Can the paint be applied directly to the rust?

It is not only new steelwork that needs a quality rustproofing treatment. A more complex and urgent problem is the protection of metals already affected by rust.

Corrosion spots can be small or extensive and can be either loose or hardened rust. It is often difficult to thoroughly clean the surface to be painted and leaving the metal unprotected is not an option. This is where anti-corrosion paints can come in and apply to the rust. These products can neutralise rust and provide protection for up to 10 years.
 

Why does rust appear?

Before we get into the effects of corrosion protection compounds, let us remind you how and why metal corrosion occurs. This destructive process affects iron, steel and cast iron products. Metal begins to oxidize when it comes into contact with moisture and condensate (electrochemical corrosion) or with aggressive substances (chemical corrosion). The iron turns into a loose brown oxide.

Over time this layer begins to spread and penetrate deeper and deeper. The speed of the corrosion process varies, depending on the type of metal and its specific operating conditions.
 

How do you protect metal from corrosion?

One way to protect metals is to create a barrier between the metal substrate and the outside environment. A whole range of protective paints and enamels have been developed for this purpose and are applied to surfaces. But once these have been applied, the coating will quickly thin and peel off, and rust will reappear underneath.

The need therefore arose to combine this method with another technology. Namely, by applying a layer of another metal that corrodes very slowly to the substrate. After tests, it was found that zinc resists corrosion the longest. This is how zinc-containing primers were developed. In addition, rust inhibitors (rust converters) were added to primer enamels to combat the corrosion that had already occurred.
 

What kind of rust can I paint on?

• Localised spots. If the affected area is small, it is sufficient to remove loose rust, dirt and residues of old paint. This can be done with a handy tool, then the surface can be dusted and the paint can be applied.
   
• Large area. If the surface is heavily damaged and penetrates deeply, an abrasive surface treatment is necessary. The metal is cleaned to a layer of hardened rust. It is then degreased, dusted and coated.
   

Quick instructions for applying paint on rust

1. When applying anti-corrosion treatment, pay attention to grease and oil stains. These impair the adhesion of the paint and will therefore need to be removed. Other surface imperfections (unevenness, scratches) will be retouched with a primer coat.
    
2. Slight moisture on steel structures does not prevent the application of paint. However, if there are large drops of water, the surface will need to be dried. If the metal is already corroded, drying is mandatory to remove moisture from the rust.
    
3. A brush or spray can be used to treat small parts and mounting seams. Large, flat surfaces can be painted more easily with a roller. Large items with shaped elements can be painted with a spray gun.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Ask them by email: zincor.paints@gmail.com