How to Treat Rusty Metal on an Old Car

Rust spots develop on a car as a result of chipping or scratching of the paint. This damage to the paint exposes the metal under the paint to moisture and air. This in turn results in the oxidization of the metal and the development of rust spots. It's important to treat rusty metal on an old car immediately as rust spots can increase and spread to the whole body of the car. This is especially true if the car is exposed to inclement weather such as rain or snow storms.

How to Treat Rusty Metal on an Old Car

• You should ensure that you have protective gear such as gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask at hand before you treat rusty metal on an old car. In addition, cover your car with a tarp and fix it in place with painter's tape. This will protect the other parts of your car from getting dusty and also define your work area. Remove the primer and paint around the rust spot with a sander. Remove any rust that has not fused with the metal. Then level the area with sandpaper or a sander till both the painted and the unpainted areas are smooth. Use a metal grinding wheel to remove thick rust or rust that has got into pits and uneven surfaces. Once all the rust is removed, apply rust removing acid such as phosphoric acid in order to remove microscopic particles of rust.

More Instructions on How to Treat Rusty Metal on an Old Car

• A spot filler should then be used to even out the pits and dents caused by the removal of paint. The whole area should then be sanded to get a smooth finish. A thinner should be applied before the application of a primer. Make sure you use primer that’s ideal for bare metal. At least 3 coats of the primer should be applied and each coat should be allowed to dry before the next coat is applied. Wet sandpaper should be used to sand the affected area after the primer coats have dried overnight. The area should be washed with soap and water, and then dried completely before the application of a thin coat of paint that matches the color of the car. A spray is best for this last application. The paint should be allowed to dry overnight and buffed so that it blends with other areas of the car.
• In order to treat rusty metal on an old car you need to invest a little time and effort as this treatment can restore your car's looks and increase its value.