Corrosion has become a serious issue in industries and our day-to-day lives. Let us take an example to understand this. Have you ever seen pipes in chemical industries, what if they get corroded? 

They can leak dangerous and harmful chemicals. The leakage of harmful chemicals can lead to the release of harmful substances which can put many lives at risk. Anything like an explosion or a sudden fire could also occur. Not only in industries,  corrosion can weaken important parts in cars like brakes or fuel lines and can increase the risk of accidents. It becomes our priority to prevent corrosion to avoid these dangerous situations and keep people and the environment safe. 

There are plenty of choices and methods available when we talk about rust prevention methods. Each and every method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The selection of the method depends on the specific needs of your application, the type of metal you want to protect, environmental conditions and of course, the cost-effectiveness of the methods. 

In this blog, we are going to compare two popular options anti-corrosion spray and traditional rust prevention methods. Let us compare them to understand their differences and benefits. 

What is an Anti-corrosion spray?

It is very clear from the name that the product must be in liquid form that can be sprayed on. An anti-corrosion spray is used as a protective coating that is applied to metal surfaces to prevent rust and corrosion. 

You might have heard about various things affected by corrosion or you might have seen them at your home. So how does corrosion occur? 

When metals are exposed to moisture, air and other environmental factors they start rusting which can weaken the metal parts over time. Anti-corrosion sprays work by creating a barrier or a layer of protection that blocks these elements and helps keep metal in good condition. 

These anti-corrosion sprays are specially formulated to stop the formation of rust on metal surfaces by forming a protective barrier on the metal surface. These are commonly used in industries such as automotive, marine and construction where metal parts are exposed to harsh conditions and remain in water for longer periods. Using an anti-corrosion spray is an easy way of preventing corrosion. These sprays contain chemicals like Vapour Corrosion Inhibitors (VCIs) which work by releasing protective vapours that spread on the metal surface and save it from moisture and air. 

Advantages of using an anti-corrosion spray

There are several benefits of using an anti-corrosion spray that make it an essential tool for maintaining the performance of your equipment. 

• Anti-corrosion sprays are very easy to use as you can spray them on entire metal surfaces by just pressing the nozzle of the can. It starts working in corrosion prevention at the moment it is applied. 

• Anti-corrosion sprays dry very quickly and do not create any problems in the handling of the metal objects. You do not have to wait for a long period to take the product into use. 

• Corrosion makes your tools weak and can break them. An anti-corrosion spray safeguards the integrity of your tools and prevents damage. 

Disadvantages of using an anti-corrosion spray

• If you work in a harsh environment or around a coastal area, the protective layer of anti-corrosion spray can wear off over time. It requires reapplication after some time to make sure your equipment stays in good condition. 

• Some anti-corrosion sprays contain chemicals that might not be eco-friendly though many brands are now moving towards safer and biodegradable options. 

To get rid of this problem you can use Suprabha’s anti-corrosion spray which is 100% natural, eco-friendly and biodegradable. It ensures your tools get premium coverage even if they are placed in harsh environments. 

What are the traditional rust prevention methods?  

Traditional rust prevention methods are the techniques that have been used for years to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. One of the most common methods is painting in which a protective layer of paint is applied to metal surfaces to shield them from moisture and air both of which can cause rust. There are other methods such as oiling, galvanisation, cathodic protection and storing metal objects in dry places. These traditional methods come with some limitations such as they offer only surface-level protection which can become less effective in harsh environmental conditions. 

Traditional methods also may not provide uniform coverage and can leave some areas naked that can undergo rusting. If you are thinking of using the traditional rust prevention method then it will require labourers to do the work. 

Advantages of using traditional rust prevention methods

• Traditional rust prevention methods have their own set of advantages that make them valuable in certain situations. 

• Traditional rust prevention methods have their proven reliability as methods like painting, oiling and greasing have been used for decades and are well-understood. 

• Another benefit of using these traditional methods is that they can be chosen according to specific needs. For example, synthetic oils can be used if the metal object is placed in harsh environmental conditions. Whereas for normal conditions any general purpose oil will be sufficient. 

• Galvanisation provides long-lasting protection for outdoor or industrial equipment especially when metals are exposed to harsh conditions. 

• You can make your metal object look new and also protect it from rust by applying a protective paint. 

Disadvantages of using traditional rust prevention methods

• Traditional rust prevention methods offer short-term protection and require frequent reapplication. It might be convenient for smaller metal objects but in the case of large machinery, it can be very time-consuming. 

• They do not provide perfect protection. For example, if you are trying to paint a metal object having intricate patterns and tight corners, it can be hard to get paint on these areas. These areas will stay unprotected and rust will start forming there. 

• It can be a frustrating task to apply multiple coats of paint evenly. It requires a lot of time and effort for constant attention. 

• Excessive oiling and greasing can attract dirt and grim, which can hinder the performance of the machinery.  

• They may not provide enough protection to save metal parts in extreme environments. Basic painting or oiling will not last long in coastal areas where metals are exposed much to saltwater. More advanced solutions are needed to prevent corrosion in such areas. 

Which is better?

The choice between anti-corrosion spray and traditional methods depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a quick, easy-to-apply solution that can reach difficult areas, anti-corrosion sprays might be the best option. On the other hand, if you need a more durable, long-lasting solution and don’t mind putting in a bit more effort, traditional methods might be the way to go.

For example, in the automotive industry, where metal parts are exposed to moisture, salt, and other corrosive elements, a combination of both methods is often used. An anti-corrosion spray might be applied to reach small areas while painting or powder coating is used for more extensive protection.

Conclusion

Both anti-corrosion sprays and traditional rust prevention methods have their place in protecting metal from rust. Understanding their pros and cons will help you choose the best option for your specific situation.

Also Read: Save metal assets by using OneStep™ anti-rust spray