Rust-Removing Chemicals | McMaster-Carr

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57 Products

Rust Removers

Restore rusted metal surfaces to their original state.

Powder Removers


Bottle	Jug	Packet	Pail

Use powder rust removers to clean surface stains. Mix with water and apply to a wet surface with a brush or sponge. Rinse with clean water once stains are gone. They can also be used inside tanks and water heaters.

Container							Each
Size, fl. oz.	Net Wt.	Type	Solution Type	Approx. Coverage, ft²	For Removing		1-11	12-Up
22	—	Bottle	Water Based	350	Rust	7544T51	00000	00000

							Each
76	—	Jug	Water Based	1,000	Rust	7544T102	00000	0
—	4 oz.	Packet	Water Based	60	Rust	7544T101	0000	0
—	50 lb.	Pail	Water Based	12,000	Rust	7544T103	000000	0

Liquid Removers

Jug

Use liquid rust removers to dissolve rust and prevent it from returning. Dip, brush, or spray to apply. Wipe off excess and allow to dry.

Container
Size	Type	Solution Type	Approx. Coverage, ft²	For Removing		Each
32 fl. oz.	Jug	Water Based	50	Rust	72115T331	000000
1 gal.	Jug	Water Based	200	Rust	72115T21	00000

Gel Removers

Use gel rust removers on vertical surfaces to permanently remove rust. They’re stickier than liquid removers, so they won’t slide down walls or inclines before drying. Spray gel onto the rust, wipe off excess, and wait for it to dry.

Container
Size, fl. oz.	Type	Solution Type	Approx. Coverage, ft²	For Removing		Each
32	Spray Bottle	Water Based	50	Rust	3594N101	000000

Noncorrosive Rust Removers


Jug	Pail

These acid-free rust removers are safe for contact with people and surfaces. Dip, brush, or spray metal to remove and prevent rust. To use as a remover, rinse after applying; to use as an inhibitor, apply again and allow remover to dry on the item—removers prevent rust for up to four weeks.

One gallon removes_1/2 pound of pure rust, enough to treat 300 pounds of moderately corroded steel.

Removable Basket—Pail with removable basket includes a second container for soaking and cleaning parts.

Cannot Be Sold To—Product labeling requirements restrict sales to the listed areas.

Container
Size	Type	Solution Type	Approx. Steel Coverage, lb.	For Removing	Includes	Cannot Be Sold To		Each
1 qt.	Jug	Water Based	75	Rust	—	Outside United States	7645T43	000000
1 gal.	Jug	Water Based	300	Rust	—	Outside United States	7645T44	00000
3 1/2 gal.	Pail	Water Based	1,050	Rust	Removable Basket	Outside United States	7645T45	000000

Jelly Rust Removers

Dissolve rust on iron and steel. Apply jelly with a brush or sprayer, leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse with water.

Container
Size, fl. oz.	Type	Solution Type	Approx. Coverage, ft²	For Removing		Each
8	Bottle	Water Based	50	Rust	7732T25	00000

Rust Converting Paint Primers for Metal


Can—Alkyd	Aerosol Can—Vinyl Plastic

These paint primers convert rust into a layer of protection that prevents new rust from forming. Use them to prepare your surface to extend the life of paint and coatings.

Can—Apply coatings in a can with a brush, roller, or sprayer.

	Container			Dry Time
	Size	Net Wt., oz.	Solution Type	Touch, min.	Overall, hr.	Approx. Coverage @ Thk.	Max. Temp., ° F	For Topcoat Composition	For Use On	Color		Each
Can—Alkyd



		8 fl. oz.	—	Water Based	30	6	18 ft² @ 3 mil	200	Water Based	Aluminum, Steel, Iron, Galvanized Iron, Galvanized Steel	Red	7705T51	000000


		1 qt.	—	Water Based	30	6	75 ft² @ 3 mil	200	Water Based	Aluminum, Steel, Iron, Galvanized Iron, Galvanized Steel	Red	7705T52	00000
		1 gal.	—	Water Based	30	6	300 ft² @ 3 mil	200	Water Based	Aluminum, Steel, Iron, Galvanized Iron, Galvanized Steel	Red	7705T53	000000


		Aerosol Can—Vinyl Plastic



				—	10 1/4	Solvent Based	20	24	12 ft² @ 3 mil	200	Solvent Based	Steel, Iron, Fiberglass	Black	7792T11	00000

Noncorrosive Gel Rust Removers

Use this thick gel to remove rust from vertical surfaces. Removers are acid free and are safe for contact with skin and sensitive surfaces, such as copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic. They’re low odor and contain no VOCs, so they can be used in enclosed and occupied areas. Brush them onto rusty surfaces; after an hour or two, rinse the rust and removers away with water.

Cannot Be Sold To—Product labeling requirements restrict sales to the listed areas.

Container
Size, fl. oz.	Type	Solution Type	Approx. Coverage, ft²	For Removing	Cannot Be Sold To		Each
8	Jug	Water Based	5	Rust	Outside United States	7732T24	000000

Rust Removers for Pipes and Tanks

Remove and prevent rust inside of pipes and equipment such as boilers and heat exchangers. These rust removers also have corrosion inhibitors to protect copper components in pipe systems. Unlike other harsh rust removers, they use citric acid to dissolve rust, which is nonhazardous and noncorrosive. Use when the system is shut down to remove heavy rust deposits or while it is operating for continuous rust prevention.

Container
Size, gal.	Type	Solution Type	For Removing		Each
5	Pail	Water Based	Rust	3196N11	0000000

Stainless Steel Surface Restorers

Bottle

These restorers remove weld scale, discoloration, black oxides, and other impurities from stainless steel (also known as pickling) while restoring the corrosion-resistant chromium layer.

	Container
	Type	Size, fl. oz.	Solution Type	Harshness	For Use On	For Removing		Each
Liquids



		Jar	32	Water Based	Harsh	Stainless Steel	Dirt, Rust, Scale, Tarnish	3373K12	0000000


		Gels



				Jar	32	Water Based	Harsh	Stainless Steel	Dirt, Rust, Scale, Tarnish	8554T11	000000


				Pastes



						Jar	32	Water Based	Harsh	Stainless Steel	Dirt, Rust, Scale, Tarnish	3373K22	000000

Calcium, Lime, and Rust Removers


Jug	Pail	Drum

Clean rust and lime deposits such as calcium and scale from HVAC systems, coolers, tools, and vehicles. These removers are nonabrasive and noncorrosive, so they won’t damage surfaces. Derived from plants, they don’t contain toxic chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, alcohol, or phosphates. These removers break down quickly, so they won’t pollute air and water. They’re NSF registered for use in food- and beverage-processing facilities, and meet the EPA Safer Choice standard for environmentally friendly ingredients. They also help you meet LEED Green Building standards.

	Container
	Type	Size, gal.	Solution Type	Harshness	For Use On	For Removing	Specs. Met	Food Industry Std.		Each
Liquid Concentrates



		Jug	1	Water Based	Moderate	Aluminum, Brass, Concrete, Copper, Fiberglass, Glass, Linoleum, Painted Surfaces, Plastic, Porcelain, Stainless Steel, Steel, Stone, Vinyl Plastic	Lime Stains, Rust	EPA Safer Choice Standard	NSF Registered A3	7022N11	000000


		Pail	5	Water Based	Moderate	Aluminum, Brass, Concrete, Copper, Fiberglass, Glass, Linoleum, Painted Surfaces, Plastic, Porcelain, Stainless Steel, Steel, Stone, Vinyl Plastic	Lime Stains, Rust	EPA Safer Choice Standard	NSF Registered A3	7022N12	000000
		Drum	55	Water Based	Moderate	Aluminum, Brass, Concrete, Copper, Fiberglass, Glass, Linoleum, Painted Surfaces, Plastic, Porcelain, Stainless Steel, Steel, Stone, Vinyl Plastic	Lime Stains, Rust	EPA Safer Choice Standard	NSF Registered A3	7022N13	00000000

Passivating Cleaners

Spray

Bottle

Image of Product. Front orientation. Passivating Cleaners. Jug.

Jug

Restore and maintain the surface layer on stainless steel that protects it from corrosion. Also known as passivating fluids, these cleaners are made from citric acid, which removes iron from the surface of stainless steel that has been damaged from machining, heat, or chemicals. This exposes the chromium in stainless steel and reacts with air to form a protective layer. These cleaners also remove dirt, discoloration, and minor corrosion. Unlike nitric acid and other passivating fluids, citric acid does not create dangerous fumes and is safe for use throughout your plant. These cleaners come ready-to-use, so you don’t have to mix them, but you can dilute them with water for 400-series stainless steel and other sensitive parts.

These cleaners meet SAE and ASTM international guidelines for passivating stainless steel. They also meet ASTM international guidelines for descaling and cleaning titanium and titanium alloys.

Liquids—Liquid cleaners are thinner than gel cleaners, making them ideal for submerging parts. When spot cleaning, however, they will drip down vertical surfaces.

Gels—Gel cleaners are thicker than liquid cleaners, so they cling to surfaces. Use them on vertical surfaces, weld joints, and other parts that can’t be submerged.

For Removing Dirt and Rust—Cleaners for removing dirt and rust contain an additive that eliminates existing rust.

	Container
	Type	Size	Solution Type	Harshness	For Use On	Specs. Met		Each
Liquids







				For Removing Dirt and Rust

				Spray Bottle	22 fl. oz.	Water Based	Moderate	Stainless Steel	ASTM A380, ASTM A967, ASTM B600, SAE AMS2700	7373N11	000000


				Jug	1 gal.	Water Based	Moderate	Stainless Steel	ASTM A380, ASTM A967, ASTM B600, SAE AMS2700	7373N14	00000


				Gels







								For Removing Dirt and Rust

								Spray Bottle	22 fl. oz.	Water Based	Moderate	Stainless Steel	ASTM A380, ASTM A967, ASTM B600, SAE AMS2700	7373N13	00000


								Jug	1 gal.	Water Based	Moderate	Stainless Steel	ASTM A380, ASTM A967, ASTM B600, SAE AMS2700	7373N16	00000

Cleaners for Tumbling

Remove oil, grease, and other contaminants from your workpieces while tumbling. These cleaners trap debris as it’s removed so it won’t deposit onto your workpieces. They also act as a lubricant to improve media rolling and prevent scratches. Dilute with water, then add the solution to your media.

For Rotating, Vibrating, and Centrifugal Tumblers


Bottle	Jug	Pail

				1 qt. Bottle		1 gal. Jug		5 gal. Pail
	Form	For Use On	Harshness		Each		Each		Each
For Steel and Stainless Steel Media



		Liquid	Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Gold, Iron, Nickel, Stainless Steel, Steel, Titanium, Zinc	Moderate	4918A97	000000	4918A96	000000	4918A33	0000000

Water-Based Parts Washing Solutions

Clean faster by heating these solutions up to 140°. After washing, parts can be rinsed with water.

Liquid Concentrates—Dilute liquid concentrates with water. 5-gallon pail makes up to 50 gallons of solution. 55-gallon drum makes up to 500 gallons of solution.

Powders—Mix three to eight ounces of powder per gallon of water.

	Container
	Size, gal.	Net Wt., lb.	Type	Solution Type	For Use On	For Removing	Max. Temp., ° F		Each
Liquid Concentrates



		5	—	Pail	Water Based	Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Glass, Iron, Plastic, Stainless Steel, Steel, Titanium	Carbon Residue, Epoxy, Grease, Oil, Paint, Rust	140	3309K51	0000000


		55	—	Drum	Water Based	Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Glass, Iron, Plastic, Stainless Steel, Steel, Titanium	Carbon Residue, Epoxy, Grease, Oil, Paint, Rust	140	3309K55	000000


		Powders



				—	25	Pail	Water Based	Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Titanium	Carbon Residue, Epoxy, Grease, Oil, Paint, Rust	140	3309K63	000000

Multipurpose Cleaners

Use these cleaners to remove dirt, grime, and stains from most surfaces.

Dissolvable Packets

Cleaners in dissolvable packets are sized for dilution in 32-fl. oz. spray bottles. Their concentrated design means they take up less storage space than liquid concentrate cleaners, and they don’t require the use of gloves during mixing.

	Solution Type	Harshness	For Use On	For Removing	Includes		Each
Jar



	2	Solvent Based	Mild	Aluminum, Ceramic, Chrome, Fiberglass, Galvanized Steel, Porcelain, Rubber, Stainless Steel, Steel	Dirt, Dust, Lime Stains, Rust, Scale, Soap Scum	—	4357N15	00000


	20	Solvent Based	Mild	Aluminum, Ceramic, Chrome, Fiberglass, Galvanized Steel, Porcelain, Rubber, Stainless Steel, Steel	Dirt, Dust, Lime Stains, Rust, Scale, Soap Scum	32 oz. Spray Bottle	4357N16	00000
	40	Solvent Based	Mild	Aluminum, Ceramic, Chrome, Fiberglass, Galvanized Steel, Porcelain, Rubber, Stainless Steel, Steel	Dirt, Dust, Lime Stains, Rust, Scale, Soap Scum	—	4357N17	00000
	80	Solvent Based	Mild	Aluminum, Ceramic, Chrome, Fiberglass, Galvanized Steel, Porcelain, Rubber, Stainless Steel, Steel	Dirt, Dust, Lime Stains, Rust, Scale, Soap Scum	—	4357N18	00000

No-Residue Cleaners

Often used to clean sensitive parts and equipment in precision applications, such as electronics and medical device manufacturing, these cleaners rinse away without leaving a residue. They can be used for both manual and ultrasonic cleaning.

Liquid Concentrates

Jug

Citric Acid (10-25% Concentration)—Cleaners with citric acid (10-25% concentration) are phosphate free, making them safe for use on aluminum, brass, bronze, and copper. They also remove rust.

	Harshness	For Use On	For Removing	Primary Chemical		Each
Jug—1 gal.



	Water Based	Moderate	Aluminum, Brass, Ceramic, Chrome, Bronze, Copper, Fiberglass, Galvanized Steel, Glass, Plastic, Porcelain, Rubber, Stainless Steel, Steel	Dirt, Grease, Oil, Rust, Scale	Citric Acid (10-25% Concentration)	70555T13	000000

Low-Foam Water-Based Parts Washing Solutions

This type of solution is good for use in spray washers where foaming can be a concern. It can be heated to 140° for faster cleaning. Dilute with water to make up to 40 gallons of solution.

	Container
	Size, gal.	Type	Solution Type	For Use On	For Removing	Max. Temp., ° F		Each
Liquid Concentrates



		5	Pail	Water Based	Iron, Stainless Steel, Steel	Carbon Residue, Epoxy, Grease, Oil, Paint, Rust	140	3309K67	0000000

Electropolishing Solutions

Smooth, brighten, and passivate metal parts for a mirror-like finish. When current is applied to these solutions, they dissolve microscopic surface flaws from your parts. These solutions contain mild concentrations of acids.

For Stainless Steel—Polish 300-series, 17-4, and 420 stainless steel parts.

	Container
For Use On	Size, gal.	Type	Solution Type	Harshness		Each
Cobalt Chromium	1	Jug	Solvent Based	Moderate	8660N11	000000
Stainless Steel	1	Jug	Solvent Based	Moderate	8660N12	00000

Toilet Bowl and Urinal Cleaners

Squeeze

Bottle

Eliminate stains and odors from toilets and urinals to keep your bathrooms fresh and clean.

Hydrochloric Acid (9% Concentration)—The most common cleaner, this acid removes tough stains, mineral buildups, and rust. Handle with care—it will damage metal fixtures.

Hydrochloric Acid (10-30% Concentration)—Our strongest cleaner, this acid works best against hard water deposits. Handle with care—it will damage metal fixtures.

Phosphoric Acid (20% Concentration)—Less corrosive than hydrochloric acid but nearly as effective. Use this acid on stainless steel and porcelain.

Container								Each		Package
Type	Size, fl. oz.	Primary Chemical	Solution Type	Harshness	For Use On	For Removing	Scent		Each	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.







			Liquids

			Squeeze Bottle	32	Hydrochloric Acid (9% Concentration)	Water Based	Harsh	Porcelain	Dirt, Lime Stains, Odors, Rust, Scale	Sassafras	98575T229	00000	12	98575T954	000000


			Squeeze Bottle	32	Hydrochloric Acid (10-30% Concentration)	Water Based	Harsh	Porcelain	Dirt, Lime Stains, Odors, Rust, Scale	Wintergreen	7518T11	0000	12	7518T113	00000
			Squeeze Bottle	32	Phosphoric Acid (20% Concentration)	Water Based	Harsh	Porcelain, Stainless Steel	Dirt, Lime Stains, Odors, Rust, Scale	Cherry Almond	98575T611	0000	12	98575T612	00000

Nitric Acid

Also known as technical-grade chemicals, industrial-grade chemicals like nitric acid are not suitable for food or medicinal use.

Nitric acid is used for industrial and laboratory applications such as treating wood, pickling and passivating stainless steel, cleaning electronic components, and etching metals.

ACS Reagent Grade—ACS-reagent-grade nitric acid meets quality standards set by the American Chemical Society. ACS-reagent-grade chemicals are also known as Reagent material.

	Container
	Size	Type	Material	Form	CAS No.	Specs. Met		Each
0.3%, Light Viscosity (31 SSU)



		500 ml	Bottle	Plastic	Liquid	7697-37-2	—	3190K957	000000


		4.27%, Light Viscosity (31 SSU)



				500 ml	Bottle	Glass	Liquid	7697-37-2	—	3190K959	00000


				10%, Light Viscosity (31 SSU)



						500 ml	Bottle	Glass	Liquid	7697-37-2	—	3190K964	00000


						20%, Light Viscosity (31 SSU)



								500 ml	Bottle	Glass	Liquid	7697-37-2	—	3190K966	00000


								50%, Light Viscosity (31 SSU)



										500 ml	Bottle	Glass	Liquid	7697-37-2	—	3190K97	00000


										1 L	Bottle	Glass	Liquid	7697-37-2	—	3190K971	000000
										2.5 L	Bottle	Glass	Liquid	7697-37-2	—	3190K972	000000


										70%, Light Viscosity (31 SSU)



												500 ml	Bottle	Glass	Liquid	7697-37-2	ACS Reagent Grade	3190K951	000000


												1 L	Bottle	Glass	Liquid	7697-37-2	ACS Reagent Grade	3190K952	000000
												2.5 L	Bottle	Glass	Liquid	7697-37-2	ACS Reagent Grade	3190K954	000000