The Big Difference: Lanoguard vs Conventional Rust Prevention Treatment Methods

One common query we get here at Lanoguard is "How does it compare to ____?". It can't be denied, there are an abundance of different rust proofing and waterproofing sprays, greases and lubricants out on the market. Some good, some bad, some low cost, some high cost. The key question is, how does Lanoguard fit in? What makes it stand out from the crowd?

First let’s take a look at why Lanoguard works. It’s produced by us in the UK from a lanolin (wool-grease) base. Lanolin gives our products some unique properties which make them ideal for waterproofing (it’s got to keep the sheep dry after all!) and also allows them to work on already rusted/rusting surfaces without a prepared keyed surface.

Firstly, lanolin has a natural affinity to ferrous (and many non-ferrous) metals. This means that it works its way to the base metal and bonds to it, including that underneath rust! – which is why, unlike many conventional products, Lanoguard can be sprayed onto surface rust with no issues and doesn't require a highly prepped and keyed up surface. The lanolin will be attracted to the metal underneath and slowly push off any existing rust.

Secondly, lanolin creates a hermetic seal on the surface it is applied to.  This means it provides a barrier coat between the material and the environment, stopping oxygen and water from getting in. Oxygen and water are the two components which must be present in order for rusting and oxidation to take place, so existing rust can not continue nor can any new rust be formed. These natural features of lanolin are why our products protect and enhance the equipment/vehicles they’re sprayed onto, and why they help to make rusting and corrosion chemically impossible. 

So how does a lanolin base compare to others? Most conventional rust proofing products are made from an oil, wax or grease base which are typically petroleum in nature. A common downside to these bases is that it is often perishing to any materials that aren’t metallic, such as rubber. A lanolin base can be used on rubbers, plastics and metals without any issue (meaning when using products like Lanoguard no masking up is needed).

The harsh and chemical nature of these products means that they are also much more likely to have flammable properties and aren’t a sustainable, eco-friendly fit for the environment they’re applied in. They tend to be messier to work with, result in overspray in areas you don't want it (perhaps even on your own driveway or equipment etc.) and can sometimes require a lot more PPE and application tools and equipment if they are airborne or considered toxic or hazardous.

Without the natural properties that lanolin has (bonding to metals and hermetically sealing without the need for a keyed surface) a rust-proofing product starts at a disadvantage. It is typically the case that conventional products cannot be sprayed onto existing rust because they don’t work to push off the rust and seep into the metal below. Without the hermetic seal, it’s also far easier for a coating of any product to easily wash off and not last.

At Lanoguard, we have taken these powerful benefits of lanolin and added a blend of several other key ingredients to enhance the product even further – resulting in the benefits of Lanoguard: it’s environmentally friendlier, jet-wash resistant, non-perishing, long lasting, non-conductive and non-flammable. Our products are effective whilst also significantly reducing prep time, effort and the high costs typically involved in treating corrosion and rust issues. But science aside, how can we back up the many advantages Lanoguard has, and prove its tried and tested nature?

Lanoguard products (and products from our sister company Asset Protector) have been used, tried, tested and approved in a vast range of industrial and heavy duty scenarios. One notable example is the use of our products to protect Dublin Airport’s runway de-icer vehicle. Potassium Acetate (the chemical they use in de-icing) is highly corrosive and therefore any vehicles applying it are very prone to corroding and losing their value – causing downtime for the airport operator and a decreased lifespan of the vehicle. We treated their D1 vehicle, as shown in the photo, and continue to be used to protect a whole host of large vehicles and machinery.

Be rest assured that our natural, friendly and non-conventional products are keeping your vehicles safe and sound! We’re here and ready to help the environment whilst taking advantage of the many benefits lanolin brings to the table. 

You can also learn more about how Lanoguard compares to other products on the market here.

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