If rust is showing up on the body of your vehicle, you may want to engage in some simple rust removal and color blending in order to maintain the appearance of your car. There are ways that you can do the job yourself, although it will take several steps and a couple of days to accomplish. If you have a free weekend coming up, here are the basic steps involved in removing rust from a car.

Rusting normally occurs because the finish has been damaged in some manner. The rust spot increases as oxidation on the bare metal that is exposed by a hairline scratch or a small dent causes the rust to spread. Your first step in removing rust from a car is to gather your tools together. You will need rubber gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask for protection. To protect the surrounding areas of the vehicle, a cheap paint tarp and some painters tape will also be necessary. A sanding wheel along with a few sheets of sandpaper will also come in handy. Finally, have a small amount of rust acid compound on hand.

Begin by covering and taping off the area surrounding the scratch or dent. The idea is to protect the immediate surface that is still in great shape. The painter’s tape is not likely to hurt the finish of your car, and will stay in place for the duration of the process. Also, roll up the windows on the vehicle. When you begin to sand the rusted area, tiny particles will fly in every direction. Make sure none of the fine rush particles have a chance to settle and begin to imbed themselves in other areas of the car body or you will find yourself routinely removing rust from a car.

Your first task is to address the thicker outer layer of oxidized rust. Use the sanding wheel for this part of the job. Do not rush with this step, as moving too quickly makes it easier to cause damage to the metal. Once the tougher outer layer of rust is removed, switch to the sandpaper sheets to get into the fine nooks and crannies. This will help ensure you get all the rust from a car during this procedure, including any small amount or residue that may have resettled during the sanding action.

When the sanded surface feels smooth, gently wipe it clean and apply a thin coat of the acid to the area. This step will take handle even the tiniest of particles and leave the exposed metal perfectly clean. Make sure to not leave the compound on the exposed metal longer than recommended in the instructions. Failure to remove the acid could lead to pitting and even more work. After removing the acid, gently wipe the area with mineral spirits and a clean cloth, and allow the section to dry.

Keep in mind that removing rust from a car should only be done when you can reprime and repaint the sanded area within the next twenty four-hour period. If you choose to leave the bare metal exposed for even a short time, the process of oxidation will take place and the damage will be worse than the initial problem.