Use Commercial Rust Remover Products

Apply a purpose-made commercial rust remover product to dissolve or convert rust using professional-grade chemistry.

How It Works

Commercial rust removers use stronger acids (phosphoric, hydrochloric, oxalic) or advanced chelating agents to dissolve rust much faster than household acids. They come in three main forms: gels (brush-on, for targeted areas), sprays (for light rust and hard-to-reach spots), and bath/soak formulas (for complete immersion of heavily rusted items). Each product type has specific strengths and appropriate use cases.

Instructions

1. Select a product appropriate for your rust severity and item type
2. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves and safety glasses — commercial products can be caustic
3. For gel products: brush a thick coat onto the rusted area and let it dwell for the time specified on the label (typically 5-30 minutes)
4. For spray products: spray liberally and let sit per label instructions
5. For bath/soak products: submerge the item in the solution for the recommended time
6. Scrub any remaining residue with a stiff brush
7. Rinse thoroughly with water (or neutralize as instructed by the specific product)
8. Dry completely and apply protective coating

Product Categories

• Acid-based gels (Naval Jelly, Loctite Rust Dissolver): Best for targeted application on vertical or overhead surfaces. Use on iron and steel only
• Chelating soaks (Evapo-Rust, Iron Out): Non-toxic immersion solutions. Safe on multiple materials. Best for small to medium items
• Acid sprays (CLR, WD-40 Specialist): Convenient for light rust and quick spot treatment
• Rust converters (Ospho, Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer): Transform rust to a paintable surface rather than removing it. Best when you plan to paint afterward

Tips

• Read and follow the product label carefully — application methods, dwell times, and safety precautions vary significantly between products
• Many commercial removers should not be used on aluminum, chrome, stainless steel, or painted surfaces
• For best value, use inexpensive home methods (vinegar, citric acid) for light rust and reserve commercial products for stubborn cases
• Store products per label instructions and keep away from children

Common Mistakes

• Using an acid-based product on aluminum or chrome, which causes permanent damage
• Exceeding the recommended dwell time, which can etch and pit the base metal
• Not wearing gloves and eye protection with acid-based products
• Applying in poorly ventilated spaces, which concentrates fumes