How to Sandblast to Remove Automotive Rust

Severe rust damage requires removal of the rusted panel.

Sandblasting can be used to remove surface rust on vehicles, but it should not be used on vehicles whose panels have completely rotted away. The best indicator of this type of rust is the presence of bubbling under the paint of the vehicle. Sandblasting will easily remove the surface rust as well as the surrounding paint, so it is important to properly mask the parts from which you do not wish to have paint removed. This is best accomplished using masking tape.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Locate the extent of the surface rust on the panel of the vehicle by using your fingernail to pick at spots of the vehicle paint that appear slightly higher than the surrounding paint. If the panel is rusted, the paint will crumble away just with the touch of your fingernail.

2. Use masking tape to surround the area to be sandblasted. Mask the undamaged paint heavily with at least two layers of tape at least five inches away from the rusted spot. Use a wide layer of tape to help prevent damage to the non-rusted paint. This layer should be at least 10 inches wide.

3. Set the sandblaster gun to a narrow spray pattern, then put on your safety equipment. Turn on the sandblaster and position the spray gun in front of the panel to be blasted, approximately six inches from the surface.

4. Pull the trigger on the sandblaster to release the blasting material. Move the gun back and forth slowly to break away the paint and rust until the metal below is visible with no trace of discoloration. The surface may be pitted from the rust. The metal when properly sandblasted will have a dull gray coloration with no trace of blackened metal or brown rust.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid overheating the panel while sandblasting. This happens when the sandblasting gun is left in one position for too long. Avoid this by continuously moving the gun while the spray is removing material.

References

• "Automotive Bodywork & Rust Repair"; Matt Joseph; 2009
• "The Complete Guide to Auto Body Repair"; Dennis Parks; 2008
• "Pro Paint & Body"; Jim Richardson; 2002