DIY Rust Removal for Car Paint

Rust. It happens to the best of us and the best of cars. Rust removal can be an expensive problem to fix professionally, so how can you do it at home and restore your car’s natural beauty?

The first step you will want to take is to use a drill bit with a grinding tool and grind the area down passed the paint and down to the metal. You can use an tool sander for this, or you can sand it by hand as well. The important thing is to just take it back down to the metal.

Next you’ll want to clean the area. You want to make sure you clean up any paint residue or dust that might be left behind. Then you’ll want to use a “rust remover” liquid, like Kurust Rust Remover, over the pitted areas. You’ll want to leave it for about 15 minutes to cure on the rust areas. Kurust will start off a blue color, and end black once it’s ready.

Now you will want to protect the surrounding painted area of the car. You can buy car masking tape and simply tape some cardboard or any other item that will protect the rest of the paint on your car. Once your paint is protected, you’ll want to wet sand where the paint meets the metal. You want it to create a smooth transition between the two, so filing down the edge of the paint will help you get a smooth finish once done. You can achieve this by using a fine grain sandpaper, 600 or even 1000 grain, and gently sanding it down. No need to use a lot of pressure.

From here you will want to use a zinc primer, and just lightly spray across the area. You don’t want to spray too much in one spot and cause it to drip because you’ll have to sand that area back down again. Now you can remove the tape and protective surface you’ve added. You’ll want to double check the transition from the spray to the paint and make sure it’s smooth. If not, you’ll want to wet sand down again and then prime again.

Now you’ll be able to add your color match paint. It’s so important you take the time to find a color that truly matches your original paint. When you go to apply the paint, make sure it’s up to temperature, about 60 degrees.  You might need to place your aerosol can in some hot water to bring it up to temperature if it’s been stored in a cool place like a garage or shed.

You’ll want to use easy, small coats and back and forth motions. Just like with the primer, you want to be careful with your “strokes” because if you get too much on you’ll need to start all the way over to sanding it down to the metal again.

You can find some great DIY videos on rust removal for cars on YouTube. But if you don’t feel comfortable doing this, call or stop in to East End Body Shop and we will get you an estimate on rust removal from your vehicle.