I'm interested Greg....what's a rust converter ?
many paint manufacturers sell a product that causes a chemical reaction of the rust and somehow 'converts' the metal. Personally, the best way (i feel) to get rid of rust is with blasting or grinding, then apply red lead primer. However, the pores in the steel that are vacated in the rust removal process quite often still contain rust in some form. Sherwin Williams paints sells a 'converter' for about 55$/gal that is applied with a brush, rag, sprayer or whatever. they claim to wash it off 24 hrs later, descale it , then prime. I tried that method and think it's more of a temporary fix. Rust-o-leum has a couple of rust converters I've tried. 1 is in a spray can, another (20$/pint) is applied similiarly to the S-W product. My favorite, and I haven't tried 'PUR' cause I don't know the manufacturer, is sold by MROCHEMICAL (800-788-9195) for 89.95/gal. it's called 'Blackstar' Rust Converter. It's applied like the S-W, goes on white and turns black during the conversion process. Numerous coats work wonders. 4 or so coats takes the place of primer. I've used 2 gallons of the blackstar on 3 of my trucks so far and have 2 more to complete the bucket truck. Although no one has yet provided a MSDS sheet, maybe because the contents are a proprietary secret, I think it's some sort of acid. Here's some info that comes off their literature when you buy the product: "21st century technology converts rust to a slick polymer resin coating. No sanding, blasting, grinding or etching. Black Star acts as an outstanding primer or durable final coat. Rustproof permanent coating that wont re-rust-guaranteed. " Now, I'm no sucker and must see good in something before spending 350$, as I have in this. The 1st gallon @89.95 w/free shipping impressed me. the second gallon (with 50ff + free shipping) also went so fast on 2 trucks, that I ordered 2 more (got 25 off, but pd 25 for shipping, go figure?). I worked 23 years at Dupont Chemicals and know all about polymers, monomers and chemical reactions that start in the pores of exotic metals far more expensive that stainless steel. 1 reactive, undesired molecule retained in a pore of metal can grow and cause devastation. In the chemical industry, people and equipment are undesirably affected. The same, I feel, is how rust grows, affecting the structural integrity of our equipment, to say nothing of simple cosmetics. Now, as in anything, preparation is key, as angelo c has stated. Another pertinant comment provided on sales literature: "Hose or power wash off any debris or dirt. Allow to dry. Then apply. Some users dip rusty parts in for complete immersion. In only minutes after applying Black Star, the rust will convert into an inert polymer coating that bonds to the underlying steel. Use as a final coat or as a primer for oil based top coats." With the cost of bolts and other metal f Metal fasteners, expensive as they are (outrageous) : I have a bunch soaking in a qt or so in a plastic gal jug. I also want to see how it affects the plastic jug.
On another forum, or site, guys are communicating how they spray their vehicles' undercarriage with used oil to slow the rusting process. We all know the environmental impacts of used oil and have reputations to look out for....1 of my arborist friends has been banned from Cargill's sugar refinery in La for 1 year for oil leakage from his crane....
