Most of us know that rust on a car isn’t a good thing. It degrades the value and overall structural integrity of the car quickly. It also seems like something that requires a lot of professional skill and even welding to fix. That doesn’t have to be the case.
ChrisFix shares a simple way to repair rust on a car without those pro skills. It takes just 4 simple steps:
- Remote the existing rust from the surface
- Add body filler to fill in the gaps
- Sand it down to create a smooth surface
- Paint it properly to ensure the surface is protected
The good news is Chris, a pro-YouTuber, breaks down dozens of repairs for car owners and has the details we need. Let’s take a look at how to get rid of rust on your car. We’ll cover that in this article.
ChrisFix’s Steps for Getting Rid of Rust on a Car
Chris recommends taking action against rust as soon as possible. Not doing so allows it to spread faster. To get started, you need the right products and materials. That includes body filler, sandpaper, and hand and face protection. He’s using 3M products, but there’s no welding or other tools necessary.
His recommendations work as long as you take steps soon enough. If the damage to the car’s metal is extensive, with holes and broken components, that makes it impossible to fix in this way. Rather, you need to weld in new sheet metal over the damaged area.
Step 1: Remove the Rust
The first step is to remove all of the bubbled-up paint and the rust itself. The goal is to create a smooth surface to repair.
He recommends using a rubbing alcohol product or an adhesive removal spray. Spray down the entire impacted area well. This removes dirt, oils, and wax from the surface. Remove any plastic components on the car near the rust. This helps avoid damage to those areas.
Next, remove the rust using 80 grit sandpaper. He uses a sanding block because it allows him to use even pressure over the surface. (It’s also time to put on your dust mask, gloves, and goggles to protect yourself). He applies the sandpaper over the area evenly to get all the way down to the surface.
Take your time. Remove every bit of rust. If there is any left, it will allow the rust to spread again. This can take some time to get off. Sand down on the rusted area as well as about an inch into the clean sheet metal that’s not rusted. That way you know all of the rust is out.
The next step is to grab a hammer and strike the sheet metal that’s now exposed. The goal here is to move the sheet metal inward so that when the filler is applied, it does not create a bump on the surface.
You’ll also need to do the same thing on the other side of the sheet metal. If you can reach the back of the metal, such as through the wheel well, you should sand down the back of the area as well. Removing all of the rust is critical to this project.
Once all of this is complete, it is necessary to use a rust reformer — a type of paint that protects the surface of the damaged area. An undercoating is the next step. It goes on after the rust reformer has dried. It seals the good metal and helps avoid chipping. All of this is done to the back of the rusted area (not to the surface exposed to the exterior of the car).
Place a body patch on any area that has an open hole. It allows you to create a surface for the bonding material to adhere to in areas where there’s a hole that goes all the way through.
Step 2: Apply the Body Filler
You will need to use a fiberglass-infused body filler. This gives it strength. Then, a gold body filler is used to create a smooth surface. Be sure to follow the instructions provided on the products on how to mix these properly for use.
Apply the coating onto the area that’s damaged and prepped. Fill in all of the holes and create as clean and level of a surface as possible.
Step 3: Sand it Down
After the bonding product is solid, the next step is to sand it down. The goal is to create a smooth surface that is level with the other surfaces of the car. Take notice of any body lines on the car. Try to keep those body lines intact by simply aiming to mold the bonding material as you sand it.
Do this with the initial bonding product (the fiberglass-infused product) first. Then, remember you have the final layer of gold body filler to use on top of this. Apply this product in thin layers to make it easier to sand it down.
Again, follow the same process of sanding it down. Remember, take your time – you want that smooth line and surface.
Step 4: Paint the Surface
The final step is painting the surface. Apply three coats of primer to the surface. Follow the directions on the paint to apply it. If you plan to paint the surface yourself, you can do so. You’ll need to find the right paint color to match the car. You can also take it to a body shop to have them paint it at this point.
The goal is to apply enough coats to create the finished look desired. It takes practice to get this step right.
Take Care of Your Car – It’s Worth it
ChrisFix offers so many details and tips to make it easy for you to keep your car in good condition. It’s always a good idea to invest in this type of maintenance. Check out your car’s Vehicle History to get more insights on maintaining it.
