When preparing metal surfaces for coating or painting, flash rust can become a formidable enemy. This fast-forming corrosion appears mere minutes after blasting — sometimes in as little as 30 minutes — and can drastically undermine both the protective coating and the integrity of the substrate. Whether you’re working on steel structures, marine vessels, or metal equipment, the appearance of flash rust signals a risk that must be managed immediately.
Enter RapidHold™ SuperStrength Rust Inhibitor — the trusted solution used by hundreds of Australian blasters for reliable protection and lasting results.
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What Is Flash Rust and Why Does It Matter?
Flash rust occurs when steel that has just been blasted is exposed to moisture and soluble salts (e.g. chlorides or sodium). These elements combine to form corrosion cells, particularly in humid or coastal environments.
- Blasting mechanically damages the passivation layer, the thin film that naturally protects metal from corrosion.
- In wet abrasive blasting, water is present on the surface, increasing the risk of flash rust.
- Salt deposits dissolve and interact with moisture to accelerate corrosion.
Even dry blasting isn’t immune — because dry media can leave behind salts or other contaminants on the surface.
How Rust Inhibitors Help
A rust inhibitor neutralises this corrosion process by breaking the chain reaction. RapidHold™ SuperStrength does this by:
- Dissolving and removing surface salts
- Leaving no residues or trace elements that interfere with coatings
- Extending your coating window by up to 72 hours (in typical conditions without rain)
What Makes RapidHold™ SuperStrength Different?
– Formulated for Flash Rust Prevention :-
RapidHold™ is designed specifically for use after wet blasting, dustless blasting, soda blasting, and even acid bath rust removal. It is soluble in water and completely safe.
– No Residue Left Behind :-
Unlike other solutions that may leave an oily or powdery film, RapidHold™ leaves a perfectly clean, adhesion-ready surface.
– Environmentally Safe :-
- Non-hazardous
- Non-flammable
- Phosphate-free
- Biodegradable
– Use It in Multiple Ways:-
- Add it to your slurry in your RapidBlast™ equipment
- Use it as a post-blast rinse via the washdown feature
- Compatible with both dry and wet blasting workflows
– Highly Concentrated and Cost Effective:-
With a 1:200 dilution ratio, a 20L drum makes 4000 litres of working solution — delivering more value per litre than most competitors.
– Why Flash Rust Should Not Be Ignored
Even light flash rust reduces coating adhesion. Heavier flash rust can:
- Lead to complete coating failure
- Initiate long-term corrosion
- Cause costly rework and downtime
In high-spec projects like marine, industrial, and infrastructure maintenance, the margin for error is thin. Flash rust isn’t just an aesthetic problem — it’s a threat to your long-term coating success.
– Proven by Professionals
Hundreds of Quantum Blast customers have reported zero issues with coating adhesion when RapidHold™ SuperStrength is used as directed. While every coating system has its own tolerances, clean surfaces treated with RapidHold™ offer the best chance for optimal, long-lasting performance.
Summary: Why Use a Rust Inhibitor After Blasting?
- Removes flash rust and salts
- No residue, no impact on adhesion
- Compatible with dry and wet blasting
- Biodegradable and non-toxic
- Concentrated = economical
- Safe for marine and industrial use
- Keeps your coatings strong and your surface clean
For Best Results:
Use RapidHold™ SuperStrength as a post-blast rinse or as part of your slurry mix. It’s the essential final step in professional surface preparation.
Available now from Quantum Blast Australia. Ships nationwide. Bulk orders welcome.
Slide 1: Before blasting – Heavy rust, flaky corrosion, and surface damage
Slide 2: After blasting without rust inhibitor – Cleaned surface, but flash rust begins almost immediately!
Slide 3: After blasting with RapidHold™ Superstrength Rust Inhibitor – Bright metal, no flash rust even after 48 hours!
