Preparation

• 1). Prep the rusted area with an electric 150-grit sanding wheel, preparing the metal to accept paint and making the surface smooth and free of defects.
  
  
• 2). Sand until you see bare metal or painted metal. Create a level surface between the area of repair and the area immediately surrounding it.
  
  
• 3). Use a metal grinding wheel to remove as much of the rust as possible without taking off too much extra material.
  
  
• 4). Detail by hand with 150-grit sandpaper, working out any tough spots.
  
  
• 5). Use a body filler to fill in any gaps or dents that are visible.
  
  

Prime and Paint

• 1). Tape off the area you will be painting.
  
  
• 2). Apply three thin coats of quality auto body primer, waiting about 10 minutes for each coat to dry. Allow it to cure overnight after the third coat.
  
  
• 3). Gently hand sand the surface smooth once again.
  
  
• 4). Apply three to four thin coats of paint, allowing about two hours for each coat to dry. Let everything dry overnight when finished.
  
  
• 5). Remove the tape. Wash and wax the entire car to help blend the repaired area into the rest of the body.