until it has naturally shed. Concerns about flammability are also warranted.
Rust converters can be either non-flammable or flammable. For your safety, the ones that don’t require you to store the container at the proper temperature. Follow the product bottle’s instructions.
3. Drying Time
The drying process can take between 24 and 48 hours due to the lengthy chemical reaction of the rust converter.
Although not the most critical aspect, curing time is something to think about during your busy schedule.
If you require more immediate results, pick one of the products that dry in less than an hour or two.
4. Cleanup
Choosing a product that makes cleaning up spills simple will be fantastic. The same thing occurs with rust converters, much as how paint is simple to get where you don’t want it. And cleaning up this product is not always easy, just like painting.
Phosphoric acid, which is the main constituent in these goods, presents a challenge because it makes cleanup difficult.
The top-rated rust converters have active ingredients that quicken the cleaning process, but whether you have trouble getting rid of extra product relies in part on the type of surface rust you painted or sprayed on.
How To Remove Rust From Your Metal Surface?
1. Use Vinegar
Use white vinegar to dissolve the rust from the metal by reacting with it. Soak the metal in the solution for a few hours before removing the rusty paste. In contrast, if possible, you can keep the item soaked in vinegar.
Pour a layer on top, and give it some time to dry. To eliminate rust, brush aluminum foil dipped in vinegar. Although it is not as abrasive as steel wool, it will still work to remove the rust.
2. Use Salt
You can also use salt. Just scatter some salt on the rusty area; it will get coated. And then take out the juice of one lime from the top.
Also, you can let the mixture sit for a few hours before scrubbing. A good alternative is to use the lime peel to clean the mixture after that. This is an excellent way to remove rust without damaging the metal.
3. Use Baking Soda
Another effective method for removing rust from a surface is baking soda. Use baking soda to create a flawless paste, then combine baking soda and water until the mixture is thick enough to spread over the metal.
Leave it for a while to set, then scrub it off. You can dilute the baking soda mixture as much as you like. It depends on you.
Can A Rust Converter Be Applied To A Non-Rusty Surface?
It is not allowed to use a rust converter on a non-rusty surface. The product is specifically formulated for rusting removal purposes. Hence, you can apply the liquid solution only to the rusted part of your metal.
Before applying the oil-based paint, it is advised to wipe the surface with a moist cloth to remove any remaining Rust Converter once it has completely dried. The paint won’t stick to the non-rusted regions since the rust converter will glaze coat them.
What Materials Can I Use Rust Converter On?
You can apply a rust converter on any rusty iron or steel material. You can also use it on vehicles, fences, trailers, gates, iron railings and staircases, lawn equipment, mower decks, farm equipment, tractors, and more that we have mentioned multiple times in our article.
Well, remember that corrosion converters cannot work on metals, such as aluminum and copper. In general, you can utilize a dust converter to fix the rust on the object you want to paint.
Is It necessary To Paint Over Rust Converter?
Not really necessary; it’s up to you. It would be preferable to paint over a rust converter with two coats of high-quality oil-based paint if your surface is exposed to the environment. It will undoubtedly increase the surface’s defenses against harmful weather conditions like rain, salt, etc.
How Do I Prepare The Surface For Application?
Effective use of the rust converter depends on the prepared surface, which produces high-quality results. You can prepare your metal surface for rusting extensive rust and scale particles using a stiff brush or sandpaper. In order to create a sturdy surface, all loose or flaking rust must be removed in this phase.
On rusty metal, you can’t apply pain. Hence, prior to applying a rust converter, thoroughly clean the surface with water if it has been exposed to salt water spray from deicing salts.
Conclusion
Both rust reformer and rust converter are great solutions for efficiently removing rust from metal. Despite the slight difference between the two, these dust removers have better performance. Both products, rust reformer vs rust converter are highly recommended and highly rated by users to prevent and treat rust.
However, if we have to decide one between two, we would say a rust converter is the best solution as a rust cleaning agent. It turns rust into a dark substance that appears paintable once again. Moreover, rust converters can be used as both rust remover and sandpaper as it can convert rusty metal surfaces into a sandable material.
Joseph is one of the leading team members of Modern Paint. He has excellent organizational skills and amazing work ethic. Joseph is a DIY enthusiast. He also likes to play music and give valuable advice to our team members.