How to Treat Rusted Steel
- 1). Scrub off the rust as soon as it appears on the steel. Use a wire brush, scrubbing pad or brush or steel wool to get rid of the surface rust. If you remove small rust spots, they won't grow into large rust spots that damage the steel with rust holes.
- 2). Pour a commercial rust remover onto a steel wool pad. Apply the rust remover to the steel and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rust removers are effective in removing rust because most contain strong acids like hydrochloric acid or oxalic acid.
- 3). Wipe off the rust remove with rags or a paper towels. Make certain you remove all traces of the rust remover.
- 4). Paint on a metal primer with a paint brush. Allow the primer to dry. Metal primers recoat the steel and provide a moisture proof coating that prevents rust.
