Turning Filthy Cars into Dirty Masterpieces

How does this happen? Rust is iron oxide, a molecule made up of iron and oxygen. These two elements bond so easily that mined iron usually comes in the form of powdered rust. Salt water acts as an electrolyte, speeding up the time it takes for the reaction. Even the best paint job won’t get perfect coverage, while small bumps and scrapes can remove paint, providing a path for this reaction. Before long, the rust spreads underneath the paint, causing it to bubble.