How to Kill Rust In Paint

Whether it's a car, metal shed or wrought iron gate, rust ruins the look of everything.

If you notice rust beginning to bubble up from beneath your paint, it's time to take action. Left untreated, rust will ultimately spread and eat away at the metal, causing it to deteriorate to the point where it is no longer useful. In this way, rust seems like a living organism that needs to be exterminated. It is not, however. Rather, rust is simply the result of oxygen molecules coming into contact with iron molecules. This causes iron oxide, aka rust, to form. In order to properly remove the rust from your paint, you will need a few common supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Can of rust converter
• Paintbrush (optional)
• 100-grit sandpaper
• 400- to 600-grit sandpaper
• Abrasive sanding block
• Primer
• Newspaper
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Sand the rusted spot in the paint with sandpaper. For severe rust that is actually causing the paint to bubble and crack, you may need to use coarse sandpaper, as low as 100-grit. Continue sanding until you've removed all visible signs of rust and the small area of paint surrounding it.

2. Sand the rusted area with fine sandpaper, somewhere between 400 and 600 grit. The fine sandpaper will remove any small bits of rust that are difficult to see as well as smooth and even out the surface. You should also use an abrasive sanding block to sand the area. The block should have an extremely fine grit that is able to sand away rust from the actual pores in the metal. This is important, as even the smallest bit of remaining rust will cause future corrosion.

3. Spray your rust converter onto the area you sanded. Of course, if you do not have a can of aerosol rust converter, you must apply it manually with a small paintbrush. Most rust converter, however, can be purchased in aerosol form. Follow the directions on the can for the amount of time you must wait between applications, as this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

4. Sand the area once again with your finest grit sandpaper or sanding block in order to remove the black oxide, which is the byproduct of the rust converter. Make sure the area is as clean, smooth and even as possible.

5. Tape some newspaper around the area you've prepared, covering any parts you do not wish to be accidentally discolored by primer. Spray the area with primer and wait for the amount of time advised on the label. Then apply another coat, sanding with the finest grit sandpaper between each coat. Apply at least three coats in all.

References

• MetalWebNews.net: A Primer on Rust
• Auto Mechanic: Car Maintenance 101: Removing Rust from Your Vehicle