As you are probably already well aware, steel that is exposed to water and air regularly can begin to badly rust. If left unchecked, that rust can eat through the metal and cause severe or irrevocable damage. The rusting process occurs only when air and water come into contact with the surface of the steel, creating a reaction referred to as iron oxide. The next time you see the typical orange and brown colored rust, you now know that it is called iron oxide. Thankfully, there are many chemical protectants that can be applied to steel that will prevent it from rusting. In the article below we’ll walk you through a list that contains some of the most intriguing of these chemicals.
10 Most Amazing Chemicals to Prevent Rust in Steel
1. Chromium Oxide:
This amazing metallic element is the key to making stainless steel so durable. Forged into raw steel, chromium acts as a protector of the otherwise vulnerable metal. When chromium is exposed to air, it reacts by creating chromium oxide. Chromium oxide then forms a protective coating over the top of any surrounding raw steel, not allowing it to be exposed to air or water, the two key ingredients that cause rust. Stainless steel can still corrode or rust if exposed to harsh and long-lasting moisture, however, the metal is much more durable than raw iron or other raw metals.
2. Bluing Chemicals
This steel protecting chemical combination typically consists of warm water, potassium nitrate, and sodium hydroxide. When combined and applied to the surface of the steel, bluing mixtures are able to form a strong, durable, long-lasting, and powerful sealant that will stop any water or air from reaching the steel’s vulnerable surface. Due to the fact that it is so durable, bluing does not need to be reapplied to steel often. It is typically thought that bluing agents can extend the life of steel by decades if it is applied correctly. Steeline Garages in Gympie can help you to come up with the proper steel garage rust-proofing strategy.
3. Oil-Based Solutions
A rough and extremely durable way to protect steel and keep it from rusting is known as an organic coating. These oil-based sealants are lathered on to the surface of steel with a brush, sprayed on using an aerosol can, or wiped on using a specialized rag. Organic coatings can typically reach a surface layer thickness of 25mm, offering an extremely long lasting layer of protection to the surface of the steel. Oil-based organic sealants are usually used to protect steel that is expected to endure harsh weather elements and lots of water. Steel exposed to salty ocean water is often protected with organic sealants.
There are many specialized types of epoxy resin that are chemically formulated for the sole purpose of protecting steel. They are usually formulated out of polyepoxides. They come in a semi-liquid form, allowing the steel to be evenly and thoroughly coated with the substance. Once applied, the epoxy is heat treated until it solidifies and forms a super tough sealed layer over the top of the steel’s surface.
5. Acrylic Resin
Commonly referred to as a thermoplastic substance comprised primarily out of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, this semi-liquid substance can be lathered or sprayed on to any steel surface. Once the steel is covered in the acrylic resin, the resin is then heat treated in order to harden and solidify it around the inner steel surface. Once applied and heated, the acrylic resin acts as a long-lasting steel protector that can give any steel surface decades of rust-free life. Acrylic resin isn’t particularly toxic and it is generally regarded as being a safe rust-proofing solution.
6. Liquid Zinc
Also known as zinc oxide, this powerful metallic element is the key ingredient within galvanized steel. Forged into the steel itself, liquid zinc eventually comes into contact with air. Once exposed to air, a reaction occurs that turns the liquid zinc into zinc oxide. The zinc oxide then spreads out and surrounds the nearby steel. The layer that it forms traps the raw steel elements below its surface, forming a super tough rust-resistant protective layer. The zinc oxide reaction in galvanized steel is very similar to the chromium oxide reaction in stainless steel.
7. Polyester Sealant
Grouped into the polymer category, polyester can be purchased in liquid form. Like other anti-rust or rust-proofing solutions, the liquid is sprayed, brushed, wiped, or dipped onto steel garage doors parts. Once it has been thoroughly applied, a handheld heating device is then used to harden the sealant. Once the polyester is dry, it will form a hard protective layer over the surface of your steel garage, protecting it for many years to come.
8. Nylon Sealant
Classified as a synthetic polymer, nylon is a great way to seal the surface of the steel. Like many other polymers that we have already mentioned, nylon can be applied to the steel in a liquid form. Once there, it is heat treated and then hardens to form a super durable rust-proofing layer of protection.
9. Tar-Based Solutions
These effective but somewhat crude sealant formulas use tar to coat the surface of the steel. The downside to using tar as a steel protector is that it smells, it is not particularly heat resistant, and it is semi-toxic. Tar sealants are usually only used to protect steel in an industrial setting. It would be unusual to use a tar based sealant in a residential setting, especially on a steel garage door.
10. High-Density Wax Coating – Wax is a great way to protect steel parts on a garage door. The wax is typically sprayed on and then it hardens on its own. Wax is known to be completely safe to handle, which is why it is typically recommended as a rustproofing for garage door parts. It can add a protective layer over your steel for many months or even years if it is applied properly.