7 best rust converters

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

How to choose a rust converter

The problem of choosing rust converters entirely goes back to the problem of lack of knowledge about the mechanism of operation. In most cases, people who decide to buy such a product rely on existing experience, or rely on their own luck. In view of this, the project provides you with clear guidance for choosing and recommends paying attention to the following aspects:

1. The main active ingredient. There are two of them in rust converters: acids or active zinc ions. The first ones are designed for urgent elimination of corrosion with maximum impact on the source of its occurrence. The result of such exposure is usually a salt deposit, which can be easily wiped off with a dry cloth. Zinc-based converters, in turn, have a protective effect on the metal, in parallel destroying rust on its surface. As a result of application, a thin zinc film appears at the processing site, protecting the metal from negative environmental factors. The disadvantage of such a tool: an incomplete effect on the rusting center is possible, which, when galvanized, will begin to re-develop.
2. Consistency. Another important parameter of rust converters is consistency. Both the possibility of penetration into areas with deep corrosion and the method of application depend on it. Aerosol formulations have a higher absorption, can penetrate into hard-to-reach places, but are significantly inferior to competitors in concentration at a certain location. In contrast, pasty converters are used predominantly in readily accessible areas, do not have high penetration, but provide more serious local protection, often used in place of a primer. Currently, gel converters have appeared on the market, combining the advantages of the first two consistencies, but their cost is slightly higher.
3. Security level. Despite the fact that absolutely all rust converters are dangerous for the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract of a person, until recently they were all explosive. To date, there are a large number of alternatives that do not contain flammable substances in their composition, but have a mechanism of action of similar effectiveness. If possible, give preference to such formulations.

Product type	Benefits	disadvantages
Rust neutralizer	+ Possesses the best penetrating action, reaching the center of corrosion + Fast drying over the entire surface (including in the grooves of irregularities) + Formation of easily washable corrosion neutralizing products + Indirect increase in the service life of the metal (with mandatory subsequent processing)	– Substance, aggressive towards paints and varnishes – Lack of full protection of the treated area from negative environmental factors – Low efficiency with inadequate cleaning of the base metal
Rust converter	+ Formation of a resistant coating at the site of the corrosion center + Low price for the entire range + Possibility of introducing additional protective components into the composition + Possibility of repair-free repair of small cracks and scratches by treatment with compounds containing zinc ions + Coating even on poorly cleaned metal	– Aggressive effect on paintwork – Insufficient penetrating ability to act on deep foci of corrosion

Rating of the best rust converters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Aerosol Rust Converters	1	Liqui Moly 'Pro-Line Schnell-Rostloser'	RUB 590
	2	Hi-Gear	RUB 690
	3	Autoprofi	135 RUB
Best Liquid Rust Converters	1	Astrohim with active zinc ions	141 r
	2	Fenom	157 r
Best Gel Rust Converters	1	Permatex 81773	723 RUB
	2	Kudo KV-70005	RUB 104

Best Aerosol Rust Converters

Liqui Moly 'Pro-Line Schnell-Rostloser'

Rating: 4.9

Liqui Moly 'Pro-Line Schnell-Rostloser' rust converter is great in every sense. Despite the high cost (which is the only drawback), it is distinguished by a delicate and targeted effect on the metal affected by corrosion, allowing full processing in a matter of minutes.

The mechanism of action of this solution combines the principles of WD-40 and the modifier we are accustomed to: neutralizing rust, it cleans the movable joints (and makes it possible to unwind them), and upon subsequent rinsing, forms a protective film on the surface. The latter is the result of the action of filler materials, which also include zinc ions. Liqui Moly 'Pro-Line Schnell-Rostloser' is neutral to paint, and therefore does not pose the slightest danger to it. It can be applied even on dirty surfaces – excellent penetrating action will cope with both rust and dirt separation. In general, among other things being equal, this converter stands out in an advantageous way, thanks to which it takes the deserved first place.

Advantages

• neutral to paint, soil;
• high penetrating action;
• a complex of additives provides lubrication of moving parts, and also wedges them (like WD-40);
• 400 milliliters of volume;
• creation of a durable film on the metal surface.

disadvantages

• high price.

Hi-Gear

Rating: 4.8

An expensive and very effective composition from the foreign company Hi-Gear, the main advantage of which is a directed and quick action even on deep foci of corrosion. The powerful atomizer of the factory bottle provides a stream under significant pressure, due to which the already excellent penetration ability of the modifier increases several times. The increased content of the active ingredient, which in this case is phosphoric acid, has an immediate destructive effect on iron oxides, converting them into polymer compounds of increased hardness.

True, for such a transformation, Hi-Gear must be washed off with alcohol – water will not ensure the proper release of such a concentrated product. The only truly serious disadvantage of this converter lies in the extreme danger to the respiratory tract, skin and mucous membranes of a person. An increased concentration of acid has a destructive effect on the paintwork, therefore, only a small drop of the agent is enough to damage the painted surfaces.

Advantages

• very effective action up to the destruction of the deepest areas of corrosion, which are amenable to this type of maintenance;
• high penetrating power;
• formation of a strong film when reacting with iron oxides;
• low consumption.

disadvantages

• poses a danger to humans and destructively affects the paint;
• high price.

Autoprofi

Rating: 4.7

An aerosol modifier from Autoprofi differs little in efficiency from a liquid analogue (labeled 'Galvanized'), but still carries several pleasant (and not so) nuances. As before, the product is characterized by a low price and a huge volume of a spray bottle: as much as 500 milliliters. The sprayer in this case is a trigger, capable of operating in a wide and narrow jet. The first, as practice shows, does not differ in efficiency – a fine suspension is not strong enough to overcome obstacles in the form of large pieces of rust and turns out to be suitable only for spraying local slightly contaminated areas. The narrow jet, in turn, has a directional effect, being penetrating enough to affect even deep foci of rust.

Another nuance that users point out is the poor adhesion of the aerosol to the paint. In this regard, before painting, the composition must be urgently removed from the surface completely, using a special wash for this. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the paintwork, which is especially unpleasant when processing a car body.

Advantages

• very low price;
• the ability to operate the spray gun in two spray modes;
• optimal bottle volume (500 ml);
• high penetrating power of the composition.

disadvantages

• the need for thorough rinsing before further processing of the product;
• poor adhesion.

Best Liquid Rust Converters

Astrohim with active zinc ions

Rating: 4.9

A product manufactured by the domestic company ASTROhim, distinguished by its low cost in the segment of liquid rust modifiers. There are clear savings here: 500 ml cans are slightly more expensive than 250 ml aerosols of the same type, but they usually last for a longer period.

In general, the classical composition of the converter has a number of filler materials, as well as zinc ions, which not only create a protective film, but also tighten shallow scratches and microcracks in the material. The second active ingredient, orthophosphoric acid, has a direct effect on the corrosive layer, releasing the products of its complete neutralization. For the final cleaning of metal from traces of processing, it is enough to carefully wipe the surface with special napkins, after which a thin layer of galvanized will appear on it. Possessing good adhesion, this modifier allows you to apply a layer of paint over it without fear of cracking and poor hiding power. ASTROhim with zinc ions is excellent for the gentle repair of car body parts, as well as for the treatment of non-critical painted metal parts.

Advantages

• very low price;
• high-quality performance of the main function (rust removal);
• rather large volume of the converter;
• formation of a zinc film on the surface of the treated metal.

disadvantages

• before further processing the metal, it is necessary to thoroughly remove the agent from the surface.

Fenom

Rating: 4.8

The next line of the rating goes to the solution from the Fenom company, which received approval due to its double action on the metal. In addition to combating corrosion (quite effective at low consumption), this converter acts as a primary tool for processing the part, forming a stable polymer compound with high adhesion on it. All of the above properties contribute to a better 'bond' with paint and primer, and also guarantee the absence and development of rust foci for the next 5-7 years.

As consumers note, the low cost of Fenom is nothing more than a marketing fiction designed to stimulate consumer activity. The modifier is produced only in cans of 11 milliliters, which, even with all the economy of the product, will not be enough for normal body treatment. This entails buying several packs, which ultimately translates into good spending.

Advantages

• double action (removal of corrosion traces + formation of a protective film);
• high adhesion to paint and primer;
• prevalence in stores throughout Russia.

disadvantages

• low price visibility (when calculating for the required volume, the modifier is expensive).

Best Gel Rust Converters

Permatex 81773

Rating: 4.9

Strong gel-type rust modifier to provide reliable overlapping of metal after reaction. Has an accelerated mechanism of action, which is why it takes only 2-3 minutes to process. Permatex 81773 forms a hard black polymer coating, in fact, not very suitable for painting in brighter colors (since the processed part, if we are talking about the car body, will be noticeably darker than the base).

The operating temperature range of this converter fluctuates in the region of +10 – +32 degrees Celsius, while it is important that the coated metal itself is not heated by more than +93 degrees. Values ​​above the required ones will cause poor overlap with the polymer primer, or will not allow the composition to react normally at all. Permatex 81773 is packaged and distributed in cans of 454 grams, and it is best to use a brush for application. It is used mainly in agricultural machinery, for the protection of metal car bodies, as well as other critical metal products.

Advantages

• fast mechanism of action (polymer coating is formed in 2-3 minutes);
• very dense and strong resulting coating, suitable for subsequent painting;
• low consumption of the composition for processing parts.

disadvantages

• poor adhesion at elevated temperatures.

Kudo KV-70005

Rating: 4.8

Gel 'poultice' for processing ferrous metal before painting, suitable for small repairs to eliminate paint defects. The principle of operation of Kudo KV-70005 is based on the formation of a phosphate film that does not affect the painted metal, affecting only the place where corrosion occurs.

This modifier is packed in jars of 15 milliliters, which are enough for sensible processing on average of 0.02 square meters of metal. This is quite a bit, considering that alternative products provide a much more economical application (take the same Permatex 81773). Together with the cost (or, more precisely, being a derivative from it), this aspect is the main disadvantage of the tool. However, we must admit that it copes with its work very well, especially in the moments of restoration of painted iron from minor defects such as scratches, cracks, micro-chips, etc.

Advantages

• active inhibitors of corrosion, reaching the source of its origin;
• effect of 'tightening' of small defects of the paintwork;
• the formation of a stable phosphate film;
• good adhesion.

disadvantages

• high price and small packaging volumes.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.