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Rusted metal in, paint-ready surface out
Brush RustGuard™ over sound rust, let it cure, then paint. Images are illustrative — results depend on surface condition and preparation.
The short version
Corrosion is the general term for a metal degrading through reaction with its environment. Every metal corrodes; they just do it differently.
Rust is specifically the corrosion of iron and iron alloys — steel, cast iron, wrought iron. It produces hydrated iron oxides: the flaky orange-brown layer everyone recognises.
That layer is the problem. Aluminium's oxide is tight and self-protecting; iron's oxide is porous, bulky and holds water, so it keeps the reaction running instead of stopping it.
How different metals corrode
| Metal | What you see | Converter suitable? |
|---|---|---|
| Steel / cast iron | Orange-brown flaking rust | Yes — this is the target |
| Aluminium | White chalky powder, pitting | No |
| Copper / brass / bronze | Green or brown patina | No |
| Stainless steel | Tea staining, localised pits | No |
| Galvanised steel | White zinc salts, then red rust | Only on the red rust areas |
| Chrome plating | Blisters, then rust from the steel below | On the exposed steel only |
Types of corrosion worth recognising
- Uniform corrosion — even loss across a surface, the ordinary case
- Galvanic corrosion — two dissimilar metals in contact with an electrolyte; the less noble one goes first
- Pitting — deep localised holes, common with chlorides on stainless
- Crevice corrosion — accelerated attack in tight gaps and under washers
- Intergranular and stress corrosion — structural failures that need specialist assessment
Frequently asked questions
Will a rust converter work on aluminium?
No. Aluminium corrosion is a different oxide with different chemistry. Use an aluminium-specific etch or cleaner.
Can stainless steel rust?
It can stain and pit, especially with chlorides or contamination from carbon steel tools. That is corrosion, but not the iron-oxide rust a converter targets.
What about galvanised steel showing orange?
Once red rust appears, the zinc has failed locally and there is iron oxide to convert. Treat those patches only.
How do I know if it is really rust?
Colour and texture: rust is orange to dark brown and flakes in layers. White powder or green patina is a different metal corroding.
Keep reading
- Rust prevention guideA practical prevention programme for vehicles, tools and outdoor steel — coatings, drainage, storage, salt management and an inspection schedule.
- Rust converter for iron and steel that leaves a paint-ready surfaceRustGuard™ rust converter reacts with existing rust and leaves a stable, primed surface you can paint. Bundles from $24 with worldwide shipping.
- How to remove rust from metalAbrasives, acids, electrolysis, chelation and conversion — what each rust removal method costs in time and effort, and when each one is the right call.
- Rust converter for industrial and structural steelMaintenance coating for structural steelwork, plant, tanks and handrails. Coverage planning, prep grades and topcoat systems.
- How to stop rust from spreadingRust spreads because it holds moisture. Break the cycle with the right prep, a converter and a topcoat — plus the maintenance that stops it restarting.
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