Evapo-Rust FAQ
WILL EVAPO-RUST® REMOVE RUST STAINS FROM CONCRETE OR FABRICS?
EVAPO-RUST® removes rust from iron containing metals. It will not remove stains that are caused by rust. Rust and rust stains are two different things.HOW DOES EVAPO-RUST® WORK?
EVAPO-RUST® works through selective chelation. This is a process in which a large synthetic molecule forms a bond with metals and holds them in solution. Most chelating agents bind many different metals. The active ingredient in EVAPO-RUST® bonds to iron exclusively. It can remove iron from iron oxide, but is too weak to remove iron from steel because the iron is held much more strongly.
CAN I SPRAY IT ON?
EVAPO-RUST® is designed as a dip/soak, not a spray. Evapo-Rust® only works in the liquid form. When sprayed on a surface, the water in the solution will evaporate before de-rusting can be completed. However, if you spray it on a surface and scrub with a brush or pad, it will greatly reduce the amount of scrubbing necessary to remove the rust.NOTE: Although EVAPO-RUST® rust remover is designed to be a soak, it can be utilized in certain situations as a spray. Click here to view how a chassis was de-rusted using EVAPO-RUST® as a spray.
DO THE PARTS NEED TO BE COMPLETELY CLEAN BEFORE IMMERSION?
No, but we highly recommend it. EVAPO-RUST® has detergents which penetrate oils and dirt. However, surface contaminants do slow the process. The soils must be penetrated before EVAPO-RUST® can come in contact with the rust underneath. Soil residue will also shorten the life of EVAPO-RUST®. Heavy greases and cosmoline should be removed prior to de-rusting.IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE EVAPO-RUST® TO REMOVE RUST FROM SOME SURFACES TOO LARGE TO SOAK?
Yes, saturate a fake chamois or other tightly knit material in EVAPO-RUST®. Place the saturated material on/around the surface, evenly press to make sure the material is in contact with the surface, then cover with plastic to keep the material from drying out.NOTE: Although EVAPO-RUST® rust remover is designed to be a soak, it can be utilized in certain situations as a spray. Click here to view how a chassis was de-rusted using EVAPO-RUST® as a spray.
CAN I DILUTE IT WITH WATER?
We do not recommend diluting EVAPO-RUST®. It is packaged at its optimum performance level and diluting will result in a weaker solution which will not totally remove the rust all by itself. If you don't mind adding some brushing and/or heat, it may be possible to dilute it 1:1 with water in some applications; but again, we do not recommend it.WHAT ABOUT BLUING AND OTHER COATINGS?
EVAPO-RUST® will remove sacrificial oxide coatings and is perfect for removing weapon finishes such as Bluing, Parkerizing, Zinc Phosphate, and Browning.Other coatings such as Anodizing, Cobalt Tungsten Carbide, Powder Coating, Chrome, Nickel and Paint will not be removed as long as they do not contain oxides and are still adhered to the surface. EVAPO-RUST® will not harm lead or solder points.