Rust & Corrosion of Metal

Good question!  I don't have answers but I know others will!

Wiping metal surfaces with WD-40 occasionally will help to slow down corrosion.

From ChatGPT: 

Methods for preventing metal corrosion in beach side homes

ChatGPT

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Maintaining homes located near the beach can be challenging due to the salty, moist air which accelerates metal corrosion. Here are several methods to prevent metal corrosion in beach side homes:

Selection of Materials: Choose materials that are less susceptible to corrosion for your home's construction. Stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, and copper are examples of metals that show better corrosion resistance. For other items like furniture, prefer those made from corrosion-resistant materials or plastics.

Protective Coatings: Applying a protective coating to metal surfaces can help guard against corrosion. This could be paint, powder coating, or a specialized anti-corrosion coating. The coating creates a barrier between the metal and the environment, preventing contact with water, oxygen, and salts that can cause corrosion.

Use of Sacrificial Anodes: This method is commonly used in marine environments and could be applicable in certain cases at a beach-side home. A sacrificial anode is a metal that is more 'active' in the electrochemical series than the metal it is protecting, meaning it will corrode first, sparing the metal it's safeguarding.

Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: This includes regular washing of metal surfaces to remove accumulated salt and other deposits. Using fresh water to rinse off salt deposits, followed by drying can be a simple but effective method of slowing corrosion.

Cathodic Protection: This is an advanced method used to control the corrosion of a metal surface by making it a cathode of an electrochemical cell. This method is typically used for pipelines, ships, and other underwater or underground structures, but it can be utilized in any situation where metal is in a corrosive environment.

Environmental Control: This can involve managing humidity levels within the home using dehumidifiers, maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent stagnant, moisture-laden air, or introducing plants that can absorb excess moisture in the air.

Insulation: It's possible to prevent metal from coming into direct contact with corrosive elements by using non-conductive materials as a layer of insulation.

Sealants: Similar to coatings, sealants provide a barrier that moisture and oxygen can't penetrate, thus reducing corrosion. They are particularly useful for sealing joints or for other areas where the metal might be exposed.

Remember that no single method may provide complete protection and a combination of the methods would ensure better protection against corrosion.

Rather than cutting and pasting let's  focus on what's available here and what works here

A metal paint is what  you need.

There are several brands that trade all over the world so it's a case of finding what's available locally.

The above is available in smooth and hammered finishes so you'll probably find local brands will have the same.

I used that stuff on metal with a notable rust problems - Just rub off the worst and paint over the rest - It's like magic.

For fresh, clean, metal, expect a far longer than normal life if you paint it with this stuff.

@Tripp789

Thanks. I considered that but then wondered since I’ve only used it with squeaky hinges. I’m going to try it.

@crabelramble

Thanks, I read that article when doing some research. Have you tried any of the suggestions specifically?  If so what worked for you?

@Fred

Thank you. Since it’s like magic, it is definitely going on my shopping list along with WD40. 🤓

WD 40 is amazing on locks and pretty much everything else that has moving metal parts but is non-electrical, but you need a paint to cover metal.

I've used various brands of anti-rust paint on motorbikes, fences, and a bunch of other stuff

Harry Potter was amazed at how magical that stuff is, so it's just a case of finding out what's available in your corner of the world.

On the metal I used Rust-oleum paint but I have found that on like metal boxes I use a plastic paint, like the paint  they use on the bumpers of cars to make them look new… works great and it cost about the same as the rust-oleum