We have all had the experience of leaving our bicycles outside to rust before we know it.
Metals rust, steel rusts easily, and stainless steel is rust-resistant.
In this issue, we will discuss the benefits of rust removal and how it is familiar to you.

Table of Contents
1. What is rust? What are the advantages of rust removal by polishing?
2. Before rust removal by polishing... Is it true that steel rusts easily and stainless steel does not?
3. How to remove rust by polishing? A simple explanation of how to remove rust from steel and stainless steel
4. Abrasives are recommended for removing stubborn rust - Sankyo Rikagaku's abrasives are ideal for rust removal
5. After rust removal by polishing, make sure to prevent rust - restore it to shiny metal!

1. What is rust? What are the advantages of rust removal by polishing?

Where does rust come from in the first place?
For example, it is easy to imagine that if you leave wet iron on the ground, it will rust.
General rusting occurs when oxygen and moisture conditions are met.
The metal reacts with oxygen and moisture, causing the surface to "oxidize".
Rust is a substance produced by a chemical reaction between metals.

Next, we will discuss the types of rust commonly found in everyday life.

Red rust
The most typical rust is red rust.
As the name suggests, it is reddish brown in color, and if left unchecked, corrosion will progress to the metal's interior.
Even if the surface is plated, red rust will gradually occur from surface scratches under the right conditions.

・Blue rest (green rest)
This is a blue-green rust that occurs mainly on copper and brass.
This rust is also utilized in traditional buildings because of its role in preventing the progression of corrosion.

・black rust
Unlike red rust, black rust does not occur naturally.
Used in crafts such as Nambu ironware, black rust serves as a protective coating and inhibits the formation of red rust.

In this issue, we will introduce the most typical rust, red rust removal.

＜What are the benefits of rust removal?＞
・preserving the scenery
・Functional Protection

Rusted metal looks older than it actually is, and the rust can further impair its utility.
There are significant benefits to maintaining a shiny surface by frequently removing rust.

2.Before rust removal by polishing... Is it true that steel rusts easily and stainless steel does not?

As you know, many metals rust when left unattended for long periods of time.
However, its degree depends on the type of metal.
Let's compare some common metals in terms of their susceptibility to rust.

＜Rust-prone metals＞
Iron, copper, zinc, aluminum

＜Rust-resistant metals＞
Stainless steel, gold, silver, platinum

As expected, iron and copper were rust-prone metals, but then, is stainless steel, a rust-resistant metal, really rust-free?
The answer is no.
Even stainless steel is not completely rust-free.
In fact, the main component of stainless steel is iron.
By mixing several metals to make an alloy, the surface is protected from rusting.
In other words, even stainless steel will rust if the surface film is scratched.

3.How to remove rust by polishing? A simple explanation of how to remove rust from steel and stainless steel

Let's take a look at red rust removal, the most common of the three types of rust mentioned earlier.
In fact, if the rust is not stubborn, it can be easily removed with household items.

＜How to remove rust from steel＞
Rust can be removed by polishing the rusted area.
What is used to polish depends on the degree of rust, but if it is minor, toothpaste can be utilized.

In fact, toothpaste contains a fine abrasive, so just put it on your toothbrush as usual and polish the rusted area to a shine. Now the rust removal is complete.

＜How to remove rust from stainless steel＞
Stainless steel is not recommended to be roughly scrubbed as the coating is easily scratched.
Baking soda is the best choice for removing rust without scratching.
Baking soda also acts as an abrasive, and an effective way to do this is to apply a paste of baking soda dissolved in water to the rusted area and rub it lightly.

4.Abrasives are recommended for removing stubborn rust - Sankyo Rikagaku's abrasives are ideal for rust removal

We recommend the following items among Sankyo Rikagaku's abrasives for removing red rust.

Rust Removal Polishing is the best way to get rid of rust!
Recommended Product 1：　sabitron　（Sankyo Rikagaku Co.）


Abrasives are fixed to non-woven fabric fibers, making it ideal for stubborn rust removal polishing.
It is also nice that it is a handy size that can be used as is.

ABRASIVE PRODUCTSCONTACT US

It is sure to be of great use from rust removal to footing, which is a preparation for painting.
Recommended Product 2：　Kenmaron　（Sankyo Rikagaku Co.）


The nylon non-woven fabric is coated with abrasive grains to maintain excellent grinding performance and prevent clogging.
Because of its excellent elasticity, it blends well even on curved surfaces.
It can also be used as a preparatory footing for painting, making it a perfect item for painting after rust removal.

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For minor rust removal and water stain removal, this long-selling product
Recommended Product 3：　Water Resistant Abrasive Paper　（Sankyo Rikagaku Co.）


A wide range of products from #60 to #2000 are available to meet your desired finish.
In addition to rust removal and water stain removal, it can also be used for paint and woodwork.



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5.After rust removal by polishing, make sure to prevent rust - restore it to shiny metal!

We have discussed how to remove rust by polishing, but once metal rusts, it takes a great deal of time and effort to restore it to its original shiny state.
What is needed to maintain the luster after rust removal is complete?

・Prevent moisture from sticking to the surface
Moisture is the enemy of metal.
It is important to store them in a place where they will not get wet in the rain, and if they do get wet, it is important to wipe them down frequently.
If you are not going to use it for a long period of time, drain the water out of it after bathing it in hot water, wrap it in newspaper, etc., and store it in a dry place.

・Apply rust inhibitor
After rust removal polishing, it is safer to apply a rust inhibitor.

The first step in rust removal is crucial!
If left unchecked, corrosion will progress not only to the surface but also to the interior.
The key to keeping metal clean is to take care of it quickly when you find it.
Please feel free to contact Sankyo Rikagaku if you have any problems with rust removal.