Published February 1, 2011It’s important to keep tools and metal parts free of rust with a metal rust remover. Rust and corrosion aren’t just eyesores, they can decrease usefulness and lifespan of metal parts, weakening and damaging internal structure. This is especially true if you have smaller metal parts—even a lesser amount of rust can cause these parts to become unusable. If you’re looking for a metal rust remover, it’s best to avoid messy and environmentally harmful acids and gels for metal rust removal—choose a water-based, non toxic rust prevention product for metal parts and tools.
Metal Rust Removal Products to Avoid:
- Avoid metal rust removal products that are generally unsafe, specifically acids and other caustic solutions that are associated with health risks and can potentially cause damage to the skin.
- Avoid metal rust removal products that can potentially compromise the quality or function of your tool, part, or metal piece.
- Avoid metal rust removal products that require vigorous scrubbing, brushing, dipping—this labor is unnecessary as there are metal rust removal products that require no agitation.
What to Look For When Considering a Metal Rust Remover Product:
- Choose a metal rust removal product that allows you to use the product, piece, or metal part immediately after rust removal.
- Choose a metal rust remover that is safe to use. One that does not require gloves, safety gear, or breathing apparatus.
- Choose a metal rust removal product that is 100% safe to dump down sewer drains—and environmentally friendly.
- Choose a metal rust removal product that’s cost effective.
- Choose a metal rust removal product for ease of use—one requiring no scrubbing. A simple 10 minute to overnight soak may be required, depending on the amount of rust accumulated.
Safe and Effective Rust Removal Products
It is possible to find a metal rust remover product that safely remove rust without using harmful acids that are both toxic and harmful to the skin. A rust remover with chelating agents is just as effective a rust removal products as more harmful ones and they work as a natural metal rust removal product. These natural iron oxide removal products are easy to use—simply soak the metal part requiring cleaning (anywhere between 10 minutes and 24 hours) and then rinse and dry. There’s no need for brushing, scrubbing, dipping, or any labor involved. Many of these natural rust removal products can be dumped down storm drains and into sewer systems, although it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re in compliance with all local laws before dumping rust removal products.
Published August 13, 2010VCI paper is coated with rust inhibiting chemicals. These chemicals vaporize into the air around the metal parts protecting them from rust and corrosion. VCI paper used in shipping metal parts eradicates the need for airtight packages.
Look for environmentally safe VCI paper approved by the US military.
With all those chemicals vaporizing, is VCI paper healthy for the environment? Not all VCI papers are alike in this respect.When purchasing rust inhibiting VCI paper, make sure to enquire whether the papers are environmentally safe, fully recyclable and repulpable, biodegradable and non-toxic. Some VCI Paper contain nitrites or heavy metals, and can harm the environment. In addition, not all VCI papers are approved on the prestigious Qualified Product List (QPL) for Military specification MIL-PRF-3420, an approval that dates back to 1983. When choosing VCI paper, it is important to check to ensure that the paper is approved on this list.
Choose the Right Paper for your Metal.
Different types of VCI papers are specifically manufactured to provide the best rust protection for each particular metal. There are VCI papers designed specifically for different types of metals, and for length of time to be protected.There are huge differences in metal composition and one VCI paper does not meet all metal protection needs for every metal. You can use a rust inhibitor paper or an anti rust paper.A knowledgeable sales person can tell you exactly how much VCI is contained in each paper type, and which will keep your products corrosion free for years.
For instance, VCI Paper for ferrous metals is designed to protect steel parts and wires, die casting, springs, bearings, and stampings.VCI Paper for non-ferrous metals is designed to protect non-ferrous metals. VCI multi-metal papers prevent corrosion on non-ferrous metals and multi-metal products like zinc, aluminum alloys, copper alloys and dissimilar metal components such as circuit boards.
Choose a VCI Paper Coated on Both Sides.
Make sure the VCI papers you purchase are impregnated with VCI on both sides. This avoids confusion about which side to place against the part when packing, as well as the ability to interleave the paper within a pallet of parts so that less paper is required in the packaging.
Sue McCrossin is a freelance writer working with Green-VCI to shed light on the subject of VCI Paper and options that can be used when packaging and shipping metal parts to avoid rust and corrosion. For more information on metal rust removal visit www.green-vci.com.