Sorting rust bubbles

[beejay]

Theres a few rust blisters/bubbles on my Fiesta that I've been sorting out over the last few weeks before they get any worse. Did a couple on the sill a few weeks ago that now look ok but now I'm moving on to the doors/quarter panels I need to try and do a better job of it since its more noticeable Its a pearlescent paint which is not something I've worked with before either.

What I've been doing is scraping the paint/rust off then sanding back to the metal with 120 & 400 grit wet&dry. Then brushing primer on to the bare metal, flatting back then spraying on a couple of light coats of paint. I believe I then have to flat it back again and spray on some lacquer which is on the to-do list this week.

It looks reasonable but its noticeable as you can see a 'step' in the paint finish. I think I haven't sanded enough of the surrounding paintwork back to blend it in nicely. To be honest I was afraid of getting too carried away and ruining the finish on the rest of the panel. I guess once the lacquer is on and I've given it a polish the matt finish goes away?

I've made a start sanding the patch on the door back and the surface is much more badly pitted. I guess some anti-rust primer and/or high build primer would help to smooth it out?

Any advice would be appreciated Cheers!