rust converter

poorboy · Mar 26, 2002

I saw that there was an mention of this a few years ago and I would like to check with all the members here now. I began replacing the floor on my 16 ft. tagalong. I sprayed it off (the metal frame) and knocked off the loose rust. I had ordered a quart of gemplers rust converter back in the winter for this purpose. I covered with this as much as possible and am letting this cure for the next day or so. Has anyone had experience with this product and will it work . I plan on covering the metal with rustolium, spelling off I know hope my students don't read my posts. I would like to do the same with a 120ft. bridge I will refloor the year. Any knowledge will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Patrick

Anonymous Poster · Mar 26, 2002

Most, if not all rust converters are a dilute form of Phosphoric acid, generally running 3 to 5% by vol in water.
Some contain a small amount of disolved magnesium in the solution.
I've been using phosphoric conversion for over 20 years, and the process is magnificent. The key to success is thorough saturation of the rust, and allowing it to slowly evaporate. When the iron phosphate coating has thoroughly dried, apply enamel directly, there is no need for a primer coat.
You can speed the process up by employing the same methodology as electrolytic derusting.
BIG WARNINGS - do not get phosphoric on aluminum, it will disolve aluminum, AND, Do NOT spray apply without complete breathing protection.
Phosphoric acid isn't very dangerous to work with, it's a major component of CocaCola. Just work thouughtfully and carefully. Rubber gloves help a lot if you have skin cuts.

njrqs · Mar 26, 2002

Patrick

I often used the stuff that comes in bottles on rust repairs on cars etc.

I don't think anything will get rid of rust, but after a year or 2, there were no signs of any rust stains or anythign coming from under my (amateur) repairs.

Cheers

skent · Mar 27, 2002

Have used POR15 for years. (Paint -Over -Rust) Great stuff. I usually use a primer coat after the POR and before the top coat. Have done disks, plows, harrows and tractor parts. Works great and never had paint flaking or peeling.

TonyC · Mar 27, 2002

My neighbor is an autobody repairman. He swears by a product called Rust Morte. I have also used it on many occasions with great success. I get it at our local autobody paint/repair supply house. I have never seen it available in retail stores. Good luck!

poorboy · Mar 27, 2002

Thanks all you guys really amaze me with all the knowledge and experience. If spring doesn't come soon though I will be divorced from keeping up with the new posts.

Thanks again,
Patrick

GlueGuy · Mar 28, 2002

Never heard of that particular product, but I used something called "Duro Extend" that I got from True Value hardware many years ago. Duro has since been bought out by someone else, but the product still exists. Extend worked great; I've used it on a number of things, and have never had to worry about rust again.