Rust, pitted
(→How to fix pitted rust) |
(→What causes pitted rust) |
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Pitted rust is a common problem when dealing with body panels. The "best" way to deal with it is generously cut it out, and [[patching a body panel|replace it with new metal]]. However, this isn't always practical, so it's frequently handled by mechanically and/or chemically removing the rust, "filling" the pitted areas with a purpose-specific product, and priming. | Pitted rust is a common problem when dealing with body panels. The "best" way to deal with it is generously cut it out, and [[patching a body panel|replace it with new metal]]. However, this isn't always practical, so it's frequently handled by mechanically and/or chemically removing the rust, "filling" the pitted areas with a purpose-specific product, and priming. | ||
− | ==What causes pitted rust== | + | ==What causes pitted rust?== |
− | Rust pitting is caused by a localized lack of oxygen in metal. This causes a small area to become anodic (it readily gives up electrons), while the slightly more oxygen-rich surrounding area becomes cathodic (readily accepts electrons), accelerating the local formation of rust. For more details, see [[Rust#What is rust?|What is rust?]] | + | All bare steel degrades in the presence of water (such as the water in air). Rust '''pitting''' is caused by a localized lack of oxygen in metal. This causes a small area to become anodic (it readily gives up electrons), while the slightly more oxygen-rich surrounding area becomes cathodic (readily accepts electrons), accelerating the local formation of rust. For more details, see [[Rust#What is rust?|What is rust?]] |
Pitted rust can be more insidious than surface rust. While the pits may comprise only a small volume of a piece of metal, the widespread perforation can compromise the overall structure of the metal. | Pitted rust can be more insidious than surface rust. While the pits may comprise only a small volume of a piece of metal, the widespread perforation can compromise the overall structure of the metal. |