Rust is the foremost enemy of untreated metal materials. In addition to galvanization and the stainless process, rust-preventative and metal primer are essential solutions for protecting ferrous surfaces against corrosion. They allow for the treatment of these materials against oxidation.
Rust-preventative is applied to metal materials to protect them from corrosion (rust). Indeed, when in contact with water or moist air, the majority of metals tend to:
- rust, through a process that alters their appearance and deeply deteriorates the material;
- become weaker over the long term;
- become a potentially dangerous element, especially in the case of structural components and holding pieces used outdoors.
To prevent or delay corrosion, users can choose between protective products:
- in solvent phase, efficient and durable for outdoor use, but not very eco-friendly and characterized by a high emission of VOCs (volatile organic compounds);
- in aqueous phase, easy to apply but with a shorter lifespan, more suited for indoor use;
- intended for ferrous metals (steel, iron, and cast iron) or non-ferrous metals (copper, lead, and brass). The substance acts differently on each material family. Nonetheless, there are universal protections suitable for all types of metals.
Metal primers:
- are applied as an undercoat;
- require the application of one to two layers of another paint on top as a finish;
- can be combined with a rust-preventative paint to optimize protection of the material against corrosion. In this way, it will be possible to improve its lifespan, even in a particularly hostile environment (use in conditions permanently exposed to humidity).
This type of paint is applied:
- by working on small surfaces;
- by insisting on all areas to be treated;
- by doubling the layers for more efficacy;
- by ensuring to cover the piece over its entire surface. Indeed, even a small uncovered area can trigger the onset of corrosion. Moreover, rust spreads very quickly, even under the protective layer covering the other treated parts.
The choice of a rust-preventative and a metal primer depends on the nature of the material to be treated. The conditions in which the support will be used must also be considered to optimize its level of protection over the long term. In all cases, it is very important to apply the anti-corrosion protection carefully to prevent rust from setting in and spreading.