Have you ever been fixing a piece of equipment, only to suddenly realize it has entirely rusted over with an unsightly layer of iron oxides? 

While you could grind or sandblast the surface to restore it to like-new condition, these methods are cumbersome and could leave you with a shiny surface that simply flash-rusts again. Another option is to use Cortec’s rust removers and flash rust inhibitors to remove the rust and keep it off long enough to successfully finish the maintenance project. 

Step One: Remove Rust with Biobased Rust Removers

If the part can be dipped, fill a container with VpCI-422 (diluted with water to the desired strength) and completely immerse the part in the solution. Periodically check the part every hour for up to 24 hours, scrubbing as needed to remove loosened rust. 

Use EcoClean 423 Rust Remover on parts or surfaces, such as shafts or flanges, that cannot be immersed. Cover with plastic wrap as needed to keep the rust remover from drying out. Periodically check progress and use a scrub brush to remove loosened rust. Both VpCI-422 and VpCI-423 are USDA Certified Biobased Products for greater sustainability.

Step Two: Rinse with Water

When rust removal is satisfactory, rinse the corrosion and rust removal products with regular water to remove contamination.

Step Three: Neutralize and Prevent Flash Rust

After rinsing in regular water, clean the part with VpCI-414, an alkaline cleaner that contains flash corrosion inhibitors to keep the surface from immediately re-rusting. This will give you a few days or a week to get the part installed without flash rust occurring on the clean surface.

Rust surprises are never fun in the middle of maintenance, but they can be corrected and avoided the second time around with a simple rust removal and cleaning process like the one above.