Rust will destroy your metal property if not stopped.
Rust is a destructive force that must be dealt with or it will destroy your barbecue, little red wagon, lawn furniture or other metal items stored where they are exposed to the elements. deal with rust is determined by how serious it is. In many cases a good scrub down with steel wool and a coat of paint are sufficient. Other times, you will need to chemically treat the surface with a rust remover before making repairs. Rust will return if left on the surface.
Instructions
1. Clean light rust on high carbon steel items, such as bicycle chains, pocket knives and bolt heads, with a spray of an aerosol lubricant. Apply the lubricant to the rusted area and allow it to sit for 60 seconds to break down the rust. Scrub the surface with a wire bristle brush to remove the rust. Apply more lubricant as needed.
2. Remove surface rust that has not eaten all the way through the paint layer on painted metal using steel wool and a light coat of paint thinner, such as mineral spirits or acetone. Wear gloves. Spread the thinner over the rusted area and scrub the rust away with ultrafine steel wool. Rinse the affected area with water and allow to dry before checking for rust again. Repeat the process if necessary.
3. Strip more severe rust from the surface with a wire disk in a drill driver. Spray a coat of aerosol lubricant onto the surface to help break it down and wait 60 seconds before starting the drill. With the wire disk spinning at top speed, scrub over the surface of the rust to remove any loose or flaky paint and polish the surface below until all traces of rust are gone.
4. Repair a severely rusted surface with pitting or flaking metal by using naval jelly rust remover. Use gloves and a chemical resistant paintbrush to spread a coat of naval jelly over the surface. Wait the recommended time, typically three to five minutes, before scraping the jelly away with the rust using a stiff scraper or wire brush. Once you have scraped away as much rust as possible, rinse the surface with clear water and sand to remove any lasting traces. Repeat the application as needed to remove all of the rust.
5. Apply a coat of rust inhibitor to ensure that the rust will not return. Be sure that all rust is removed before painting over it as it can return even from under a coat of primer and paint. Apply one coat of brush or spray-on oil binding primer, and at least two coats of acrylic gloss enamel or rust resistant spray paint to the recently cleaned area to keep the rust from returning.
