Photo: Felicity Tai

Can I just spray over rust?

Yes, you can spray paint over rust. Before painting, take the time to properly prepare the surface to ensure that your new paint finish will last. Clean the surface. Dirt, oil and grease can affect the way paint adheres to the surface.

krylon.com - Spray Paint FAQ's

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Yes, you can spray paint over rust. Before painting, take the time to properly prepare the surface to ensure that your new paint finish will last.

Clean the surface.

Dirt, oil and grease can affect the way paint adheres to the surface. You can remove most surface grime with ordinary soap and water or household cleaner.

Remove grease or oil with a regionally compliant cleaner.

Rinse and let dry completely.

The surface should be clean, dull and dry.

Avoid using strong solvents on previously painted surfaces. Solvents may soften old paint, causing the new paint to wrinkle or pull away from the surface.

Remove loose rust and paint.

If the surface is rusted or has peeling paint, remove with a wire brush, sandpaper or chemical rust remover. Making sure the surface is as smooth as possible will help the new paint finish adhere properly. Lightly sand any glossy areas to dull the finish.

Do not sand old paint that may contain lead.

When a metal surface has minimal rust

Spray with Krylon® Rust Tough® Primer with Anti-Rust Technology™ to eliminate rust and prime the surface. Apply multiple thin coats. Rust Tough primer dries to the touch in 20 minutes and is tack-free in 15 minutes. After drying, add a color topcoat.

When a metal surface has extensive rust

Start with Krylon® Rust Tough® Rust Converter, a primer that changes rust to a paintable surface in one easy step. Spray directly over rust to protect against further corrosion. Apply multiple thin coats to prevent runs and drips. Rust Tough sprays on clear and dries to a black primer finish. After 24 hours, lightly sand the surface before applying a color topcoat.

Priming and painting after rust has been removed

Priming is an important step that helps create a smooth, consistent surface, increase paint adhesion and decrease the likelihood of color change. When all traces of rust are removed, prime the surface with Krylon® Rust Tough® with Anti-Rust Technology™. Apply multiple thin coats to prevent runs and drips. Krylon Rust Tough dries to the touch in 20 minutes and can be finished with a topcoat after 30 minutes.

Need more help? Ask Krylon or watch our How-To Videos.

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Does WD-40 penetrate rust?

WD-40 Specialist® Penetrant is a fast-acting penetrant with capillary action to penetrate deep into crevices, threads and seams to break the rust bonds that hold stuck parts together.

wd40.com - WD-40 Specialist ® Penetrant

A fast-acting penetrant with capillary action to penetrate deep into crevices, threads and seams to break the rust bonds that hold stuck parts together. WD-40 Specialist ® Penetrant is a fast-acting penetrant with capillary action to penetrate deep into crevices, threads and seams to break the rust bonds that hold stuck parts together. It is a low odor formula that works on contact to free rusted nuts, bolts, threads, locks, and chains leaving behind a protective layer that prevents rust and corrosion from re-forming. It can also Spray 2 Ways ® - up for stream and down for a wider spray.