How to Remove Rust Stains from Paint

Co-authored by Patrick Coye

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

The appearance of rust on painted surfaces indoors or outdoors can be a problem for many homeowners. Rather than let rust stains ruin a painted surface in or around your home, address them using household products or professional rust-removal products.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

How to Remove Rust with Household Products

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1
Scrub the rusted area with a stiff brush and a strong detergent solution. This can help to remove any rust on the surface of the paint without damaging the painted surface. You can use a plastic brush or steel wool. Mix washing detergent with water and scrub the area until the rust is gone.^{[1]
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- Let the area dry completely before you apply any paint or sealer, as you do not want to area to retain any moisture.
Baking soda can help to break down the rust. Apply baking soda to the rusty area and use a brush dipped in water to scrub the rust off the painted surface. Scrub gently so you do not damage the painted surface.^{[2]
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3
Rub the area with dish soap and a potato. If you are worried about damaging the painted surface or if the painted surface is delicate, you can cut a potato in half and dip it into a bowl of dish soap. You can then apply the cut potato to the painted surface and rub away the rust.^{[3]
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- You can then cut the top layer of the potato and dip it in soap again to continue rubbing on the area until the rust comes off.
4
Use sandpaper to remove the rust. Another option is to use sandpaper to remove the rust. Use very fine, fine, or medium sand paper so you do not damage the painted surface while sanding. Even if you are very careful, you will likely need to touch up the paint afterwards.
- Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the sandpaper. You may also want to wear a protective mask so you do not breath in the sandpaper particles.
- If the rust does not come off with the sandpaper due to excessive rust build up, you may want to use a drill mount abrasive. You can mount the abrasive onto your drill and drill the surface until the rust comes off.

Part 2

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How to Apply Rust Removal Products

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Acid can dull or even remove paint. Avoid damaging the painted surface by using a rust remover that is pH neutral or has a high pH, as it will be mild and less acidic. Look for pH neutral rust removers at your local hardware store.
You can find undercoatings at your local hardware store or paint store. This product can be applied to a painted surface to stop the spread of the rust and prevent rust from developing on the painted surface. Be sure to remove as much rust as possible before applying.
If you are concerned about using harsh chemicals on the painted area to remove the rust, go for an eco-friendly rust remover. These removers are made with natural ingredients and can be rinsed off surfaces with water. Look for eco-friendly rust removers at your local hardware store.^{[4]
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Part 3

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How to Prevent Rust on Paint

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1
Remove or replace any metal in the area that is not rust-resistant. To keep the rust from appearing again, you need to identify the cause(s) of the rust and address it. This could be a metal railing or item on the painted surface that is not rust resistant, a light fixture that is not rust resistant, or another object attached to the painted surface made of iron or steel. Look for any metal items that could be causing the rust and remove them or replace them so they are rust resistant.^{[5]
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- Though a fixture may be made of materials that are rust-resistant, like aluminum or brass, the screws, bolts, or other fasteners may not be rust-resistant. They can then cause rust to appear. Check the screws and bolts to ensure they are resistant to rust or caulk and seal these open areas.
2
Apply rust-resistant metal primer to metal fixtures. If you're painting a metal surface that isn't rust-resistant, first go over it with a layer of oxidizing primer. This will protect the metal and prevent rust from appearing on the hardware or on the painted surface.^{[6]
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Patrick Coye
Painting Specialist

Expert Interview. 22 July 2020.}
- To get the primer to adhere to the metal more easily, try scuffing the surface lightly with 80-120 grit sandpaper or a wire brush.^{[7]
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  Patrick Coye
  Painting Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 22 July 2020.}
3
Countersink any nails in the painted surface. One of the most common sources of rust is nails that have rusted in the painted surface or along the rusted surface. You should look for any rusted nails in the painted surface and replace them with new nails. Use a nail punch to countersink the nails so they are ⅛” below the surface. This will prevent the nails from retaining moisture from the air outside and rusting.
- You can then fill any holes in the painted surface with putty to prevent water from getting into the painted surface. Make sure the painted surface is smooth and rust free before you paint over it.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What primer do you use on metal before painting?

Patrick Coye
Painting Specialist
Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020.

Patrick Coye

Painting Specialist

Expert Answer

Use a primer that's formulated for metal. Make sure it's labeled as "oxidizing" or "rust-resistant." This will protect the metal once it's painted.

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How can I remove rust on metal toy without damaging the paint?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

Get a rust removing solvent and this should be able to remove the rust. Test it out on the paint first if possible to make sure it won't damage it.

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Question

What will prevent rust stains?

Patrick Coye
Painting Specialist
Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020.

Patrick Coye

Painting Specialist

Expert Answer

Before you paint a metal object, first sand the surface with 80-120 grit sandpaper, or lightly scuff it with wire brushes. Then, paint it with an oxidizing primer, which will help inhibit rust growth.

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