Coatings
Cathodic Protection
If steel- galvanizing
Paint protects the metal from exposure to oxygen .
Paint or enamel can protect iron from rusting.
A metal water proofer can be a type of coating that will keep it safe from moisture, salt, and the elements. eg" Heavey solids (Zinc) a Sprayable compound protects metal, such as steel from rusting. an enscapulator
Metal rusting (corrosion) is a chemical change.
The zinc coating no longer protects the underlying metal from rusting, once water and air gets through the crack.
wax seal
Galvanizing protects steel from oxidization (rusting).
the paint work
Rusting
Polish the metal.
It depends on what metal is 'rusting'.
When rusting occurs, some of the outer metal converts to a crumbly iron oxide that doesn't have the same strength as the metal. The deeper the rusting goes into the metal , the weaker the bar will become.