May 28, 2020  |    2,858 Comments

We have all seen it. Those pesky brown blotches that could spell disaster for your car. It’s of course aesthetically damaging, but it can cause auto body damage and be detrimental to your car if it reaches the frame or other structural areas. Check out this blog for tips on how to get rid of rust from your daily driver or classic cruiser. 

What is Rust?

Rust is an iron oxide that’s formed from the reaction of iron and oxygen, and it forms quicker in the presence of water. So if you live in a humid area or your vehicle is stored outside, it is more susceptible to rust.

Steps to Get Rid of Rust

For minor vehicle rusting like a few small chips or spots, using a liquid or aerosol rust remover is perfect. 

  1. To start off you will want to tape off the section with rust to protect the surrounding paint. 
  2. Follow the instructions on the rust remover. It’s normally just spraying it onto the rust and letting it sit, then wiping off with a rag.
  3. If there is still some rust residue, you can sand it off with sandpaper. 
  4. When the rust is gone to your liking, you will want to clean with a grease and wax remover soap and let it air dry.
  5. Spray three coats of primer. Allow an hour to dry.
  6. Spray color base coat. Feel free to do 5 or 6 coats or until there is complete coverage. Spray thinner coats than the primer. 
  7. Spray the clear coat. Wait a few days before washing, and body shops advise you to wait 3-6 months before waxing. 

Removing rust

Major Rust Removal

To get rid of rust on a larger scale, like an entire panel, you’ll need a few tools: masking tape, a sander, a metal grinder, rust remover, and safety glasses. 

  1. For the first step, you will want to section off the part of the vehicle you are working on with masking tape. 
  2. Remove the paint and primer using the sander. We recommend starting with 80 grit and working your way up to 150 grit. Try not to put any more pressure on the spots than needed. You may also be able to get some surface rust off with the sander.
  3. Apply rust remover and use the metal grinder or metal rescue to remove the rust. Be careful not to damage the car sheet metal during this process. Read and follow the directions on the rust remover for proper application and drying time. When the rust is gone to your liking, follow steps 4-7 from the basic rust removal instructions.

Preventing Rust

  1. Regular inspections. To take care of your rust problem, you have to know that you have one in the first place. Complete routine inspections of your car to stay on top of the problem. Be sure to check wheel wells, bumpers, areas where body components meet, drain holes, and the underside of your vehicle. 
  2. Apply anti-rust products. There are hundreds of anti-rust products out there to keep your car rust-free. Head over to our contact page where you can talk to an expert about the best fit for your vehicle.
  3. Park smart. Parking outside, on gravel or dirt, snow, or a continuously wet or moist area can all expedite the rusting process on your vehicle. Even old asphalt parking spots increase the amount of moisture that the underside of your car is exposed to. 
  4. Clean your car regularly. While most car owners regularly wash the exterior, the underside and under-hood are often forgotten. Rust thrives in these places especially if you drive off-road. Use a power washer or a hose and a stiff brush to keep these spots clean. 

Get Rid of Rust at A1 Body Shop

Our expert team here at A1 Body Shop have the tools and experience to provide our customers with the highest quality service. We offer vehicle collision repair, RV and trailer repair, and a 3,000 square-foot RV parts showroom. If you have any questions regarding rust, guidance through insurance claims, or if you just don’t know where to start, call us at (775)348-0908 or contact us online.

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