- Crack off any blistered pint with a scraper.
- Sand through the rust spots down to the bare metal, using 40-grit sandpaper.
- Enlarge the sanded area so you'll have space to feather the edges.
- Switch to 120-grit sandpaper to feather the edges of the repair area.
- Complete the feathering with 220 grit.
Is it worth repairing rust on a car?
One thing for sure… rust WILL spread to other parts of an automobile when left untreated, and sometimes surprisingly fast. That means what started as a slight problem could develop into a very big deal, sooner than you think. TIP: Save money and hassle — take proper care of your car and treat any rust spots promptly.
How much does rust cost to fix on a car?
You can pick up a rust treatment kit at an auto supply shop for about $30. The kit will contain different solutions to remove the rust, clean the affected area, and seal the spot to prevent the return of rust. An autobody technician would charge around $50-$100 for the same work.
Rust repair isn’t hard, but it is time-consuming (mostly waiting for primer and paint to dry between steps). Plan to spend about $100 on supplies like sandpaper, primer, masking tape and poly sheeting, a tack rag, polishing compound and touch-up paint and clear coat. Choose a calm, overcast day and block out the full day to fix the most common rust spots on the hood and doors.