A Step-by-Step Guide to Concealing Rust with Paint
Metal rusts naturally when exposed to oxygen and moisture. A rusted surface can be restored with the right paint, but proper preparation is essential. Before painting, you must seal the rust to prevent it from returning, and condition the metal so the paint adheres well and does not chip or peel.
By Hayden Hayes6 steps
Never paint over rusted metal without first applying the appropriate type of primer.
Oxidation happens naturally when metal is exposed to both oxygen and water. A rusted surface can be rescued by coating it with a suitable paint. But before you start painting, sealing the rust is necessary to keep it from coming back. You also need to prepare the metal so paint sticks properly; otherwise, the finish may chip and peel later on.
Step 1
Put on gloves to protect your hands.
Step 2
Use a wire brush to get rid of loose rust particles.
Step 3
Use 80-grit sandpaper to sand away any remaining rust.
Step 4
Use painter's tape to mask off areas you don't want painted. Place dropcloths under the metal.
Step 5
Apply a coat of red oxide zinc chromate primer with a brush. Use an oil-based paintbrush—not a latex one, which would be ruined. Clean the oil-based brush with mineral spirits. Let the zinc chromate primer dry for at least four hours.
Step 6
Using the clean, oil-based paintbrush, apply a coat of oil-based enamel.
