Rust Destroys - POR-15 Restores

The rusting of metal is a major economic problem. It has been estimated that as much as one fourth of the steel produced in the United States goes to replace steel products and structures that have been destroyed by rusting and over 2 billion dollars is spent each year in the USA on coatings that are used for rust prevention.

Rust is the result of a conversion process that takes place when oxygen and moisture come in contact with metal. The oxygen and water combine with iron to create iron oxide the familiar brown coating on the exposed surfaces of the metal commonly known as rust. Left unchecked, moisture and oxygen (in the atmosphere) will continue to pass through the outer layers of iron oxide to attack the unrusted steel beneath. So over time, a piece of steel just keeps rusting and rusting until it has completely rusted through and crumbles under the merest touch. This chemical process can be stopped if water and moisture are not allowed to contact the metal surface. Before we get into the various refinishing techniques lets go over basic surface preparation which applies to all of the finish systems.
 

Regardless of which method of rust prevention you choose, proper preparation is the key to success. Approximately 80% of all paint failures is due to improper surface preparation so this step should not be overlooked unless you want to keep doing this over and over.

Regardless of which finish system you use, preparation is a must!
For painted finishes, prep, apply rust converter, or metal primer and two coats of rust inhibiting paint such as POR-15 Rust Paint.