Stop rust at the source and lock in a durable finish with the right sequence: convert (where needed), prime for adhesion and barrier protection, then topcoat with a rust-preventative enamel. Paintworld’s Corrosion Protection range includes rust converters/inhibitors, zinc-rich & universal primers, cold-gal options and protective enamels for indoor and outdoor metalwork. Browse the full range here: Corrosion Protection. Paint World
Choose the Right Path for Your Metal
Light to Moderate Rust (sound, not flaking) Stabilise the surface with a rust converter/inhibitor, then prime and topcoat. → Example: Nu EcoSafe Rust Converter & Inhibitor (then follow with a compatible primer). Paint World New/Prepared Bare Steel & Previously Painted Metal Use a universal/anti-corrosive primer, then a rust-preventative topcoat (spray or brush). → Finish with Stops Rust Protective Enamel (spray or brush variants available). Paint World+1 Structural Steel / Touch-up Galvanised For fast repairs and galvanic protection, use a cold-galvanising product (high zinc). → Rust-Oleum Cold Gal Primer (93% zinc compound) for cathodic protection and quick field repairs. Paint World Tea-Stained Stainless & Light Corrosion Clean-up Remove tea staining and restore shine, then protect with a clear coat if required. → Rust Removal Cream for stainless and copper clean-ups. Paint World Heavy-Duty/Industrial Systems For larger assets, see International Protective Coatings primers, zincs, epoxies and polyurethanes (industrial spec sheets, DTM options). Paint World
What You’ll Notice with a Matched System
- Arrested oxidation where converters are used correctly before priming
- Better adhesion & barrier using the right rust or zinc-rich primer
- Longer coating life with rust-preventative enamels and correct film build
- Fast touch-ups on gal with cold-gal sprays (zinc-rich cathodic protection) Paint World
Buyer’s Checklist — Spec It Right First Time
- Assess substrate & rust grade: Light/sound rust → converter; bare steel/cleaned metal → anti-corrosive primer. Paint World
- Environment: exterior/high salt? Prefer zinc-rich or heavy-duty primers and robust topcoats. Paint World
- Finish & method: brush vs spray; choose Stops Rust enamel style (spray/brush; gloss → flat). Paint World+1
- Compatibility: after a converter, follow the product’s recommended primer/topcoat sequence. Paint World
- Prep matters: remove loose scale, de-grease, and abrade to a sound surface; wipe down before coating (see product pages). Paint World
Practical Tips from the Field
- Feather back surrounding sound paint so primers/topcoats can tie in cleanly.
- For cold-gal, shake well and apply recommended DFT; topcoat only if the product allows it. Paint World
- When spraying enamels, match tip/technique to avoid runs; multiple light passes beat one heavy pass. Stops Rust pages include best-result notes. Paint World
- Label-check recoat windows—zinc and converters often need specific intervals before topcoats. Paint World
Featured Corrosion Protection (quick links)
- Nu EcoSafe Rust Converter & Inhibitor — stabilise light rust before priming. Paint World
- Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Protective Enamel (Spray & Brush) — durable, corrosion-resistant topcoats. Paint World+1
- Rust-Oleum Auto Cold Gal Primer — 93% zinc cold-galvanising compound for repairs. Paint World
- Rust Removal Cream — tea stain/rust clean-up for stainless and other metals. Paint World
- International Protective Coatings (Industrial Range) — primers, zincs, epoxies, PU finishes for severe service. Paint World
- Rust-Oleum brand range — explore rust primers, enamels, and accessories. Paint World
Corrosion Protection FAQs
Do I need a rust converter if I can sand to bright metal?
Not usually—if you can prep to bright, clean metal, go straight to the appropriate primer. Converters are for stabilising remaining rust in sound but pitted areas. Paint World
When should I use a zinc-rich (cold-gal) product?
Use cold-gal on steel where galvanic protection is required (touch-ups on galvanised steel or as a sacrificial zinc barrier). Check if and how it can be topcoated. Paint World
Can I spray a rust-preventative enamel over any primer?
Use a compatible anti-corrosive primer and follow recoat windows. For heavy rust, prime with a recommended rust/metal primer before Stops Rust enamel. Paint World What’s the quickest option for small repairs? Clean, de-dust, spot prime with a rust primer or cold-gal, then finish with a Stops Rust spray enamel in thin coats. Paint World+1
How do I remove tea staining on stainless?
Use Rust Removal Cream, rinse thoroughly, and consider a clear protective coat for ongoing defence. Paint World
