How to Get Rid of Rust on Bumpers

Bumpers are made of steel, and over time rust will form on the surface. Painted or chrome-covered bumpers may look totally different, but both are made of steel underneath. Once rust sets in, it can create rust underneath the bumpers finish, corroding the bumper before you can even see the damage. Get rid of rust on bumpers before you have to replace the entire part; you can remove the rust and get your car's bumper looking good again in just a few hours.

Instructions

1

Sand the rusted area on the bumper with 320-grit sandpaper. This grit of sandpaper is strong enough to remove heavy rust, but wont leave large gouges or scratches in the metal, as tougher sandpaper will. Sand until the rust flakes are completely gone. Go over the bumper again with 600-grit sandpaper to smooth the scratches from the 320-grit sandpaper.

2

Place masking paper and tape around the areas on the bumper being sanded. In most cases, its easier to re-finish the entire bumper and to place the tape and paper on the vehicle around the bumper.

3

Spray the rusted areas with rust converter spray. This turns rust into a black surface that you can sand and use like primer. Let the converter spray dry for 30 minutes.

4

Sand the rust converter with 600-grit sandpaper again, and then with 800-grit sandpaper to smooth it and get it ready to be painted or re-finished.

5

Wipe the bumper with wax and grease remover and a microfiber towel to get rid of any remaining dust and grease from your fingerprints.

6

Paint the bumper with four coats of paint. Spray left and right down the length of the bumper, not up and down. Let each coat dry for 10 minutes before applying the next coat. Let the final coat dry for four hours. For a chrome bumper, bring it to a professional to be re-chromed. For a steel finish, paint the sanded bumper with four coats of clear coat paint.