Rust on Painted Surfaces

What do you do if rust gets on something painted? Is there a way to remove the stain without destroying either the paint or the underlying surface? Here’s what you need to know about removing rust from painted surfaces:

• Many commercial rust removal products will damage painted surfaces.
• Scouring or scrubbing will scratch, dull, and even remove the paint.

So you’ve got to be careful with your approach.

Rust stains can be difficult to remove anywhere you find them, but painted surfaces are especially challenging. Make sure you use a pH appropriate rust remover so the paint won’t be affected.

Rust is a reddish-brown substance that is created when iron-containing metals are exposed to oxygen and moisture. Common scenarios that create rusty areas on paint include:

• A rusted metal object, tool, or appliance has rested there
• Paint was applied to a metal object and the underlying metal is rusting up through the paint layer
• A rusty nail bleeds through the paint or siding and leaves a streak on an exterior wall.
• A paint-peeled metal lawn chair drips rust on your painted deck.
• A metal tool left in the elements leaves a rust stain on your garden table.

RustAid handles the rusty spots without damaging the paint. It reacts with the oxidized iron to neutralize and remove stains and discolorations from almost any surface, painted or bare, indoors or out. Use it on painted surfaces, concrete, aluminum, grout, brick, and many other problem areas too. It even works on rusty tools. No elbow grease required; rust stains simply vanish! RustAid is available in a spray gel for smaller areas and in a pourable Outdoor Rust Remover container.

Before you paint over rust-stained walls, consider using RustAid as part of your priming process! It is easier and less expensive than sealants as an undercoat; then be sure to use corrosion-resistant paint, especially when painting outdoors.