How To Dissolve Rust with Evapo-rust
Overview
Evapo-Rust is effective on just about any mild steel surface with rust and will not affect PVC, plastic, Viton, rubber, glass or non-oxide based paints. Even un-rusted steel and other metals will be left unharmed while the rust is eliminated. It’s also very safe to handle being non-toxic, non-corrosive, and non-flammable. The environment will be pleased too; as it is water soluble and bio-degradable.
Let’s have a look at some ways to use Evapo-rust shall we?
Stripping Rust From Small Parts
- Fill a container with Evaporust, enough to completely cover the item being treated. While Evapo-rust does contain detergents to penetrate oil and dirt, giving your parts a quick clean up with a brush and degreaser will help speed up the process.
- Place your part/s in the solution and leave to soak. The progress will be obvious after a few minutes of soaking, so just check periodically until you can see all the rust has been removed. Light rust may be removed in as little as 5 minutes, while heavier rust may require an overnight soaking.
- Once you’re satisfied that all the rust is gone, rinse the item under clean water to remove any carbon deposits, and be sure to give it a rust proof coating or paint job to keep future corrosion at bay.
Stripping Rust From Larger Surfaces
The key to getting the best result from Evapo-rust is constant contact with the corroded item. For a very large object it may be impractical to find a large enough container, and far too expensive to fill with enough Evapo-rust. Never mind, we can still make it work with the help of a cheap 12 volt shower.
- First, you’ll need to find a large enough container for a base. An old bathtub, cut down drum, or even a temporary structure built from bricks or timber; and lined with some waterproof plastic or a tarp.
- Place your item in here, add your Evapo-rust, and soak as many areas as you can. To soak the areas where the Evapo-rust won’t cover, simply rig up your 12 volt shower to pump from a low point in the bottom, and wash over the affected area.
- Move the shower head around all rusty areas until the entire object is complete. This method will be slower than full immersion, but allows you to complete the job without using too much product
How to De-rust Inside a Fuel Tank
You may have wondered “how do I remove rust INSIDE a fuel tank” when you can’t get in there? Well, Evapo-rust is an excellent solution.
- First, ascertain the amount of rust you’re dealing with. After fully draining the tank, peek inside with an LED torch. If you have only light to medium rust, you’re good to go. If the rust is heavy, with signs of flaking and debris; you’ll have to give it a wash out with clean water first. Do not use solvents or cleaning solutions when doing this, as it will reduce the effectiveness of Evapo-rust.
- Now pour in enough Evapo-rust to completely cover one side of the tank. Allow each side to soak for two or three hours, repeatedly turning until each side has been treated.
- Drain the tank and collect the Evapo-rust, it can be re-used. Check the tank for signs of any rust remaining, and repeat step two if necessary. Once you’re satisfied that it’s rust free; rinse your tank out with a product that will evaporate. Methylated spirits, acetone or petrol will do the trick!
- Once the tank is filled with petrol or diesel, it will remain rust free. If you plan on storing the tank for a while; pour in some diesel and splash it around to create a protective barrier.
Sure, mechanical rust removal works. But it’s messy and fiddly work. As long as there’s good metal in place, Evapo-rust will strip away the bad stuff from every crevice and leave you with a clean surface ready for protection.
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