Rust and corrosion are the two main enemies of metal parts and surfaces, so it is important to use corrosion or rust inhibiters. When metal is treated with corrosion inhibitors and/or rust inhibiters, it is given a shield against these irritants. With the proper anti-corrosion systems in place, metal parts and surfaces are guaranteed a longer life.

Different methods are used to treat metal, and the type of protection needed will often dictate which method is most useful. Interior and exterior corrosion protection is easily attainable. When shopping for corrosion inhibitors:

1. Find specialty corrosion inhibitors for metal interiors and recessed areas,

2. Treat exposed areas with surface protection products, and

3. Mix anti-corrosion products into standard surface coatings for added protection.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use specialized anti-corrosion products such as powders for recessed areas

It is not only metal surfaces that require corrosion protection against the elements. Anti-corrosion powders are designed to get inside pipes and metal equipment, providing a barrier against rust and chemical corrosive products.

I recommend: Check out Cortec enhanced powder solutions. These dry compounds are designed for use in interior cavities and enclosed areas. The powders bond to metal surfaces to provide corrosion protection. Purchase an anti-corrosion powder can be applied to recessed areas by fogging, dusting or sandblasting at VCI. The powder is easily removed with a water rinse.

Keep metal surfaces in shape with corrosion protection products

As surfaces are generally easier to treat, there is a wider variety of corrosion protection solutions available. Surfaces can be dipped, wiped or sprayed with corrosion protection solutions. Some of these solutions even double as surface preparation chemicals that can save time and energy.

I recommend: Orison sells the Picklex20 solution, which offers a one-step solution for corrosion prevention and surface protection. It cleans ferrous and non-ferrous surfaces of rust and debris while providing an instant surface coating. Surfaces are ready for primer and paint after a simple air drying. Pentakem has a variety of corrosion inhibitors. The Corrogard solutions are ideal surface protection products that can be applied by dipping or spraying. Some Corrogard products offer extra protection with vapour action that continues to provide protection against the elements.

Surface coating additives aids in corrosion prevention

Corrosion inhibitor manufacturers sometimes offer specialized, anti-corrosion additives which can be mixed into paints, primers and other surface coatings. This can turn everyday surface coatings into effective corrosion inhibitors, thus eliminating a step in the corrosion control process.

I recommend: Browse the anti-corrosion products available at Romix Chemical & Brush. Here, one can find corrosion control cleaners. Solvay Solexis micronized powders can be added to surface coatings to stop corrosion and repel moisture. They are ideal for the purpose of chemical resistance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Corrosion protection products are often comprised of hazardous materials, so safety should always be a top priority when using or storing these products.