Try as we might to keep our car's paint work pristine, sometimes it will fade or gets worn off to the point where the underlying metal is exposed; and once exposed it is only a matter of time until rust starts to appear. Rust is the result of a chemical reaction between ferrous metals, like iron and steel, and the moisture and oxygen that is naturally present in the air.
Once the process, known as oxidation, has begun it can be hard to stop it. Simply covering up the rust will not stop it from spreading and eventually it will eat its way through the metal, causing it to flake, crack and disintegrate. So what can you do if rust does take root in your car's body work?
You will be happy to know that you can do a lot more than just stand by and watch it slowly eat away at your car. You will have to act quickly and address it before it spreads too far or too deep, but it is doable; and all you will need is some tape, anti-rust primer and some sand paper, a sanding sponge or a sanding block.
How To Repair Rust Damage
- This first step may sound a little counter-intuitive, but to start with you will want to wash the area around the rust. This is to remove any dust, grease or dirt that may later go on to damage your car's body work. Be sure to use soap when doing this, as water alone will not break down grease.
- Allow the area to dry, but don't leave it too long as you do not want to allow more rust to take hold or allow it to get dirty again.
- Taking your tape, identify and make a box around the affected area, to protect the other areas that are still intact. We suggest using masking tape, as other stronger types may remove the cars paint when removed.
- Applying light force to begin with, start to sand away the rust. As you do you should be able to gauge how much extra force you can get away with applying; but do not get carried away as you do not want to sand any area that is unaffected and cause additional damage.
- One you believe you have removed all of the rust, get rid of any residue by wiping the newly sanded area with a wet cloth. This should give you the increased visibility needed to properly inspect your work and see if the once infected area is now truly devoid of rust.
- If it turns out that some rust is still present then sand it away and repeat the above step. Keep doing this until you can be 100% certain that it is all gone. Once you are sure, remove the tape and wipe the area down again with a damp cloth.
- This next step is most important, as without it you will be repeating the whole process again in a month. Taking your anti-rust primer, apply it to the newly sanded area, making sure that you coat every last bit of exposed metal. If any area of metal is left unprotected it will develop rust again.
Once the primer is dry your job is done, and all you need to worry about is getting the right colour paint and applying it. If you notice rust appearing again then you may want to ask a professional for their help, as there could be an exposed area that is not immediately apparent. Hopefully that will not be the case however, and you will now once again have a rust-free car.