The need to immediately preserve the hidden cavities of the car arises when the owner notices the first spots of rust on the sills or side members. It is at this point that it becomes critical to understand how to properly use gun fat to stop corrosion and prevent further deterioration of the metal. Ignoring this stage or incorrectly applying the composition will lead to the fact that in a year or two the body parts will have to be replaced entirely. Cannon fat is not just a thick lubricant, but a full-fledged preservative that displaces moisture and creates a long-lasting protective film.
The anti-corrosion treatment process requires strict adherence to surface preparation technology and temperature conditions for applying the material. Errors at the stage of heating the mixture often cause the composition to apply unevenly or not to penetrate into the microcracks of the paintwork at all. In this manual, we will analyze all the nuances of working with this time-tested tool, eliminating common mistakes made by beginners.
Chemical composition and principle of action of the preservative
At the core cannon fat lies thickened petroleum oil, which undergoes special treatment to obtain the necessary anti-corrosion properties. The density of the composition allows it to adhere to vertical and ceiling surfaces of hidden cavities, without flowing down under the influence of gravity for a long time. This distinguishes it from liquid oils and water-based sprays, which quickly dry out or lose their properties.
The principle of operation is to create a physically dense barrier that completely blocks the access of oxygen and moisture to the metal. Oxidative reactions, which cause rusting, stop, since the electrolytic environment cannot form under the preservative layer. In addition, the composition often contains corrosion inhibitors that passivate existing areas of oxidation.
It is important to understand that this material is not a decorative coating and does not restore the geometry of the body. His task is exclusively metal protection from aggressive influence of the external environment, reagents and moisture. If applied correctly, the service life of such a coating can reach 5-7 years, after which it is recommended to re-inspect the condition of the hidden cavities.
Origin of the name
The term “cannon lard” has been in use since the days when artillery gun barrels were preserved with similar thick lubricants for long-term transportation and storage. The composition prevented rusting even in conditions of high humidity and salty sea air.
Necessary tools and vehicle preparation
Before starting processing, it is necessary to prepare the car and the workplace, since cannon fat is a difficult to remove pollutant. It is better to carry out work in a warm room or on a hot summer day, as the cold composition becomes too thick for effective application. You will need to remove some of the plastic elements, sound insulation and decorative trims to open access to hidden cavities.
The quality of anti-corrosion treatment directly depends on the thoroughness of surface preparation. If you apply a preservative to dirt or loose rust, the corrosion process will continue under the layer of protection, only now it will be more difficult to detect. Therefore, the washing and drying stage is no less important than the application of the material itself.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for processing
To work, you will need a specific set of tools that will ensure even distribution of the composition. Using unsuitable attachments may result in hot material splashing or inability to reach hard-to-reach areas.
- 🔥 Construction hair dryer or gas burner for heating the container with the composition.
- 💉 A syringe gun or a special gun for anticorrosion with a flexible hose.
- 🖌️ Brushes with hard bristles for application to open areas of spars.
- 🧤 Protective gloves and glasses to prevent burns and chemicals from getting on the skin.
Technology for heating and preparing the mixture
The key point in the question of how to properly use cannon lard is its temperature preparation. At room temperature, this material is a solid or semi-solid mass, unsuitable for spraying. It is necessary to heat the required amount of preservative to a temperature of 80-90 degrees Celsius, but not bring it to a boil, so as not to change its chemical structure.
It is most convenient to warm up in a water bath or using a hair dryer, directing a stream of hot air to the container with the material. If you use an open flame, be extremely careful: petroleum vapors are flammable and an accidental spark may cause a fire. Temperature critical: a composition that is too cold will not penetrate microcracks, and an overheated one may lose its adhesive properties.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to heat cannon lard in closed containers or in a microwave oven. This can lead to container explosions or damage to household appliances due to oil vapors.
After reaching a working consistency reminiscent of thick honey or machine oil, the mixture must be thoroughly mixed. This will ensure uniform composition and uniform distribution of additives throughout the entire volume. The finished material is poured into the reservoir of the spray gun, which it is also advisable to preheat so that the mixture does not freeze in the hose upon first contact.
Helpful advice: If you are treating a car in winter or in a cold garage, heat not only the mixture, but also the car body itself. Warm metal accepts the composition better, and it penetrates deeper into the pores of the rust.
Procedure for application to hidden cavities
Application cannon fat for hidden cavities requires the use of a special sprayer with a long nozzle and a flexible hose. The jet must be supplied under pressure so that the composition penetrates into all corners of the side members, thresholds and floor reinforcements. The movements of the gun must be smooth, with a uniform speed of movement, to avoid the formation of voids or, conversely, excessive accumulation of material.
Particular attention should be paid to technological holes and welds. It is in these places that corrosion most often begins due to residual moisture after washing. When processing, it is necessary to rotate the nozzle at different angles, ensuring coverage of the surface from all sides.
The table below shows recommendations for material consumption for various body elements, provided they are applied in one layer:
| Body element | Recommended consumption (g/m²) | Application Features | Number of holes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spars | 300-400 | Entry through technological holes | 2-4 pcs. |
| Thresholds | 400-500 | Processing inside and outside the seam | 3-5 pcs. |
| Doors (inside) | 200-300 | Carefully around window lift mechanisms | 1-2 pcs. |
| Wheel arches | 500-600 | Rich coverage on the outside and inside | N/A |
After completing the treatment of all hidden cavities, it is necessary to allow the car to cool. During this time, excess material may drain, so it is not recommended to immediately park the car on a clean surface or parking lot. It is better to leave it in the garage for a day for final polymerization and stabilization of the layer.
Treatment of open surfaces and bottom
For open areas of the body, such as the underbody, wheel arches and lower parts of doors, application technology cannon fat a little different. Here it is permissible to use a thicker layer, since the risk of runoff is minimal, and the mechanical strength of the coating plays an important role. The material is often applied with a brush or spatula, rubbing it into the metal for better adhesion.
When processing the bottom, it is important not to block the drainage holes through which moisture should escape. If you preserve water inside a closed cavity, the effect will be the opposite: the metal will rot faster due to constant contact with the electrolyte. Therefore, make sure all drains are free before application.
⚠️ Attention: Do not apply grease to brake discs, calipers and other parts of the brake system. If preservative gets on the working surfaces of the brakes, it can lead to failure of the brake system and an accident.
Exposed surfaces treated with this material may collect dust and dirt, forming a coating. This is a normal process that does not affect the protective properties, but requires periodic washing. Unlike bitumen mastics, cannon lard does not crack in the cold and does not peel off, maintaining elasticity.
Safety precautions and waste disposal
Working with petroleum products requires strict safety precautions, as vapors from heated oil can cause dizziness and nausea. Be sure to use a respirator or work in a well-ventilated area. Hitting hot cannon fat causes burns to the skin, so protective gloves and long sleeves are required.
If the composition gets on clothes, it is almost impossible to wash it off - the fabric will have to be thrown away. If the material gets onto the paintwork of the body where it was not intended, remove it immediately before it hardens, using Galosh gasoline or specialized degreasers.
- 🚫 It is prohibited to smoke or use open fire near the work site.
- 🧤 Use nitrile gloves that are resistant to petroleum products.
- 👓 Protect your eyes with glasses from accidental splashes when spraying.
- ♻️ Dispose of rags and remaining mixture into special containers for petroleum products.
Main conclusion: Gun lard is the “heavy artillery” in the fight against corrosion, requiring a competent approach to heating and application. Only adherence to technology guarantees body protection for years to come.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to apply gun lard over old rust?
Yes, it is possible and even necessary. The composition penetrates the loose structure of rust, displaces moisture and stops further oxidation. However, it is better to clean large flaking pieces of metal with a brush first.
How to wash off gun fat if it gets on your clothes?
Regular washing won't help. It is necessary to pre-treat the stain with Galosh gasoline, white spirit or a special bitumen stain cleaner, and then wash it with laundry soap. In most cases, the fabric has to be thrown away.
At what temperature does cannon lard lose its properties?
The material retains its protective properties over a wide temperature range, from -50 to +150 degrees Celsius. It does not leak in extreme heat and does not crack in the cold, remaining elastic.
How often should the lard treatment be renewed?
When properly applied into hidden cavities, the treatment lasts 5-7 years. It is recommended that exposed surfaces (bottom, arches) be inspected annually and renewed as the layer wears off or is washed away.