How to Remove Rust
Author: Toby Date Posted:5 July 2024
Rust is every car owner's nightmare, especially if you love keeping your ride looking pristine. Fortunately, treating rust on your car isn't as daunting as it seems. Here's a guide on how to treat surface rust on a car, including the best methods for how to remove rust from metal, with a touch of Australian know-how.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
To effectively treat rust on your car, gather the following tools and materials:
- Sandpaper or a sanding block
- Rust Converter
- Primer
- Paint that matches your car’s colour
- Clear coat
- Microfiber cloths
- Masking tape
- Protective gloves and eyewear
Step-by-Step Guide to Treating Rust on Your Car
1. Safety First
Before treating rust on your car, prioritise safety by following these measures: wear protective gear like safety glasses, gloves, and a mask. Work in a well-ventilated area as well to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
2. Wash the Area with Soap
Wash the area around the rust spot with car wash soap and dry it with a microfiber cloth. Use masking tape to protect the surrounding paint from accidental sanding or painting.
3. Sand the Rust Away
Using sandpaper or a sanding block, gently sand the rusted area until you reach bare metal. Be careful to remove all the rust and avoid scratching the surrounding paint. This step is crucial in how to remove rust from metal surfaces effectively.
4. Apply Rust Converter
Once the rust is removed, apply a rust converter to the area. This chemical treatment will help prevent future rusting by converting any remaining rust into a stable compound.
5. Prime the Surface
After the rust converter has dried, apply a primer to the area. The primer will help the paint adhere better and provide an extra layer of protection against rust.
Make steps 4 and 5 easier with P15 Rust Converter since it has a built-in primer as well.
6. Paint and Blend
Choose a paint that matches your car’s colour. Apply several thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Blend the paint into the surrounding area to make it less noticeable.
7. Apply Clear Coat
Once the paint has dried, apply a clear coat to protect the newly painted area and give it a glossy finish. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
8. Polish and Wax
After the clear coat is completely dry, polish and wax the area to blend it with the rest of your car's paintwork.
Preventative Measures
To keep rust at bay, follow these tips:
- Regularly wash and wax your car to protect the paint.
- Keep your car dry and avoid parking in damp areas.
- Treat any scratches or chips in the paint immediately to prevent rust from forming.
