I have a small metal garden rack with 3 shelves. How do I get the rust off without destroying the finish?

Question

I have already taken fine coarse steel wool to it, but it is too hard on the finish. I will be painting this anyway. I wasn't sure if there was an easier way to get the rust off.

Answer 1

If it is rusted. It has already destroyed the finish. <}:-})

Answer 2

The best way is to spray WD40 on the rust and keep rubbing it till it comes off if that dont work use a brillo pad Good Luck

Answer 3

I have a lot of wrought and cast iron out in my garden.  The new rust reformer primer and encapsulating spray paint products are the way to go and Rustoleum makes the best of the lot.  The primer enables you to spray it on and it literally stops the rust from spreading and the paint encapsulates it so that it will not bubble up on the surface again.  It now comes in several finishes and the two together give you rust protection for years without all of the preparation work that other brands require.

Answer 4

if you are going to repaint than don't worry about the finish sand paper the rust off spray with a anti rust paint  

Answer 5

Use a sandblaster first then spray paint over.  

Answer 6

Your finish has already been breached.  I've had great success with sanding sponges; and then prime and repaint.

Answer 7

Try the steel wool again but this time spray it with WD40 first

Answer 8

If you're going to be painting it, you shouldn't care much about the old finish.  Actually, if you're repainting, you'll want to lightly sand the whole thing, so the next coat adheres better.

Another idea is to use rust reformer.  Not rust remover.  Reformer chemically changes the rust into a paintable surface.  However, it does not make for a smooth surface like sanding will.

Consider for your repainting a product by Rustoleum that has a "hammered" finish.  It nicely hides minor surface defects, which you are bound to have.