is this rust?

[wally1234]

Is this rust?

edit-------------------

Ok I did researching and I learned a bit more, but here is my question. Do these steps sound accurate?
1. wire brush it
2. use high temp spray paint (I assume I do this because I just wire brushed it. Or can I skip this step because it will burn off anyways?)
3. spray with stabil fogging

 

[johneh]

Also called corrosion or oxidisation
generally referred to as rust (normal)
Normal on untreated metal surfaces
Next spring add Damp Rid to firebox or spray with cooking oil
It will burn off as soon as you have a hot fire

 

[zrock]

Don't be spraying or wiping with anything flammable.. No matter what you do its just going to burn off.. It will last a life time before it ever rusts out. Like most stoves you will have to replace the post at some point but that's more of a failure due to the heat cycles