DIY Rust Treatment

[over_the_hill]

Hello All. First time posting in this section so please be tame. I did do a search but couldn't find any old threads.

I currently have a 12 year old Fiesta as my daily runner and it has started to develop rust around the rear arches and at the bottom of one of the doors - this seems to be fairly standard judging by other Fiestas of this age. I would like to have a go at tidying this up to make it look better and slow down the spread.

I will probably be running the car until it drops so a pro finish is not required. I know new metal is the answer but that would probably cost as much as the car is worth - hence the DIY route.

Are there any good guides available for what to do and how, and what grades of wet-and-dry to use, filler types, chemical treatments, Primers etc.

The general approach seems to be

Cover up as much as possible around area to be treated to avoid dust getting where not wanted

Rub back to bare metal removing paint and rust - either by hand and/or mechanical tool as appropriate

If there are any little bits that are hard to get to is that chemical stuff Edd China uses on Wheeler Dealers any good or to be avoided, and what is it ?

Apply filler if needed to level surface - anything to be wary of . Probably not to apply too much as it will have to come back off again

Rub back filler to level smooth finish

Clean surface and dry

Apply primer in several thin coats leaving about 10 mins in between coats, and overnight to fully dry.
Will this stick on existing paint around the area to be repaired (It's metallic paint and clear coat by the way)

Lightly rub back primer to flat off

Apply top coats in several thin coats

Apply clear coat

thanks

Edited by over_the_hill on Thursday 21st August 16:55

[ch427]

Sounds like you have it licked already!
I usually grind back to clean metal, treat, prime and then topcoat. On an older car i dont spend the time or money trying to get a perfect finish because if the rust does start to come back through i can tackle it easily again. I hand paint the areas prepared.
May not look that pretty but serves a purpose, it all depends on the size of the rust patch.
Ive never had any success with kurust but have bought some bilt hamber products recently to try out on my daily rust bucket!