Professional Rust Removal with Pressure Washing: Beginner's Guide

Professional Rust Removal with Pressure Washing: A Beginner's Guide

Rust stains on concrete, fences, and other surfaces can be unsightly and challenging, but with the right techniques and products, you can remove them effectively as part of your pressure washing services. Property owners are eager to eliminate these stains quickly, making rust removal a valuable upsell for your business. It requires minimal additional equipment—just your pressure washer and a specialized remover like F9 BARC. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to handle rust removal confidently and professionally.

Why Offer Rust Removal Services?

Rust removal is a sought-after service that can differentiate your pressure washing business. It's common on driveways, sidewalks, vinyl fences, and metal surfaces, often caused by fertilizers, battery acid, or irrigation systems. By mastering this, you'll be able to add a simple upsell to many of your core services.

  • High demand from homeowners and commercial properties
  • Simple process with high-impact results
  • Low overhead—uses existing pressure washing setup
  • Opportunity to upsell surface sealing or ongoing maintenance

Recommended Products for Rust Removal

We prefer F9 BARC for its proven effectiveness in removing tough rust stains, though it's a bit pricier than alternatives. This product works well on concrete, vinyl and painted surfaces without causing damage when used correctly. If performing rust removal on concrete surfaces, keep in mind that any rust remover will lighten the concrete beyond its natural color. It's best to communicate this to customers upfront and make sure to do an entire area for a uniform looking surface.

  • Apply F9 BARC according to the directions and suggested ratios and let it dwell.
  • Rinse thoroughly with your pressure washer.
  • Wear protective gloves and a respirator (see our Safety section).

Step-by-Step Rust Removal Process

Follow these steps for safe and efficient rust removal:

  1. Assess the surface and stain severity (e.g., rust on concrete or vinyl fence).
  2. Apply F9 BARC evenly over the stained area.
  3. Allow dwell time as per product instructions.
  4. Use a pressure washer at 1500-2500 PSI to rinse thoroughly, starting from the top.
  5. Inspect the area and reapply where necessary.
  6. Treat the entire concrete surface to avoid uneven lightening from etching.

Watch Our Rust Removal Tutorial

Before and After Rust Removal

Rust stain before removal on sidewalk Rust stain after removal on sidewalk

Safety Tips for Rust Removal

Handling chemicals like F9 BARC requires caution. Always prioritize safety to protect yourself and the environment.

  • Wear protective gear, including gloves and a respirator, to avoid skin contact and inhalation.
  • Work in well-ventilated areas and contain runoff to prevent environmental harm.
  • Test on a small, inconspicuous area first to check for surface reactions.
  • Avoid mixing with other chemicals unless specified.