FAQS About White Rust

Steel, like many other ferrous metals, is susceptible to rust formation. For this reason, steel is often galvanized. Galvanizing is the process of adding a layer of protective coating made of zinc to metal for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of rust. Although the zinc is intended to act as a protective layer against rust, it too can develop a similar condition, called “white rust.”

Continue reading to learn more about white rust, including what causes it to form and how it can be prevented.

Scrap Metal Recycling 1-888-586-5322

Scrap Steel Recycling 1-888-586-5322

What is White Rust?

White rust is a white, chalky film that can develop on the surfaces of zinc alloys and zinc-coated materials, commonly galvanized steel. In fact, it is a prevalent problem in the galvanized steel industries. It basically looks like a cloudy layer or dry, milky-looking substance on metal.

What Causes White Rust Formation?

When zinc is exposed to hydrogen and oxygen, zinc hydroxide is created, which is the root of white rust formation. This is in contrast to iron oxide, which is what causes standard rust to form. The most common reason why zinc-coated materials are ever exposed to such conditions are during the process of galvanization, when newly-galvanized steel comes into contact with water, or hydrogen dioxide.

White rust forms when this happens because the new zinc coating has not yet had time to develop stable oxides, so instead, the hydrogen and oxygen bond with the zinc, which then forms zinc hydroxide. Condensation that develops as a result of storing galvanized steel is another common cause of white rust formation.

Will White Rust Have Negative Effects on Metal?

Not only is the appearance of white rust unappealing, the effects are destructive to the coating, making the galvanization useless. White rust can render the base metal more vulnerable to discoloration, corrosion, reduced strength, and more.

How Do You Get Rid of White Rust?

Although one cannot necessarily reverse the effects or formation of white rust, it can be prevented. When you have galvanized steel, be sure to store it in a cool, dry area to avoid condensation. Furthermore, avoid exposure to water or any hydrogen-rich environments, and try to use passivating chemicals or oils for added protection. It helps to allow the zinc oxides to stabilize by allowing your steel to age in a low humidity environment for a while.

What Should I Do With White Rusted Steel?

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We buy and recycle any and all scrap metal and metal-containing commodities, regardless of condition. Whether it is covered in rust or not, we will accept anything with metal, including appliances, vehicles, auto parts, farm equipment, construction equipment and materials, boats, watercrafts, scooters, motorcycles, RVs, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Call Garden City Iron & Metal to Sell Old Metal Junk for Cash on the Spot!

You surely have some old metal-based junk laying around the house, office, or workplace, just taking up valuable space. And if you do, you can still make good use out of them. That is because anything made of metal can be recycled, and here at Garden City Iron & Metal, we pay cash on the spot for all scrap and junk metal!

Learn what we accept and how to get started!

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322

What We Accept

Here at Garden City Iron & Metal, we buy all types and grades of scrap metal and metal-based commodities, including all ferrous, non-ferrous, and precious metal, such as steel, iron, aluminum, brass, copper, and lead. And we don’t just buy metal, we purchase scrap metal commodities, like cars, trucks, boats, auto parts, appliances, construction materials, power tools, and more. Here are some detailed lists of metal we buy:

Ferrous Metals Iron, cast iron, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, heavy melt (hms), shredded, busheling, bundles, plate and structural, turnings, cast iron, tin, car bodies, and more.

Non-Ferrous Metals Aluminum cans, sheet aluminum, cast aluminum, aluminum turnings, irony aluminum, segregated aluminum, extrusions, copper, copper wire, zinc, brass, nickel, and lead.

Precious Metals Gold, silver, platinum, cobalt, tungsten, chromium, zirconium, titanium, iridium, osmium mercury, bismuth, beryllium, germanium, and palladium.

How to Get Paid Cash for Scrap Metal

The scrap metal recycling process is easy with Garden City Iron & Metal. Simply give us a call at 1-888-586-5322 and give us some information about your freight. Then we will give you an honest and fair quote right over the phone. If you accept our offer, you may visit our complex to make the transaction in person, or you may be able to arrange for free pickup and tow away service! We pay cash on the spot for scrap metal and junk vehicles, but if you are not with your asset, we can make alternate arrangements for payment.

How do you know you’ll get the best price for your scrap metal? We retain the latest technologies to deliver the most accurate estimate for your scrap metal, including 3 state-of-the-art, state-certified electronic platform scales! In addition to ultramodern machinery, our skilled Indianapolis scrap metal buyers use their knowledge and hands-on experience to ensure your material is weighed, graded, and assessed accurately.

Our Commitment to You

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

As a locally-owned and operated business, we take great pride in being a part of the local scrap metal recycling industry. Our scrap metal recycling services divert hundreds of pounds of metal waste each year, thus helping to reduce landfills and support the initiative to maintain a healthy balance of trade and resource sustainability in the United States.

Our commitment to this meaningful enterprise is just as strong as our commitment to providing outstanding service for our clientele. You can trust our metal scrappers and junk car buyers to deliver the highest standards of integrity and professionalism when it comes to purchasing your scrap metal.

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to request a free over-the-phone quote, today!