CAR’S Restoring your EXTERIOR

REMOVE RUST SPOTS TO APPLY NEW COAT

THERE are many reasons for a car to develop rust spots. The main reason is when the paint is chipped or scratched through the primer coat, by stones on the road or a minor car accident, and the metal underneath is exposed to moisture and air, which causes the metal to oxidise.

A rust spot increases and spreads with time, especially with rain.

Whether you plan on keeping it or selling it, your car will look cleaner without the rust, so take the time to remove the rust spots and give your car a good paint job before it ends up covered in rust.

TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS -

Wear gloves, a pair of safety glasses and a dust mask. There will be fine rust, paint dust, and paint spray everywhere; you don’t want it in your eyes or lungs. Cover up any part of the car that you don’t want to get dusty. Use a tarp sealed with painter’s tape to define your work area.

MASKING THE CAR OFF IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP -

Do not use newspaper; paint spray can leak through it and leave specks on your clear windows. Use something less thin and porous, like real masking paper. Also, simply covering up a surface is not enough as spray paint can find its way underneath edges, so you must tape down every single edge of your masking paper.

REMOVE THE PAINT AROUND THE RUST WITH DUAL ACTION SANDER -

Use a sander with 80-150 grit to take off the primer and paint, as well as any light rust that hasn’t fused with the metal, and level the surface between the painted area and the unpainted one. Use your fingers to feel for a smooth surface.

SWITCH TO A METAL GRINDING WHEEL TO REMOVE THE THICK RUST AND INTO ANY PITS -

When using the wheel, go slowly because it can do a lot of damage. Once this is done, apply rust-removing acid to the area to remove remaining microscopic particles of rust.

Purchase primer that is ideal for painting on bare metal and an auto spray that matches the colour of your car. Both of these supplies can be found at an auto supply store.

PREPARE THE SPOT FOR PRIMING -

Follow the instructions on your primer. Typically, what you will need to do is spray thin coats of primer evenly. Spray three coats of primer, waiting a few minutes between coats. Allow to dry overnight (at least 12 hours).

SAND WITH 400 GRIT WET SANDPAPER -

This abrasive is specifically made for sanding between paint coats to smoothen the surface and degloss, so that the paint bonds.

SPRAY A THIN COAT OF PAINT NOT TO LET THE PAINT RUN OR SAG -

Use as many coats of paint over the primer as you need in order to achieve a nice colour and finish. Let it set for at least 24 hours before pulling off the tape.

BUFF THE EDGES OF THE NEW PAINT SO THAT IT BLENDS WITH THE OLD PAINT -

If necessary, apply a clear coat to match the rest of the car.

ALLOW THE PAINT TO CURE FOR 48 HOURS -

Wash and polish the car. Never wax fresh paint within 30 days of painting!