2015 Subaru Forester, ~45K on the odometer
While cleaning I noticed very little rust near the door sills so removed the protector. I noticed a good bit of surface rust beginning to build.
View attachment 27595
YouTube videos suggest to sand it down to the metal, primer application, few coats of the paint and then the clear coat. Is that the best method?
If yes, what grit sandpaper should I start with?
Once it is fixed, does it make sense to put protection film in that area?
Any other guidance is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
I have been thinking about this one since you posted it, there are lots of ways to repair this but many of them require a lot of work, spray guns and other things along with the skills. Not really DIY friendly.
I would get a few things together before I started like newspaper, vinegar, 400 and 600 grit wet and dry, a rubber sanding block, a dremel with sanding attachments, self etching primer, regular light grey primer and paint.
Start by sanding the rusted area down with a dremel (a small drum used on an angle would probably work best), do not spread out the sanding too far try to keep it as localized as possible.
Using the block with 400 just use the block on an angle to sand the area down about an inch all around from and including the rusted area. Clean it with water and wipe dry.
Take some newspaper and make a small roll about the same size as the area that is now naked sheet metal. Soak it in plain white vinegar, squeeze the excess out and put it on the rusted area for a few hours. This is very effective and cheap and will remove any traces of the rust.
Mix a little baking soda in warm water and wash the area, rinse with water only and wipe it thoroughly dry.
Mask off the area leaving just about and inch around the clean metal, turn up the edges of the making tape around the area, this will prevent a hard line. Put 3 coats of the self etching primer (rattle can), let it dry between coats then spray the regular light grey on top of it for 2 coats. Unmask it.
With water and 600 grit sand the primer smooth, try to be gentle so you don't break through, you can touch it up if you do.
Wipe it dry then mask off the area using the same turned up taping method and spray the paint, 3 light coats or until covered.
You can use base and clear from rattle cans in the correct color or have an autobody paint supply shop mix you a single stage.
I would put a layer of 3M film over that area once its totally dried. Make sure to round the corners to prevent lift up.
PM if I can be of help or you need to clarify the instructions.
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