Your car needs to be free of rust spots over the long-term to prevent serious corrosion and unsightly areas. Even a tiny chip or area can become larger over a period of time. The major cause of rust is road salt on the car, but rust can also be a result of sand, mud, and excess water. It is possible to protect your car from the harsh water, chemicals, and acid rain with today’s weather-proofing tools and supplies. Still, there are some simple steps you can take to remove rust and touch up the area.
When you have a simple and small area that needs help due to rust on your car, simply use brown sandpaper and touch up with body paint. Removing rust is easy and touching up takes minutes. You’ll need to start by:
1. Prepare the surface by scraping the loose paint and rubbing the rust off with the abrasive pad. ‘Paint’ the rust neutralizer over the metal with a small brush. Allow to dry for a few hours, and then apply a second coat. You’ll need to wait at least 24 hours before the next step.
2. Touch up with primer: Use a clean artist’s brush to brush rusty-metal primer onto all exposed metal. Make sure that this is brushed on in only one direction, or you’ll risk leaving a residue and marks.
3. Sand and buff smooth
4. Apply a small amount of glazing putty
5. Apply spray paint to finish the topcoat. Ask your paint dealer for the exact match for your car, and use an artist’s brush to paint the area. You’ll need to apply at least 5-6 coats, and let it dry.
When your car needs a more complete rust touch-up and long-term restoration, start with the following items:
• Latex gloves
• Newspaper
• Mineral spirits and cloth
• Goggles
• Automotive sandable primer
• An Electric drill with sanding attachment
• Abrasive disc (a minimum of a 60-grit is ideal)
• Abrasive pad (found in most kitchen sections of a store)
• Rubber sanding block
• Automatic buffing machine (find a handheld equivalent in most hardware stores)
• Finishing sander
• Rust neutralizer/converter
• Small artist brushes
• Heavy duty sandapaper sheets
• Rusty-metal primer
• Glazing putty for autos
• Paint respirator
• Spray paint or an aerosol paint sprayer
• Spray clear coat
• Touch-up paint
• Polishing formula and soft cloths
• Auto wax
1. Remove Rust: Using the electric drill, use the abrasive disc to sand and grind off the rust; wipe it down intermittently with a damp cloth dipped in mineral spirits.
2. Apply Primer: Mark off the area with masking tape and newspaper, and make sure the area is secure (you’ll be spraying the primer). Apply the primer, and use a back and forth motion to create an even covering. Apply 2-3 light coats, and wait about 5-8 minutes between each one. You want to make sure that the masked area is evenly covered with primer.
3. Sand Smooth: After the area is dry, remove all taped areas. Using the abrasive sheets and sanding block, begin buffing the area in a counter-clockwise motion until smooth. You may notice a few scratches, but these will easily be buffed away. Use a damp cloth to wipe it down, and dip the cloth in the primer as an extra step.
4. Apply Automotive Glazing Putty: Use the plastic spatula to spread glazing putty over the buffed area; this should be thin, but cover the area well. It will fill any scratches or bumps, and will be set within 10-15 minutes. Buff again with the sanding tool, and keep on applying putty and sanding until the area is completely smooth. Don’t worry if you buff/sand too much! You can easily reapply primer and putty, and start the process again. Using slightly wet sandpaper may also help take out some fine cracks and lines on the area.
5. Spray Paint: Wipe the surface clean with a clean damp cloth and mask off the area again with newspaper and asking tape. You’ll be applying spray paint all over the area, and need about 2-3 coats. Wait at least 5 minutes between coats.
6. Apply Clear Coat: Use clear coat sparingly after the paint is dry; you’ll need to wait at least an hour, and can use a sprayer to complete.
7. Polish and Wax: You’ll need to wait at least 7 days before applying any wax. A polishing formula or professional grade wax is a great step to ‘finish’ your work, and ensure that your rust-proofing measures will be longer lasting. You can use a professional-style waxing machine to leave an impressive result!
You can easily remove rust from your car, although it does take some patience; it is easy when you have the right tools and correct paint and primer. Be sure to check with your automotive dealer and paint supply store for the recommended brands and color combinations that your car needs; the last thing you need is a paint that dries a completely different color than your car! Always wear goggles when spraying paint and using a heavy-duty sanding tool, and be sure to wipe down all areas with a damp cloth for a supreme finish. Preventing further rust corrosion is possible with adequate maintenance of your vehicle, and reduced exposure to the elements of salt, rain, snow, and sand.
