How to Get Rid of Rust on Car Rims

Rims are one of the areas of a vehicle most susceptible to rust. Rims are easily nicked and chipped and exposed to moisture, and this opens the door for rust to penetrate. Bare metal is naturally prone to rust and, if not given prompt attention, rust will eventually cause the metal to completely corrode. Removing rust from the rims on your vehicle requires a few basic tools and lots of elbow grease. Once the rust has been successfully removed, a fresh coat of polish will help to prevent the rims from future rust.

• 1

  Wash the rims with a garden hose to remove surface dirt and debris. Dry the rims with a soft towel, and allow them to completely air dry.

• 2

  Tape the tires with masking tape to protect them from rust dust and paint. Place the edge of the tape in the gap between the rim and the tire. Form a 2-inch perimeter all the way around the tire.

• 3

  Scrape off the loose rust on the rims with a wire brush and steel wool. Remove the remaining rust with 100- to 120-grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until all the rust is removed. Sweep the rims with a brush to get rid off all the dust left over from the rust.

• 4

  Wipe the rims with denatured alcohol and a soft cloth. This removes fingerprints, grease, and other surface contaminants.

• 5

  Refinish and restore the rims with automotive polish or automotive paint. If the rims on your vehicle are chrome, apply a good quality polish to the rims. Allow the polish to dry for a few minutes, and then buff the rims with a buffing cloth. Painted rims need to be primed with two light coats of a self-etching primer and then painted with several light coats of an automotive paint. The primer and paint are both sprayed on by holding the nozzle 8 inches above the rim.