Environmentally acceptable inhibitor formulations for metal surfaces

A composition for inhibiting corrosion of metal surfaces comprises permanganate and a very low concentration of chromium (VI). The concentration of chromium (VI) in the aqueous solution is less than about 100 micrograms per liter, and the concentration of permanganate is about 0.2% to about 20% by weight of the aqueous solution. In another embodiment of the invention, a composition for inhibiting corrosion of metal surfaces includes permanganate and acetic acid. The concentration of acetic acid in the aqueous solution is between about 0.2% and 2.0% by volume. The concentration of permanganate is about 0.2% to about 20% by weight of the aqueous solution. Other embodiments of the invention include methods of using the present sealant compositions and the resulting corrosion inhibited metal substrates. In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a kit for preparing corrosion inhibiting solutions for metal treatment.