Metal Rescue Rust Remover is a powerful water-based solution that eradicates rust. Unlike popular acid-based cleaners, Metal Rescue is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Naturally, we wanted to give it a try!
Who Manufactures Metal Rescue Rust Remover
Metal Rescue Rust Remover is manufactured by a company by the name of Workshop Hero. Workshop Hero was established in 2009 by its parent company, Armor Protective Packaging.
Armor has been manufacturing commercial rust removers and preventatives since 1979. However, perennial demand for their products led them to develop a consumer cleaning line that’s sold under Workshop Hero brand.
Workshop Hero offers four rust removal and preventative products, including Metal Rescue Bath, Metal Rescue Gel, Dry Coat Rust Preventive, and Dry Coat Preventative Wraps. The products are manufactured at a facility in Howell, Michigan.
Our Comprehensive Metal Rescue Rust Remover Review
Does Metal Rescue Rust Remover Bath work? Is it worth the investment? Read along to find out if we approve of Metal Rescue Rust Remover.
First Impression
After a quick look at the customer testimonial page on the Metal Rescue website, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on a jug of this nontoxic cleaner. We saw stunning the stunning transformation of rusty motorcycle shocks, license plates, gas tanks, and golf clubs. It appeared that a single soak in Metal Rescue breathed new life into alloys that were otherwise bound for the trash.
Of course, like all products, we weren’t willing to give Metal Rescue our approval until we tried it out for ourselves! We wanted to find out if it was safe on everything except rust.
Upon opening the bottle, we were happy to discover that Metal Rescue was odor-free. We were also thrilled to be using a cleaner that didn’t require extra protection. For once, we felt that we could skip the rubber gloves and face mask for more comfortable essentials. When we spilled a little during the pouring process, we didn’t even bat an eyelash.
Ease of Use
We found the Metal Rescue rust removal process to be overwhelmingly easy. There was no scrubbing, brushing, or labor. You simply fill a container with Metal Rescue and soak your rust-covered objects in it. Soaking time depends on the severity of the rust. you can expect your object to be renewed anytime between 5 minutes to 24 hours.
The formula is water-based and free from corrosive acids. As such, you don’t need to worry about protecting your skin. You can even pour spent Metal Rescue down the drain without risking harm to the environment. What’s more, you can soak objects without compromising their mechanical properties or degrading the metal.
Metal Rescue is designed to remove iron oxide from steel and iron. However, it can also be used on other alloys, including copper, brass, nickel, and aluminum. With that said, it’s important to limit the amount of time you soak objects other than steel and iron. After all, extended soaks can degrade some alloys. Therefore, it’s best to check on these alloys every hour or so.
Metal Rescue is safe to use on the vast majority of non-metal surfaces. It can be applied to rubber, plastic, fabric, and glass. With that said, the manufacturer does not recommend soaking any of these objects for an extended period. Whatever you do, don’t apply Metal Rescue of magnesium or magnesium alloys.
Results
We were highly satisfied with the outcome of our Metal Rescue baths. In our first demo, we filled a large plastic container with an entire jug’s worth of Metal Rescue. Then, we placed several rusty iron and steel objects in it. Within 24 hours, almost all of the iron oxide had been eradicated from the surface of the objects.
We were in awe of the speed and efficiency of Metal Rescue. We didn’t lift a finger during the cleaning process. What’s more, we didn’t even think to check the temperature of the bath.
In our next test, we wanted to determine if Metal Rescue was capable of being reused. We gathered some rusty tools from our basement and soaked them in the same liquid bath we had used the previous day. Once again, the metal parts looked good as new.
We continued this process several times. While the cleaner got darker with each use, it never ceased to do its job. Even antique bolts were no match for Metal Rescue. While there were a few patches of orange on some of the ancient tools we tested, the overall effects of this product were undeniable.
Some of the alloys developed a black discoloring. However, we were happy to learn that this dark film could be wiped away with a rag, some mild detergent, and water. With that said, you must act fast to wipe away the discoloration. Otherwise, it is difficult to remove from the metal.
We also tested the formula on a series of objects, including zinc phosphates and copper alloys. The blue stains from the zinc were eradicated in less than an hour. Meanwhile, the copper objects were brighter within minutes.
Limitations
One of our only concerns with Metal Rescue was that it isn’t suitable for large objects. With that said, Metal Rescue Gel is perfect for eradicating rust from over-sized objects. The only way to use Metal Rescue Bath on large objects is to spray it continuously using a re-circulating pump and mechanical washer.
According to the manufacturer, Metal Rescue is safe to use on the following metals:
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Copper
- Chrome
- Gold
- Lead
- Nickel
- Silver
- Titanium
- Tungsten
- Solder
What’s more, it can be used on several different coatings, including “anodized, chrome, nickel, powder, and paint”.
Environmental Impact
On the other hand, we were extremely pleased to discover that Metal Rescue Rust Remover is reusable. Workshop Hero prides itself on developing a “safe, eco-friendly, and recyclable” product.
We love that Metal Rescue is free from acids. These chemical additives are harmful to people, plants, animals, and the environment. On the other hand, Metal Rescue is free from “oils, solvents, VOCs, acids,” and other harmful chemicals.
Usage
According to the manufacturer, Metal Rescue can be used to remove up to a ½ pound of dry rust. They suggest that one bottle of Metal Rescue is equivalent to treating 300 pounds of moderately rusted steel.
Price
At first, we were caught off guard by the high price of this rust remover. At $25 a bottle, it’s one of the priciest household cleaners on the market. Still, each bottle can be used multiple times. As such, it’s definitely worth the one-time investment.
All products manufactured by Workshop Hero are guaranteed to be free from material and workmanship defects.
How to Apply Metal Rescue Rust Remover
Metal Rescue Rust Remover is designed to be used as a bath for rusty objects. Before you start the rust removal process, you must remove dirt, oil, and grease from the surface of the metal objects you plan to serve.
You will need a large plastic container to soak your metal objects. We recommend using a plastic tote that can hold just over a gallon of liquid. Keep in mind that parts must be fully submerged during the soaking process.
Once you’ve selected a proper container, pour your Metal Rescue into it. Before you add your rusty objects, ensure that the bath is 68 degrees or warmer.
Take note of whether you have the Metal Rescue Bath or Concentrate. The Concentrate must be mixed with one gallon of water.
You may notice that the color of the Metal Rescue darkens. Metal Rescue is known to darken when it is working. Allow your rusty objects to soak in the bath for an extended period. Depending on the extent of the rust, you may need to soak your objects for anywhere from 5 minutes to 24 hours.
Check on your objects periodically, especially if they are not made of iron or steel. Remember that some alloys damage easily. When you are satisfied with the results of your soak, remove your once-rusty objects from their Metal Rescue bath.
Keep in mind that rusty multi-part objects may need to be rotated or agitated during the soaking process. These movements help ensure that all sides of a rusty object are exposed to Metal Rescue.
If you’re planning on painting your metal parts after their Metal Rescue bath, we recommend rinsing them with water and drying them thoroughly.
Then, use a funnel to pour the remaining Metal Rescue back into its container. You may continue to use that same bottle of Metal Rescue until you notice a decline in its performance. At which time, you may dispose of the spent cleaner by pouring it down your drain.
Metal Rescue is good for up to a year after it has been opened. As such, we recommend you keep your bottle going for as long as possible. If your Metal Rescue has turned black and is no longer yielding results, it may be time to replace your current bottle.
Tips and Tricks
Speeding Up the Rust Removal Process
According to the manufacturer, you can speed up the rust-removal process by heating Metal Rescue to a temperature of 150 degrees. Since the cleaner is water-based, it does not work in the same way as acidic cleaning solutions.
Keeping Track of the Gravity Rating
You don’t need to guess if your Metal Rescue Bath is spent. Instead, purchase a hydrometer to measure the density of the liquid. A hydrometer reading of 1.08 means that the cleaning product is no longer sufficient. With that said, the specific gravity of unused Metal Rescue is not far off at 1.02.
Time Your Bathes
You can plan the length of your Metal Rescue bath by
observing the intensity of the rust on your metal parts. Objects with light rust need 5 to 30 minutes of submersion. Meanwhile, moderately rusted objects need to soak for as long as 4 hours. On the other hand, deeply rusted objects require a full 24-hour soak.
Top It Off
In rare instances, you may notice that some of your Metal Rescue has evaporated. According to the manufacturer, you can add water to reconstitute the bath. The active ingredients are not absorbed during evaporation.
Get Your Questions Answered
We felt that Workshop Hero offered an extensive amount of information on their products. However, we were happy to see that the company has a technical service department. You can easily reach out to them by email.
Overall Thoughts
When we were first introduced to Metal Rescue, we were excited to explore a greener rust removal product. Knowing it was water-based and non-toxic, we didn’t anticipate perfect results. Still, we were eager to give it a try if it meant reducing the toxicity of our chemical collection.
After a few tests, we could see that our anticipations were far from realistic This water-based cleaner was capable of bringing our rusty parts back from the dead. Just as the manufacturer promised, a single bottle could be used countless times.
As such, we strongly recommend this rust remover to anyone looking to revive rusty metal objects. You won’t be disappointed with the results!
You’ll probably want to add to the abundance of before and after pictures that can be found on the manufacturer’s website. You really can’t beat a cleaner that requires no more than a soak!
