how to fix a dent in a car door with a plunger

How to Fix Rust at Bottom of Car Door

by Kimbry Parker

Blue old-fashioned rusty ancient car image by Maro...¡ MarkoviÄ from Fotolia.com

Rust forms when metal is exposed to water and oxygen. A car is susceptible to rust due to its exposure to the weather elements. Rust spots on a car door are unsightly and diminish the value of the car. It is important to remove rust from car doors before it spreads or completely eats away at the metal. Most auto body shops can remove rust from cars for a fee. Save yourself money by removing rust from your car yourself.

Step 1

Rub an abrasive scouring pad over the rust spots. Rub briskly to remove any loose rust from the door. Use 60-grit sandpaper to go over the area to further remove the rust.

Step 2

Spray a generous coating of rust neutralizer on the rusted area of the door. Spread it around using a small paint brush. You can buy rust neutralizer at most auto parts or home improvement stores. Allow the neutralizer to sit on the spot for about two hours, or the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.

Step 3

Apply a second coat of neutralizer after the first coat has dried completely. Allow the second coat of neutralizer about 24 hours to dry.

Step 4

Apply rust metal primer to the door. Shake the can well before application. Spray a thin coating of the primer onto the affected area of the car door.

Step 5

Allow the primer to dry for about 10 minutes, or the recommended time by the primer's manufacturer. Apply a second thin coat of primer. Allow it to dry and apply a third coat. Let the final coat of primer sit overnight to fully cure.

Step 6

Sand the primer the next day with a 150 grit sandpaper. Sand the area very lightly to smooth out the surface.

Step 7

Wipe the area clean with a rag dampened with water. Go over the area with a dry rag.

Step 8

Apply automotive paint to the area. Look on the inside of your door for the serial number of the exact paint used on your car. Take this number to an auto parts store and they should be able to match the color exactly. If not exactly, they will be able to come close, which will still look better than rust spots.

Spray the automotive paint on in very thin coats. Apply at least three coats, allowing the paint to dry for at least two hours in between coats. Additional coats may be necessary to blend the new paint with the old.

References

Things You'll Need

Abrasive scouring pad
60-grit sandpaper
Rust neutralizer
Small paint brush
Rust metal primer
150 grit sandpaper
Rags
Water
Automotive paint

Writer Bio

Kimbry Parker has been writing since 1998 and has published content on various websites. Parker has experience writing on a variety of topics such as health, parenting, home improvement and decorating. She is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts in organizational communication.