How to Fix Rust on a Car

The presence of rust on a car can lead to an unattractive appearance and decreased value for your car. Repairing rust may seem like a job for professionals. However, if you are willing to take a little time, it is fairly easy to learn how to fix rust on a car and do the job yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Time
• Sander
• 60 Grit Sandpaper
• 220 Grit Sandpaper
• 400 Grit Sandpaper
• Grinder
• Bondo Glass or other reinforced body filler
• Bondo or other body filler
• Dust rag
• Tack cloth
• Primer
• Paint

Instructions

1. Sand the area using 60 grit sandpaper. If you have a DA or orbital palm sander, this step can go fairly quickly. Some power drills come with a sanding attachment that can be used as well. If none of these options are available, you can sand by hand. Ideally, you'll want to sand completely down to bare metal.

2. Remove rust using a grinder. Be careful to make sure all rust is removed to prevent spread of rust to other areas.

3. Mix some Bondo Glass and fill the hole. If Bondo glass isn't available, look for a reinforced body filler. You will need to work fast as it dries quickly. Allow to dry completely. When your rust hole repair involves a small area, the time you need to wait for it to dry can be as fast as twenty minutes. On larger rust repairs, you may want to wait several hours, or even overnight.

4. Sand with 60 grit sandpaper again. Wipe with cloth or use compressed air to remove all dust.

5. Mix regular Bondo or regular body filler and cover the area. Allow to dry completely.

6. Sand the area, starting with 60 grit sandpaper followed by 220 grit paper. Finish with 400 grit paper. Starting with a coarse sandpaper and using progressively finer sandpaper with each subsequent sanding will ensure you get a smooth finish.

7. Wipe with a cloth or use compressed air to remove all dust. Follow this by wiping with a tack cloth. If a tack cloth is not available, you can use a cloth that attracts dust, such as Swiffer dusters, or make your own.

8. Apply primer, taking care to spray evenly. Allow primer to dry thoroughly.

9. Repaint using a product made for automotive use.

10. Enjoy your now rust-free car and congratulate yourself for learning how to fix rust on a car.

Tips & Warnings

• When selecting paint, look for paint that offers protection against rust. This will reduce the necessity of having to do rust repair again.

• It can sometimes be difficult to match paint exactly. Even if the same shade that the car started with is used, the original paint job may be faded somewhat by the sun. In some cases, it may be easier to repaint the entire car.

• Work in a well-ventilated area. If working in a small area, consider putting a fan in the doorway to help pull the dust out of the room.

• Wear protective equipment. Safety glasses will protect the eyes from any flying metal and masks will keep dust or fumes from irritating breathing.