Top 10 Metals That Don’t Rust

Are you curious about what metals don’t rust? Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, engineer, or architect, rust resistance is a hot topic in the world of metalwork. Especially in Britain’s famously unpredictable weather! Knowing which metals can stand up to rain, salt, and the test of time is key to building long-lasting, low-maintenance structures, gadgets, and artworks.

We’ve been working in the world of sheet metal fabricators for over 50 years now, so we know a thing or two about metal! From gleaming stainless steel to lightweight aluminium, the world offers a host of metals that shrug off rust and corrosion, each with unique advantages. In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between rust and corrosion, explore why certain metals hold up better than others, and showcase the top 10 rust-proof metals.

What causes metal to rust?

Rust is a specific form of corrosion and is a form of iron oxide. It is the enemy of iron and its alloys, like steel. The science is simple – when iron meets oxygen and moisture, a chemical reaction forms iron oxide, better known as rust. This familiar orange, brown layer is more than unsightly, it also expands as it forms. This puts stress on metal structures, making them brittle and exposing them to the risk of failure.

What makes rust especially challenging in the UK is our climate. We have plenty of rain, high humidity, and coastal salt, all of which accelerate rust formation. And if sulphur dioxide or carbon dioxide are present (in city air or industrial settings) the process is even quicker.

Rust is also permeable. That means even once the surface has rusted, water and air can keep seeping in, allowing the corrosion to fester deeper into the metal. For engineers, homeowners, and fabricators, preventing rust is all about careful material choice and protection.

The difference between rust and corrosion 

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there’s a crucial distinction between rust and corrosion. Corrosion is the broad term for the gradual destruction of metals due to chemical reactions. Any metal can corrode, though some do so much more readily than others.

Rust, on the other hand, is specific to iron and iron-based alloys. This can weaken anything iron from old garden gates to the Cliff Bridge. Other metals, like aluminium or copper, may tarnish or form their own oxides, but these layers are usually much more stable and protective, rather than destructive.

Top 10 metals that don’t rust

So, what metals don’t rust? Below, we reveal the top ten, detailing why they resist rust, where they’re used, and their key properties.

Metal	Key Properties	Typical Applications	Melting Point (°C)	Chemical Makeup	Notable Features
Stainless Steel	Non-rusting, strong, durable, easy to clean	Cutlery, kitchenware, construction, medical tools	1375–1530	Fe, Cr, Ni, Mo	Forms a passive chromium oxide layer
Aluminium	Lightweight, forms protective oxide, non-magnetic	Aircraft, windows, cans, marine	660	Al	Forms tough oxide layer, low density
Copper	Excellent conductor	Roofing, pipes, coins, decorative	1085	Cu	Patina protects from deeper corrosion
Brass	Corrosion resistant, attractive, antimicrobial	Plumbing, musical instruments, door fittings	930–940	Cu, Zn	Won’t rust, resists tarnish
Bronze	Tough, corrosion resistant, historic value	Statues, bearings, ship propellers	950–1050	Cu, Sn	Forms protective oxide, marine grade
Galvanised Steel	Steel coated with zinc, cost effective	Fencing, buckets, roofs, car parts	(Steel core) 1370	Fe + Zn (coating)	Zinc barrier prevents rust
Titanium	Strong, light, highly corrosion resistant	Medical implants, aircraft, jewellery	1668	Ti	Forms stable oxide, biocompatible
Zinc	Sacrificial anode, protective coating	Galvanising, die-casting, batteries	420	Zn	Protects other metals, resists rust
Nickel	Corrosion resistant, hard, lustrous	Coinage, plating, batteries, alloys	1455	Ni	Resists rust, enhances alloys
Gold	Doesn’t tarnish or rust, soft, malleable	Jewellery, electronics, dentistry	1064	Au	Immune to corrosion, very rare

What makes these metals resistant to rust?

The main secret behind what metals don’t rust comes down to chemistry. Metals like stainless steel, aluminium, and titanium form a thin, invisible oxide layer that acts as a barrier. This protects the rest of the metal beneath from air and moisture.

For others, like copper and bronze, a natural patina forms on the surface. This is a green or brown coating that’s not only attractive, but also keeps out further corrosion. Meanwhile, metals like gold and platinum simply don’t react with air or water, making them impervious to rust.

Galvanised steel takes another route. By coating steel in zinc, it gets a protective shield. Even if scratched, the zinc corrodes first, sacrificing itself to protect the steel underneath. This process is known as ‘cathodic protection.’

When to choose rust resistant metals

The choice of what metals don’t rust should be guided by your project’s needs.

• Outdoor structures: Opt for stainless steel, aluminium, or bronze for railings, sculptures, or signage.
• Marine applications: Bronze and titanium excel in saltwater environments, while galvanised steel offers cost-effective protection for short-term uses.
• Medical and food use: Stainless steel and titanium are biocompatible and easy to sterilise.
• Aesthetic projects: Copper, brass, and bronze provide rich, lasting colours and patinas.
• Electronics: Gold and nickel are invaluable for reliable, rust-free connections.

5 metals that are prone to rust or corrosion

Now we’ve highlighted our top 10 list for what metals don’t rust, let’s take a quick look at some that are on the opposite side of the scale.

1. Iron: Pure iron rusts very quickly when exposed to air and water, forming iron oxide (rust). This is commonly found in structural beams, old pipes, and cast iron items.
2. Carbon steel: An alloy of iron and carbon with little or no protective alloying elements. This is widely used in construction and manufacturing, but will rust rapidly if not coated or protected.
3. Cast iron: Another iron and carbon alloy, even more brittle than steel, and highly susceptible to rusting if left unprotected. Used for manhole covers, old cookware, and some pipes.
4. Low alloy steel: This steel has only minor additions of other elements like manganese or nickel. This offers little corrosion resistance compared to stainless steel. This can be found in bridges, frames, and machinery parts.
5. Wrought iron: Malleable iron with a very low carbon content, historically used for gates and fences. Although it has some natural corrosion resistance compared to pure iron, it still rusts easily if exposed to the elements.

How to prevent rust

• Pick rust resistant metals: Opt for stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, and other metals from our top 10 list, especially for outdoor or marine applications.
• Apply protective coatings: Paint, powder coating, oil, or specialised sealants can prevent moisture from reaching metal surfaces.
• Use galvanised or plated finishes: Galvanising coats steel in zinc, while other metals can be nickel or chrome plated for extra protection.
• Keep metals clean and dry: Regular cleaning removes corrosive salts, acids, and pollutants.
• Consider cathodic protection: Especially in marine or underground settings, sacrificial anodes made from zinc or magnesium help protect key metalwork.
• Environmental control: For valuable metalwork (like classic cars or art), use dehumidifiers, climate control, or silica gel packs to minimise moisture exposure.

How to prevent corrosion 

• Choose corrosion free metals: Aluminium and stainless steel are both versatile and eco-friendly choices for a range of environments.
• Laser treatment: Advanced laser technology can create a non-crystalline surface, increasing resistance to corrosion.
• Non-metallic coatings: Grease, carbon fibre, plastics, paint, and oil create effective moisture barriers.
• Specialist anti-corrosion coatings: Modern products provide strong, UV-resistant layers that don’t chalk, fade, or require multiple coats.
• Use drying agents: Keep equipment and storage areas free from dampness and check regularly for leaks.
• Regular maintenance: Inspect and maintain all metal items, addressing any damage to coatings immediately.

Contact Salamander Fabrications for your metal protection needs today!

If you would like any more information on how to ensure your metal projects are protected from the elements, please give us a call on 01484 843599 or send an email to sales@salamanderfabs.com.

We’re also happy to talk you through any of our services, including our:

• Welding services
• Metal folding services
• Sheet metal fabrication services
• CAD design services
• Electro mechanical assembly services

If you liked reading this blog then you may like to check out our other post – How to Cut Metal: 10 Techniques to Know.