We all want our cars to look good. But over time, it can get rusty spots over its body. By
removing these small rust spots, you cannot only improve the appearance of your car
but also preserve integrity. But ignoring them will only make the situation worse. The
small rust spots will expand and ruin your car’s body.
To get rid of the rust spots, you need to first identify the type of rust. Yes, there are
different types of rusts for which you need different tools. The main rust types are scale
rust, surface rust, penetrating rust, and spot rust. In this post, we will discuss small rust
spots and how to remove them.
Steps To Remove Small Rust Spots
No one likes to have a rusty car. If you notice small rust spots forming on your car’s
body, you should take action immediately. To help you out, we have laid down a step-
by-step guide below.
Step 1:
The first thing you need to do is mask off the rusted area. Use poly sheeting to protect
your car from paint overspray. If you are fixing rust spots on the door, use poly sheeting
to fit the door opening and tape it to the jamb. Similarly, if you are painting the hood,
cover the fenders and engine.
The final masking should be done a foot or two away from the rusted area that you want
to fix.
Step 2:
The next step is where you get rid of the rust. Use a scraper to take off any blistered
paint. You can use 40 grit sandpaper to get the desired effect. You need to sand through
the paint to the bare metal.
Once you are done, feather the edges using 120-grit sandpaper. If there are pits in the
rusted area, fill them with an epoxy primer or body filler. Complete the sanding process
with a 220 grit.
Step 3:
Now you need to clean the entire unmasked area with detergent. After that, you need to
rinse it off with water. Once the cleaning is done, let it dry.
Take a lint-free cloth and wipe the area nicely. This will remove any remaining lint or
dust. Now apply the paint prep solvent.
Step 4:
Apply epoxy primer and then filler primer. You need to apply heavier and multiple coats
to repair the rusted area. Make sure you blend the surrounding painted areas as well.
Once you are done applying the coats, you need to let them dry for a good amount of
time.
After that sand the epoxy primer using a wet 1000 grit sandpaper. Take a lint-free cloth
and wipe the epoxy primer. Now apply at least three coats of lacquer filler primer. Let it
dry before you start sanding again.
Step 5:
You need to sand the repair area for the final time. Start with 600 grit sandpaper and
then move to 1000 grit sandpaper. Make sure you blend the surrounding areas nicely.
Step 6:
Now apply the colored base coat. You need to apply multiple coats while letting each
coat dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Once done, let it dry before you move onto the next step.
Step 7:
Lastly, you need to spray the clear coat. This is the most difficult step. If you do it wrong,
the entire look of your car will be ruined. You need to let it dry for at least 48 hours
before you sand and polish it. After that, you need to re-spray the area. You can wax the
repaired area after 30 days.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix small rust spots at home. For this, you
don’t need a professional.