We were really surprised by the results of this rust converters test, not only because the two Jenolite products were so far apart in performance. The fluids here all have a similar appearance, but some are clearly better than others, and cheaper too.

Bilt Hamber Hydrate-80 Rust Converter is a rust converter which provides unparalleled protection to rusted steel surfaces. I agree serious rust needs cutting out and replacement metal welded in. But light surface rust can be stopped for as long as air cannot reach the metal beneath the coating of paint.The Magic Rust Pen by T-Cut is a highly effective rust remover that’s designed for small rust areas such as stone chips or dents. It’s simple to apply, cheap and converts rust in just under 15 minutes.

Remove loose, flaky rust with a wire brush and abrasive paper (or if favoured power tools). The active ingredients of Hydrate-80 must reach the oxidising surface of the steel. Thoroughly degrease the area and wash well with clean water to remove dust and contaminates. Failure to degrease area properly will cause “holidays” or fish-eye like flaws in the barrier. We left sections of 1mm unpainted mild steel to gently corrode outside over the course of several months, then let them thoroughly dry before treating both sides with our products, carefully following the instructions. Due to the many types of paint formulations and curing processes test compatibility of products at small scale before use.Even dipping the body has its limitations, I would worry that wetting the body seams could lead to later problems. Any treatment has to work inside the sills and other closed areas. https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/icon/bilthamber/bilt-hamber-hydrate-80-500ml-bottle-1.jpg It does say on the hydrate 80 instruction sheet I have that it is purposefully made runny in consistency so as to wet the rust better. I agree that any rust converter will have rust that it cannot reach, still beneath the coating.

https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/medium/bilthamber/bilt-hamber-hydrate-80-500ml-bottle-8.jpgHydrate-80 is an excellent base for a wide range of paint finishing systems. It is preferable, but not essential to use a good quality primer before applying topcoats. Apply sparingly, two coats at 30 minutes interval. The first coat should be worked into pitted areas and then smoothed by brush strokes in one direction. Excess application should be avoided. The second coat should be applied at a 90 degree angle to the first. For best results leave for 24 hours after which finishing coats may be applied. The long-term performance of Bilt Hamber Hydratehydrate 80 has been proven to significantly increase coating life in independent tests conducted by the German TÜV organisation under conditions of VDA 621-415 (6 cycles, or 1008 hrs) which included exposure to hot salt-spray, 100% relative humidity and drying atmospheres with each cycle lasting 168 hours.

Using DeoxC/Gel will actually remove the rust, leaving whatever solid metal is left (this is what i used on my Prelude, also a rear arch rust meister ) Traditional paints and coatings applied to corrosion give disappointingly short-lived performance because they simply hide the underlying and continuing corrosion - the failure is first seen by blistering of the coating and the rapid breakthrough of rust. hydrate 80 provides powerful protection to rusted steel surfaces, its electrochemical function stabilises existing corrosion by converting the iron oxides into a protective metal complex, it also combines with surface moisture and oxygen depriving the corrosion process of the conditions it requires. Paints and coatings applied to a hydrate 80 treated surface demonstrate amazing improvements in long-term performance.This confirms the test that practical classics did about 10 years ago (when PC was still an OK magazine) - they tested various "rust converters" anti rust paints, hammerite and zinc primer. https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/icon/bilthamber/bilt-hamber-hydrate-80-500ml-bottle-8.jpg The long-term performance of hydrate 80 has been proven to significantly increase coating life in independent tests conducted by the German TÜV organisation under conditions of VDA 621-415 (6 cycles, or 1008 hrs) which included exposure to hot salt-spray, 100% relative humidity and drying atmospheres with each cycle lasting 168 hours. One side of the steel sample was left unpainted while the other was sprayed with a single coat of primer and acrylic top coat, replicating a typical DIY repair. Once dry, the samples were then doused daily in salty water for four weeks to encourage any corrosion to reappear. We then scored them on ease of use, rust-resisting performance and price. Verdict https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/medium/bilthamber/bilt-hamber-hydrate-80-500ml-bottle-1.jpg