Useful tips on how to remove rust from car arches with your own hands

A damaged layer of paint on a car body gives the green light to metal corrosion. Arches are the most vulnerable places, as they are constantly exposed to damaging and negative factors.

Mechanical and chemical agents are used to remove rust. After cleaning, it is equally important to properly protect the metal surface from a new corrosion process.

We’ll tell you in this article how to remove rust from car arches with your own hands.

Removal methods

All methods of combating corrosion that has begun on car arches are divided into two large groups: mechanical and chemical. Before choosing one method or another, it is necessary to assess the general condition of the problem area.

Mechanical methods

Cleaning the surface with abrasives helps remove any layer of corrosion.. Another advantage of this method is its cost and accessibility.

However, the work requires the use of physical effort, since removal occurs through mechanical surface treatment. Conditional disadvantages also include the duration of cleaning.

To work you will need a grinding tool. It could be:

• sandpaper of different grain sizes;
• brush with metal bristles;
• sandblasting machine;
• screwdriver with a metal brush;
• electric drill with stripping attachments;
• grinder with abrasive discs.

The rust-covered arch is first washed to remove dirt and dust. Then it is carefully processed using a tool, trying not to create large scratches. Transitions from one area to another should be smooth so that in the future the protective coating lays down in an even layer.

Chemicals

Reagents that interact with metal oxides do not leave traces on the metal surface. This is how they compare favorably with the mechanical method.

The advantages also include a short cleaning time and the ability to use in hard-to-reach places. However, if the metal on the arches has become very thin due to rust, then there is a risk of holes appearing if very strong chemicals are used.

The arsenal of anti-corrosion reagents includes both commonly used household products and those specially developed by the chemical industry.

Folk remedies include:

• ammonium,
• oxalic and orthophosphoric acids,
• caustic soda,
• Coca Cola,
• formalin,
• sulfuric acid.

Professional liquids and pastes may include:

• acids (orthophosphoric, hydroxycarboxylic),
• alkalis,
• anti-corrosion inhibitor,
• monophosphate zinc and other active substances.

The most popular and effective are:

1. Lavr. Contains organic and inorganic acids, surfactants, complexone.The action time of the reagent is from 10 to 15 minutes. Price - 250 rub.
2. ASTROhim Antiruster. The spray contains active zinc ions and phosphoric acid. Removes rust in 20 minutes. Price - 200 rub.
3. AUTOPROFI. The converter contains orthophosphoric acid, a surfactant, and a corrosion inhibitor. Creates a protective film on metal. Cost - 250 rubles.
4. Zinkor. It consists of several products designed to remove traces of rust and apply protective galvanization. Prices - from 960 rub.
5. Chemist. Zinc primer is designed to remove traces of rust and protect metal. Does not require rinsing when used. Price — 170 rub.

Further protection against corrosion

The cleaned surface of car arches requires mandatory protection. If metal is left exposed, it will inevitably develop rust after a while. The coating includes several layers that are applied in a certain sequence.

The work algorithm looks like this:

1. The cleaned area is degreased with a solvent.
2. Wipe with a cloth to remove dust particles.
3. After drying, the cleaned arches are primed.
4. A thin layer of putty is applied to the “bare” areas.
5. After drying the first layer of putty, make a second one.
6. When the putty dries, sand it with fine sandpaper.
7. Apply two or three layers of primer that matches the color of the car.
8. Cover the arches with paint in 2-3 layers at intervals of 15-20 minutes.
9. If desired, apply a clear varnish to the surface.

Before painting, you should cover the wheels and car body with polyethylene or paper to prevent paint from getting on them.

What not to do and why?

If rust develops strongly, cleaning the arches must be very careful. The use of strong mechanical stress, as well as aggressive chemicals, can result in the appearance of holes in thin metal.

When corrosion has just begun, you should not use an angle grinder.. It is intended only for removing large deposits of oxides. In an area with a thin layer of rust, the grinder disc can damage the metal.

Adviсe

To avoid costly repairs, it is important to promptly clean the car arches from any rust stains that have appeared. To do this, it is necessary to use the most effective means and follow preventive measures.

Car owners are recommended to:

• keep the vehicle clean;
• park the car in a dry, ventilated garage;
• cover the body with polishing compounds;
• do not delay cleaning work from corrosion;
• combine mechanical and chemical methods;
• clean not only the front, but also the inside of the wing;
• thoroughly dry each protective layer;
• Rub the putty thoroughly to eliminate roughness.

To prevent the appearance of rust, it is useful to treat the undamaged surface of the arches (and the body as a whole) with special polishing agents. They create a thin film that prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating microcracks and paint chips.

Mastics based on:

• bitumen,
• rubber,
• liquid plastic.

A lot of useful and important information about methods of fighting rust on a car - in this section.

Video on the topic of the article

The video will show you how to clean car arches from rust and make cosmetic repairs:

Conclusion

Timely cleaning of car arches from rusty traces helps prevent deep corrosion that completely destroys the metal. For this purpose, a mechanical method and chemical means are used.

After removing corrosion, the cleaned surface is covered with several layers of primer, putty and special paint.. This helps protect the metal from re-oxidation and gives the car a presentable appearance.