Best Rust Converter & Remover: Options for Corrosion Protection

If you’ve ever faced years of rust and corrosion, you know just how annoying it is to remove — and how damaging it can be. Rust may seem like a simple fact of life, but once it appears, it only keeps growing. Over time, rust can literally eat away metal, leaving behind holes, and damaging the appearance of different components and tools. It weakens and destroys wherever it’s present, meaning you can’t let rust continue to grow. You’ll wind up with deterioration that you just can’t fix. And when your car is involved, rust is an even bigger concern.

A good rust converter and remover needs to work on all levels of corrosion, and that’s where the search for the best products in this category starts. The products here were chosen for their effectiveness on small spots of rust or larger, more significant corrosion, as well as extra benefits like protection from future corrosion in those same spots. 

Additionally, I took a look at details like the amount of rust converter solution offered, its application method, and its suitability for different needs, from auto work to household use. The top rust-tackling converters and removers were those that were also highly recommended by user reviews, as they performed best in a variety of real-world use cases across the board. 

What to Consider When Buying Rust Converter and Remover

Picking out a quality rust converter and remover can be tricky, since it’s hard to tell how effective a product’s promises are until it’s put to use. Make your search easier and keep an eye out for these key considerations. 

The most common type of rust converter and rust remover is liquid. While the individual products will have varying thicknesses, the application process is generally the same. After some prep work, the chemical can be painted on, submerged, or sprayed on with your own spray gun. The best and easiest method is going to depend on your specific project.

Rust converter also comes in a gel form. These products are thicker than the liquid removers, so they cannot be used with sprayers. One benefit they have over liquid is that you don’t have to worry about the product dripping if applied heavily. The gel can be painted or rolled onto the metal surface and allowed to dry for best results.

While some of the liquid removers can be used with a spray gun, some rust removing products come as an aerosol spray. Typically, this can be a faster application process. However, be aware that it might be hard to use a spray can for extensive restoration projects due to their smaller quantities.

Your average rust treatment can be applied by brushing or spraying it onto the affected metal surface. It’s best to consider the application methods that a product requires and which approach will help you complete your project. The amount of rust, whether or not the corroded piece can be easily removed, and how large the affected area is will help determine the best application method for you.

The corrosion of metals is a chemical reaction; often another chemical reaction is required to convert rust. While each brand has its own way of formulating a good rust treatment, this also means each one comes with its own potentially volatile compounds, like phosphoric acid. It’s important to know whether or not a rust converter is safe to touch so you can keep yourself safe while using it. It’s also vital to understand how to dispose of and clean up these chemicals.

Whether you're brushing on a liquid rust converter or using an aerosol can to get rid of corrosion, it all can make a mess. Before you use any corrosion-removing products, you'll want to know what to expect in terms of keeping your workspace clean. Some of the best chemical rust removers will only require soap and water to clean up. 

Rust converters come in different formulas, each with its own strength. Some products are formulated to tackle small spots of rust that have just started to appear. Others are tougher and harsher, made for rust that’s formed over years of exposure to corrosion-causing elements. The best rust converters are those that work on “medium” rust, or rust that’s been around for a bit but hasn’t yet caused significant damage. That should be enough chemical strength to tackle most rust. However, if you’re just starting to see the first signs of a potential rust problem, you can opt for a lighter-strength formula. 

Because rust comes in all sizes and shapes — and levels of corrosion — it’s important to choose a rust converter that’s versatile. You don’t want to have to purchase multiple rust removers for different situations. Instead, look for a rust converter and remover that’ll eliminate small to medium rust on all kinds of metal surfaces or items. It’s also important to look for a formula that’s versatile in its approved materials; for example, you should be able to use the same product on auto parts and tools.

You don’t have to make a big investment in order to get a quality rust remover. These products are available for under $10, and you’ll get enough of the formula — in a convenient spray bottle, most often — to cover small, isolated areas of surface rust. The products in this price range are best for rust that’s newly or recently formed. Step up to the $10 to $25 range, and you’ll find an even wider array of rust converter and remover products. You’ll have more formulas and more types available to choose from, and you’ll also be able to select small or gallon-sized bottles. You’ll also find slightly stronger formulas within this price range, which are ideal for especially stubborn rust.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.