popularmechanics.co.za MAY / JUNE 2022 87
ADVANTAGES
» Fast-acting with potent results.
» Jelly-like consistency means it can be brushed
on to vertical surfaces without completely
dripping off.
» Only a small quantity is required.
» Can be applied accurately to specific areas.DISADVANTAGES
» Protective gear should be worn when working
with any acid-based solution.
» Careful storage is needed – keep the bottle
upright and away from children.
» The solution should not be left on any metal
surface for too long.
» Q12 will not discriminate between rust and
bare metal.
» The used solution is harder to dispose of
and must be rinsed with lots of water.
» The solution cannot be reused.Q12 is an acid-based product
with a 55-year track record that
delivers incredible results from
its secret-sauce formula.ACID-BASED
Typically speaking, most rust-
removing products use an
acid-based solution. Milder
products tend to focus on citric
acids, while the more potent
stuff is generally phosphoric-
acid based.
That said, you might be
wondering why you’ve seen
social-media videos where
Coca-Cola or vinegar is used
to remove rust. Well, the latter
is a form of citric acid, while
Coke has phosphoric acid listed
as one of its ingredients.
Of course, the quantity of
phosphoric acid in soft drinks is
very low. In concentrated form,
however, the rust-removing
properties of phosphoric
acid are fast-acting and
highly effective.
Unfortunately, the down-
side to all this rust-busting
performance is that the acid
solution doesn’t discriminate
between what is rust (iron
oxide) and what is bare metal.
And that’s precisely why many
of these products should never
be used on sensitive compo-
nents, or on stainless-steel or
chromed surfaces.
In the case of this test, we’re
comparing two completely
different rust-removing
formulas, Q12 and EVAPO-
RUST. Here are some of the
pros and cons of each:12341» Although deeper rust may require some wire-brush prep work, Q12
will generally cut through most forms of surface rust. 2» Simply apply the
acid-based solution with a paintbrush, and allow 15 to 20 minutes of contact
time. 3» Rinse the component with plenty of clean water to remove all traces
of acid. 4» Once de-rusted, remember to coat the component with fresh oil
to prevent rust from coming back. Use vegetable oil on cookware, and Q20
on tools and machine parts.Q12 RUST REMOVER