Types of Rust

Everyone has experienced a surface inside or outside their building rusting at least once, it’s an effect of time and conditions. In most instances, this rust appears red. However, this is not always the case, with rust appearing in different colours for various reasons. The most common rust colours are red, yellow, brown and black, which all indicate an issue with either the surface itself or its contact with the surrounding environment. Read on to find out more!
 
Red Rust
Red rust is a result of exposure to elements such as air and water. Unlike other rusts there are no visible rust runs or streaks as the affected area is usually affected as a whole by atmospheric conditions. Like black rust, this form of corrosion is formed when combined with salt.
 
Yellow Rust
Yellow rust usually appears in places of high moisture content where the affected area has been highly exposed to water over a period of time and has corroded as a result. The yellow rust stain usually appears to run or drip.
 
Brown Rust
Unlike yellow rust, brown rust is a drier and crustier rust, formed as a result from contact with water and oxygen. It is similar to red rust, however, brown rust appears in patches rather than affecting an entire surface.
 
Black Rust
Black rust usually forms in a low oxygen environment. The black stains help to indicate where the issues are. For the example areas where the rust is, indicate a lack of oxygen. Black rust, like red rust can form as a result of contact with salt which causes corrosion.