Untreated metal surfaces and parts are at the mercy of the elements without anti corrosion coating. Without a protective barrier, these metals succumb to corrosion and rust. Sometimes, the damage can be irreparable. To prevent this problem from rearing its ugly head, corrosion-resistant coatings should always be used.

As with many other surface treatments, corrosion prevention is a jewel with many facets. Buyers can choose to focus on aspects like durability and shelf-life, or they can concentrate on things like aesthetic quality and ease of use. When looking for corrosion protection products:

1. Use corrosion resistant paint for attractive, protected surfaces,

2. Employ electroplating services as an anti corrosion coating for maximum metal protection, and

3. Brush on some protection with do-it-yourself corrosion-resistant coatings.

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

Treat metal surfaces and parts with anti corrosion coating to protect them from the elements

Sometimes surfaces need corrosion-resistant coatings, but they also need to have a smooth finish and look pleasing to the eye. In this case, the best bet would be a corrosion-resistant paint. Specially formulated with anti-corrosion additives, these coatings can often be color matched and leave metals protected and attractive.

I recommend: Hy-Tech's Metal Shield is a special corrosion-resistant paint. The paint is mixed with ceramic micro-spheres as well as an anti-corrosive resin, making surfaces insulated against heat and resistant to rust and other corroding agents. PPG marine corrosion-resistance surface coating protects surfaces against corrosion, salt spray damage and other harsh elements. This special coating is available in a variety of custom colors.

Have metal surfaces electroplated for an anti corrosion coating

Plating corrosion resistance keeps metals safe from corrosion through a scientific process that bonds metals and alloys to existing metal surfaces. Plating can be versatile, and treated surfaces can be drab or shiny, natural color or color-treated. Most important, the metals are well shielded.

I recommend: Take a look at the hard chrome plating offered by Jersey Chrome. Their chromium-based compounds make effective corrosion resistant coatings for steel and other hard metals. It can be used on ferrous and non-ferrous metal parts and surfaces. Production Plating offers a variety of metal coatings and finishes, including anodized coatings with color. Their nickel finishes provide effective corrosion resistant coatings for copper.

Grab a brush and do your own anti corrosion coating

It can take little more than gloves and a paintbrush to give metal a reliable anti corrosion coating. Some corrosion resistant coating distributors keep the do-it-yourself person in mind, offering a selection of easy to use products.

I recommend: Check out the Rust Bullet rust inhibitor. Their patented formula provides a corrosion resistant coating that can be applied to metal with little or no surface preparation. Accessories such as drying accelerant, gloves and brushes are also available. There is a large inventory of do-it-yourself epoxies and alkyd coatings available at Top Secret Coatings. Primers and other surface treatments are available as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To help the environment, look for anticorrosion coatings that are less toxic and more earth-friendly.