Priming rusted cabinet question

[stevep1954]

i realize since my introduction post all the next posts are questions. i know you guys love to share ideas and techniques so in the spirit of sharing i'll ask one more i bought some weather guard cabinets with some issues… the one i have a question about has a heavy rust problem at the bottom but nothing that has rusted through. i have ground it, sanded it and wire brushed it and it is about 50% shiny metal and the rest is still rust colored. my question is how much more rust do i need to get off and what is the best primer or rust control method to slow down the deterioration? the remaining metal is still a decent thickness so i believe it can be saved i just need a little advice on how to preserve whats remaining. thanks again

 

[ambenz]

Check out a rust converter or Naval jelly!

Then prime with Rustolium....

and repaint!

 

[Toxicscrew]

Eastwood has a whole line of rust converters and inhibitors:

http://www.eastwood.com/paints/rust-solutions.html

 

[astroracer]

Walmart and Meijers carry some good converters. I've used them for years with good results. Spray them on your cleaned up rusty area's, let them do their job per directions and paint. Should last forever on your cabinet as you won't be driving it in the snow and salt, right?
Mark

 

[Platonic Solid]

I use Por15 Cleaner Degreaser and Metal Prep (Phosphoric Acid). Their cleaner is amazing and Phosphoric Acid creates a great surface for paint to grab onto. Rinse with water. After that any quality metal spray or brush-on paint will protect it.
Do not use hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid as they both leave a residue that is not paint friendly.
I've never had any luck using Naval Jelly. It just makes a gooey mess with no results from my experiences.

 

[astroracer]

I use Por15 Cleaner Degreaser and Metal Prep (Phosphoric Acid). Their cleaner is amazing and Phosphoric Acid creates a great surface for paint to grab onto. Rinse with water. After that any quality metal spray or brush-on paint will protect it.
Do not use hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid as they both leave a residue that is not paint friendly.
I've never had any luck using Naval Jelly. It just makes a gooey mess with no results from my experiences.

I agree with the Metal Prep and Metal Ready statements 100%. I use them all the time, but, if you don't already have this stuff, a 6 dollar can of converter will do what you need to get the cabinets cleaned up and painted.
Mark

 

[stevep1954]

thanks for sharing the info, i'll have to wait till springs warm temps as my shed isn't heated but at least i can go shopping now for the right stuff.

 

[rburke65]

Even vinegar will eat away some of that rust. It's only 5% acidic....try it. You can buy a gallon for a few bucks.