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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.


ARE THERE ANY METALS I SHOULD NOT SOAK IN EVAPO-RUST®?

EVAPO-RUST® is not recommended for use on magnesium or magnesium alloys.


CAN I USE EVAPO-RUST® TO CLEAN BRASS, COPPER, AND/OR ALUMINUM?

It depends on what you are trying to remove. EVAPO-RUST® will not damage any of these metals and will clean oils and other soils. However, it will not remove corrosion from them. It is designed to remove rust (oxides of IRON). So if you have an iron containing part that is rusted and also has aluminum or brass or copper, etc attached, then you can soak the whole thing. If you have a part that does not contain iron and is not rusted, then why would you want to use EVAPO-RUST®?


HOW LONG DOES EVAPO-RUST® LAST?

One gallon of EVAPO-RUST® will remove 1/2 pound of pure, dry rust. That averages removing rust from approximately 300 pounds of moderately rusted steel. When not in use, it is best to cover (but not airtight) to keep out bugs. If any of the bath evaporates, simply add fresh water.


HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE EVAPO-RUST® IS SPENT?

The bath will turn completely black AND will not perform. Just because it has turned black does not mean it is spent. The pH will be approximately 7.2 or higher and the specific gravity will be about 1.08.


HOW DO I DISPOSE OF THE SPENT SOLUTION?

If you have not introduced hazardous waste (oil, grease, certain paints, etc.) into the bath, only the iron content of the solution should dictate how it can be disposed. In most cases, it is sewarable. It is recommended to check local & federal disposal requirements.


SOME PIECES GET A BLACK FILM ON THEM, WHAT IS IT?

The black is carbon from the steel. The longer you soak, the more black it gets, so remove parts when the rust has been removed to avoid possible discoloration. Generally high carbon steel is used in making items that are flexible (e.g. springs, saw blades, etc.). High carbon steel and tool alloy steel items, when de-rusted, will have a darker appearance. Much of the carbon can be removed simply by wiping with a cloth.