How to Remove Rust Stains from Car Paint

Rust stains are unsightly. And they look even worse when they can be found in your car’s paint work. They make the vehicle look old and worse, neglected. Even though that is not the case, most of the time. Rather, they are caused by water that’s on the surface of your vehicle is contaminated by oxidized metal particles that are from a rusty area. The water runs down the paintwork and then dries up leaving the rusty stains on the surface. Fortunately, several options are available to you to remove those ugly stains. Read on to find out more.

Steps to Remove Rust Stains from Car Paint

Let’s take a look at a couple of effective processes to remove rust stains from car paint. 

A couple of things to remember though. First one is to try to do all the work you are about to do indoors, such as your garage. Second is to pick a day when it is not windy and the weather is pretty good.

How to Remove Minor Surface Rust

An aerosol or liquid rust remover is what you will need to use for minor rust stains. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Mask off the rusted area using the proper tape. It would be best to have a few inches of tape around the area.
  • Just follow the directions provided in the rust remover. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it using a clean rag.
  • If there is any leftover rust, use sandpaper to remove it.
  • Use grease and wax remover soap to clean. Air dry after cleaning.
  • Spray some primer on the affected area. A light to medium coat should suffice but make sure that you spray three coats. Give it an hour to dry.
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How to Remove Major Surface Rust

This is the process that you need to follow if you are dealing with more serious rust issues:

  • Mask off the car’s affected area. Cover the rest of the car if you are going to sand through paint and primer. This will provide protection from the very fine dust.
  • Make sure that you have your dust mask on.
  • Use a grinder for removing the surface rust.
  • Do not bear down too much when using the grinder.
  • Use grease remover to clean your work area.
  • To fill holes and depressions, use fiberglass-reinforced body filler.
  • Sand the filler but use progressively finer grit sandpaper.
  • Tape off the area that you are going to paint.
  • Paint using self-etching primer. Follow the required drying time.
  • Several coats of paint should be sprayed on the area.
  • One or two coats of clear should be used for finishing. 

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Common Questions About Rust Stains

How Do I Get Rust Spots Off My Car?

If you want to get rust spots off your car, there is one thing to keep in mind. And that is the fact that you need to get it off as soon as you can. There is no point in waiting around before doing anything. That will only make your job harder later on. The first thing that you need to do is to clean and prepare the area. After that, use sandpaper or a grinding disk until you reach the clean part of the metal. Once the rust is removed, you will have to protect the surface from any corrosions in the future. Use paint products that will seal the affected area from oxygen and give it the high level of rust protection that it requires. It would serve as the base layer for the topcoat paint that you will eventually apply.When it dries, apply automotive paint.

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How Do I Get Rust Spots Off My Car?

The following process will help you get those unwanted rust spots and stains off your car:

  • Start by preparing the area. Tape plastic sheets over your car. Leave a gap that is slightly larger than the affected area.
  • Put on safety gear. It should be eyewear, gloves, and a dust mask.
  • Clean the surface. You will need wax remover and grease for this.
  • Sand the rust away. You can use either a sandpaper or a grinding disk for the purpose. 
  • Clean the affected surface once more. Use the grease and wax remover again.
  • Wipe away any dust. Use tack cloth or lint-free cloth for this.
  • Apply automotive primer and paint. Using rust prevention paint means you don’t need to use a separate primer.
  • Buff the finished area. A microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth is best for this purpose.
  • Wait for 30 days before waxing. The finish is completely cured then.

What Causes Tiny Rust Spots On Cars?

You might be wondering what causes the tiny rust spots on your car’s paint. Some might even think that something might be wrong about their vehicle, when in fact it is really just rust. The rust is caused by very small metal shaving pieces that were embedded in your car’s paint. These shavings are known as rail head dust and they are a result of train car wheels running over railroad tracks. The shavings then float in the air before on your car’s paint finish. In time, the shavings are going to rust and result in the rust spots that you see on your car paint. 

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Conclusion

Don’t panic when you rust stains on your car paint. Because that’s just what they are, rust stains that happen to be on your car’s paint and nothing too serious. There is a right way of removing it however and you need to follow that. Especially if it is a little more deep than what you initially thought. Just make sure that you follow the process and use the right tools to finish the job.

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