Noob paint repair question.

[tsantsa]

Hi. I posted in my forum intro about a quarter sized rust spot that I'd like to repair. I was told to use POR-15 or other rust preventative then primer and paint. Ok. BUT my advance auto or auto zone stores do not sell POR-15 or Rust Bullet. Time is of the essence because weather is very nice right now where I live (NW Indiana) and I'd like to get it done, meaning I can't wait for a shipment then weather suck again.

My question is will the rust prevention stuff they DO carry work ok? I think they carry Krylon/Duplicolor Rust Tough or something like that. Would that be ok?

Mind you, I am absolutely a noob to body work, thats why I don't know about this!

 

[pickupman6]

the easiest thing to do, depending on whether or not its just surface rust or if its already pitted. also depends on what ur lookin to spend. if its just surface rust. sand the area down to bare metal. a sanding disc would work best to get the rust of then wet sand it down with a block making sure to feather the edges on the paint. then brush on some naval jelly, found in any parts house even walmart, and brush it on,let dry sand smooth with block. spray on a good primer/sealer, let dry and wet sand lightly. spray on a different color of primer/filler, and wet sand it evenly with the sanding block. sand it down til u get to the first coat of pimer. spots you cant get back the firs coat easily are low spots and will need to be filled in with more primer filler. wet sand again and repeat until its all even. wet sand the last coat of primer with with some fine grit, 400 works good. then paint with whatever color matches let dry and wet sand with some 2000 grit sandpaper.

if the rust has already pitted the metal grind it down and remove all rust. prime. apply thin coat of body filler sand and do all the steps above til u get it lookin like u want. u can apply body filler to all the severely low spots.

 

[tsantsa]

Thanks. I haven't seen if it's pitted just yet. I don't think it is.

 

[Joe Dirt]

If you can get it to bare metal, with NO rust at all left, pickup's plan is great... Nice simple rust repair writeup...

 

[sean99]

Since its a quarter size repair you could get away with 80 grit by hand to get to bare metal. If there is no rust left you could use a metal etch primer. I've used a 9 volt battery as a block for repairs that small in a pinch. Try to keep your work area as small as possible.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Sean- nice tip on the 9 volt. Rounded edges... I've never thought of that. Thanks!

 

[pickupman6]

yeah i forgot it was a tiny spot. do they make a self etching primer in a can? ive always mixed my own, but i dont us it on small spots. ive been told not to get etching primer on paint. im not saying im right about that its just what ive been told and i dont want to take a chance and give bad advice.

 

[tsantsa]

Thanks everyone. I have one additional question about matching the color correctly. The vehicle cert stickers information has come off...the sticker is there but the info is gone so I don't know the color code. I've tried a VIN search but the color isn't on there (or not as I've found). Is there somewhere else to find this info?

 

[sean99]

Heres a link for paint colors and codes. Look up your color to find the codes it could be. The paint reference book(probably duplicolor) at the store will have the codes too. Look up your year explorer in this book and you will see the code or codes that best match your color (probably only one maybe two for your year). Tell them at the store that you need to check the cap against your explorer before you buy it. Buy the one that matches your explorer the best.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199651