How To Use Metal Rescue Bath
For best results, use at room temperature (68°F or 20°C) or above.
Metal Rescue™ works optimally at room temperature (68°F or 20°C) and above, so it may require heating in cold temperatures. Nearly all of the photos and testimonials found on this website were of metal parts that were de-rusted at room temperature. However, if you are trying to speed up the rust removal process, Metal Rescue™ will continue to work faster up to a temperature of 150° F (70°C). Remember, Metal Rescue™ is a water-based liquid and therefore operates differently than an acid or other traditional rust remover. A useful analogy is of very soiled and dirty dishes. It would be very difficult to remove heavy grease or sticky substances in cold soapy dish water compared to warm soapy dish water. Because Metal Rescue™ is water-based it functions in a similar way. Please note that this analogy is meant only as an analogy. Metal Rescue™ does not have to be heated up to work - but it does require room temperature or above.
Metal Rescue™ works optimally at room temperature (68°F or 20°C) and above, so it may require heating in cold temperatures. Nearly all of the photos and testimonials found on this website were of metal parts that were de-rusted at room temperature. However, if you are trying to speed up the rust removal process, Metal Rescue™ will continue to work faster up to a temperature of 150° F (70°C). Remember, Metal Rescue™ is a water-based liquid and therefore operates differently than an acid or other traditional rust remover. A useful analogy is of very soiled and dirty dishes. It would be very difficult to remove heavy grease or sticky substances in cold soapy dish water compared to warm soapy dish water. Because Metal Rescue™ is water-based it functions in a similar way. Please note that this analogy is meant only as an analogy. Metal Rescue™ does not have to be heated up to work - but it does require room temperature or above.
Metal Rescue™ can be used over and over until it turns jet black and stops working.
Keep Metal Rescue™ liquid covered when in use or in a closed container when not in use to prevent evaporation from occurring. If performance slows down prior to liquid turning completely black, evaporation may have occurred. In this case, a small amount of clean water may be needed to bring the solution back to the correct mixture. The best way to know how much water is needed is to mark the soaking container you are working with at the liquid level, prior to placing parts inside.
Keep Metal Rescue™ liquid covered when in use or in a closed container when not in use to prevent evaporation from occurring. If performance slows down prior to liquid turning completely black, evaporation may have occurred. In this case, a small amount of clean water may be needed to bring the solution back to the correct mixture. The best way to know how much water is needed is to mark the soaking container you are working with at the liquid level, prior to placing parts inside.
After Metal Rescue™ has de-rusted the parts, remove parts and make sure that liquid level is the same.
If not, then you will need to add enough water to bring the solution back to the mark line. Please note that this is seldom needed. It typically would only occur if you are working with Metal Rescue™ in hot outdoor conditions. To avoid evaporation, keep a cover over the soaking container and pour Metal Rescue™ back into a closed container or original bottle/pail after usage. One gallon of Metal Rescue™ should be able to de-rust approximately a 1/2 pound of pure rust!
If not, then you will need to add enough water to bring the solution back to the mark line. Please note that this is seldom needed. It typically would only occur if you are working with Metal Rescue™ in hot outdoor conditions. To avoid evaporation, keep a cover over the soaking container and pour Metal Rescue™ back into a closed container or original bottle/pail after usage. One gallon of Metal Rescue™ should be able to de-rust approximately a 1/2 pound of pure rust!
Do parts have to be completely clean before using Metal Rescue™?
No. Metal Rescue™ will penetrate oil and dirt. However, it’s recommended to pre-clean your parts before applying Metal Rescue™. Detergents are more economical and are designed to remove various contaminants. This will also speed up the process of rust removal and extend the life of the Metal Rescue™. Heavy greases, and similar materials should be removed prior to de-rusting.
No. Metal Rescue™ will penetrate oil and dirt. However, it’s recommended to pre-clean your parts before applying Metal Rescue™. Detergents are more economical and are designed to remove various contaminants. This will also speed up the process of rust removal and extend the life of the Metal Rescue™. Heavy greases, and similar materials should be removed prior to de-rusting.
What will Metal Rescue™ remove?
Metal Rescue™ will remove iron oxide (rust) from ferrous based substrates in 5 minutes to 24 hours depending on the degree and age of the rust. It will remove zinc phosphate, bluing, browning, and other oxide finishes in about 20 − 40 minutes immersion time. It also brightens copper and copper based alloys such as brass and bronze. For metals with questionable finishes, we recommend you test a small portion of the metal in Metal Rescue™ prior to full submersion.
Metal Rescue™ will remove iron oxide (rust) from ferrous based substrates in 5 minutes to 24 hours depending on the degree and age of the rust. It will remove zinc phosphate, bluing, browning, and other oxide finishes in about 20 − 40 minutes immersion time. It also brightens copper and copper based alloys such as brass and bronze. For metals with questionable finishes, we recommend you test a small portion of the metal in Metal Rescue™ prior to full submersion.
Restoring a rusty fuel tank with Metal Rescue™
Metal Rescue™ is an excellent rust remover for fuel tanks of any type. (We’ve made some video demos on motorcycle fuel tanks so be sure to visit the home page and watch the videos!) One question we commonly receive is what to do after de-rusting a fuel tank with Metal Rescue™. Many mechanics and hobbyists are used to using a cream paint of some type to seal the fuel tank. This cream paint is often used for two primary reasons: 1) to prevent flash rusting or re-rusting of the fuel tank and 2) to fill in any pin holes or holes that were caused by the rust. However, we do not recommend using a tank liner or cream paint unless you have no other alternative. If there are pin holes in the fuel tank, after removing the rust with Metal Rescue™, we recommend welding or brazing the tank from the outside. If you do use a tank liner/coating, please read carefully the instructions on the cream sealer coating. Some of these coatings actually require rust to be present in order to allow it to bond properly. This is common with some of the "paint over rust" or rust converter products. From our perspective, we would never want to restore a vehicle and leave rust of any type on the metal. If you do not follow some of the paint over rust product instructions carefully you may see the rust creeping back through the coating which, of course, would not be a good thing. Our philosophy is always to remove the rust completely in a safe, clean and easy way and get it dry and coated with Dry Coat™ RP. Regarding the concern of flash rusting, typically, this is not a concern when using Metal Rescue™ since Metal Rescue™ is attracted only to the iron oxide and not the metal substrate. For complete instructions on how to de-rust a fuel tank using Metal Rescue™ please download our White Paper here.
Metal Rescue™ is an excellent rust remover for fuel tanks of any type. (We’ve made some video demos on motorcycle fuel tanks so be sure to visit the home page and watch the videos!) One question we commonly receive is what to do after de-rusting a fuel tank with Metal Rescue™. Many mechanics and hobbyists are used to using a cream paint of some type to seal the fuel tank. This cream paint is often used for two primary reasons: 1) to prevent flash rusting or re-rusting of the fuel tank and 2) to fill in any pin holes or holes that were caused by the rust. However, we do not recommend using a tank liner or cream paint unless you have no other alternative. If there are pin holes in the fuel tank, after removing the rust with Metal Rescue™, we recommend welding or brazing the tank from the outside. If you do use a tank liner/coating, please read carefully the instructions on the cream sealer coating. Some of these coatings actually require rust to be present in order to allow it to bond properly. This is common with some of the "paint over rust" or rust converter products. From our perspective, we would never want to restore a vehicle and leave rust of any type on the metal. If you do not follow some of the paint over rust product instructions carefully you may see the rust creeping back through the coating which, of course, would not be a good thing. Our philosophy is always to remove the rust completely in a safe, clean and easy way and get it dry and coated with Dry Coat™ RP. Regarding the concern of flash rusting, typically, this is not a concern when using Metal Rescue™ since Metal Rescue™ is attracted only to the iron oxide and not the metal substrate. For complete instructions on how to de-rust a fuel tank using Metal Rescue™ please download our White Paper here.
How to use on painted surfaces
Metal Rescue™ will not remove or harm the vast majority of paint coatings. However, if there is a layer of rust under the paint some of the paint coating will be lost as Metal Rescue™ removes the rust and therefore the paint on top of the rust. Also, some paints (and inks) may use iron oxide pigments (usually orange or red). Since Metal Rescue™ has been engineered to remove iron oxide, it may dissolve the pigment in these types of paints. It is always best to test on a small section or hidden area prior to use.
Metal Rescue™ will not remove or harm the vast majority of paint coatings. However, if there is a layer of rust under the paint some of the paint coating will be lost as Metal Rescue™ removes the rust and therefore the paint on top of the rust. Also, some paints (and inks) may use iron oxide pigments (usually orange or red). Since Metal Rescue™ has been engineered to remove iron oxide, it may dissolve the pigment in these types of paints. It is always best to test on a small section or hidden area prior to use.
How To Use Metal Rescue Gel
PREP: For best results, remove surface dirt, oil, grease or anything that could present a barrier between Metal Rescue GEL and the surface of the metal. Pre-cleaning is not required, but the speed and performance of GEL will greatly improve if dirt and grease are removed before application.
APPLY: Use gloves. Apply a 1/8” thick layer of Metal Rescue GEL (via brush, roller or wipe on) to rusted area on metal’s surface. (1/8” is approximately the same thickness as two pennies stacked on top of each other.) GEL will darken in color as rust is removed.
WRAP: Do not allow GEL to dry – GEL must remain moist to remove rust. To keep GEL moist, use Metal Rescue’s signature plastic wrap method:
If stubborn rust remains, repeat application process.
REMOVE/PROTECT: Once desired results are achieved, rinse or wipe off GEL completely. Result is clean, bare metal ready for use or additional processing.
To protect from rust returning, use Dry Coat™ Rust Preventative spray (for indoor storage) or proceed to next restoration step (paint/coating).
Shelf Life
Once opened, Metal Rescue GEL is usable for up to 1 year. When storing GEL, keep closed and out of direct sunlight. Avoid contamination when using GEL.
Safety
Metal Rescue GEL is a safe, citric acid-based solution. It is non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-flammable, non-caustic and contains no harmful or corrosive acids, alkalis or solvents. Fundamental safety steps are recommended. Use gloves. Do not ingest. Avoid contact with your eyes. If eye contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water. If symptoms develop from exposure, seek immediate medical attention.
Removal
Metal Rescue GEL is completely water miscible and easily rinsed off. Use warm, clean water to rinse off parts and dry thoroughly.
Disposal
As supplied, Metal Rescue GEL is environmentally friendly and contains no VOC's, solvents, or hazardous ingredients. However, if hazardous waste or contaminants (certain oils, paints, heavy metals, etc) are introduced into the GEL then check your local authority disposal requirements.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling this product and before eating.
APPLY: Use gloves. Apply a 1/8” thick layer of Metal Rescue GEL (via brush, roller or wipe on) to rusted area on metal’s surface. (1/8” is approximately the same thickness as two pennies stacked on top of each other.) GEL will darken in color as rust is removed.
WRAP: Do not allow GEL to dry – GEL must remain moist to remove rust. To keep GEL moist, use Metal Rescue’s signature plastic wrap method:
- Tear one sheet of household plastic wrap from roll. Sheet should be slightly larger than GEL application area.
- Lay sheet of wrap over surface of GEL, making sure that entire application area is covered.
- Ensure edges of wrap are secure to protect GEL from exposure to airflow that could cause drying.
- Check periodically and reapply wrap if more process time is needed. Process time is dependent on severity of rust:
- Light rust up to 2 hours
- Moderate rust up to 12 hours
- Heavy rust up to 24 hours
If stubborn rust remains, repeat application process.
REMOVE/PROTECT: Once desired results are achieved, rinse or wipe off GEL completely. Result is clean, bare metal ready for use or additional processing.
To protect from rust returning, use Dry Coat™ Rust Preventative spray (for indoor storage) or proceed to next restoration step (paint/coating).
Shelf Life
Once opened, Metal Rescue GEL is usable for up to 1 year. When storing GEL, keep closed and out of direct sunlight. Avoid contamination when using GEL.
Safety
Metal Rescue GEL is a safe, citric acid-based solution. It is non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-flammable, non-caustic and contains no harmful or corrosive acids, alkalis or solvents. Fundamental safety steps are recommended. Use gloves. Do not ingest. Avoid contact with your eyes. If eye contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water. If symptoms develop from exposure, seek immediate medical attention.
Removal
Metal Rescue GEL is completely water miscible and easily rinsed off. Use warm, clean water to rinse off parts and dry thoroughly.
Disposal
As supplied, Metal Rescue GEL is environmentally friendly and contains no VOC's, solvents, or hazardous ingredients. However, if hazardous waste or contaminants (certain oils, paints, heavy metals, etc) are introduced into the GEL then check your local authority disposal requirements.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling this product and before eating.
