how do I clean rust off a small metal shed. do I need to do that before painting?

Answer 1

steel wool does wonders with water........ I used this on my old shed then painted it with rustoleum but not before i dried it off with a couple of old towels. drying it after you take some metal off makes it easier to paint too.

Answer 2

Clean Rust Off Metal

Answer 3

Typically metal sheds have thin metal, heavy sanding/sandblasting would go right thu it. I agree with the using a 'rust converter' paint, would make it stronger with no sanding. That plus a good quality primer then good quality paint will keep it looking good for a long time.
I use Krylon 'fusion' type spray paint on most of my projects - it bonds to metal, and plastic - a high quality epoxy paint would work as well.

Answer 4

In most cases you will paint right over the rust. The paint for metal roofs is made to penetrate and bond through the rust.

That said, if you have spots that are rusted through you will need to patch those areas before you paint (you don't want to fall through the roof.)

Answer 5

I have a dia grinder with a wire brush on it to remove rust. Once the rust is removed and cleaned then use a rust proof primer and then paint. good luck.

Answer 6

It depends on how much rust there is to remove. If it's a lttle, use steel wool or light emory cloth. If it's a lot, use heavier emory cloth then finish with light emory cloth or steel wool. Yes you must remove all rust if you are going to paint it.

Answer 7

Put a primer coat of rustoleum on it. As Neil Young said, Rust Never Sleeps.

Answer 8

You can remove rust with diluted muriatic acid, but don't breathe it and wear rubber gloves. You can actually use a cheap cloth mop to mop it on, Dilute it way down with water, it don't take much.

Answer 9

sand it off and put a bullseye rust proof paint on it

Answer 10

sand it with rough sandpaper and get the rust off before painting