Auto body repair & detailing: Tremclad on a small rust spot on passenger door?, rust spot, rust converter

Question
Hi

I just noticed a teeny rust spot on the lower corner of my passenger door. It is about the size of a twenty five cent piece, and the paint is peeling back. I was thinking of slicing off the raised paint, sanding the rust and painting over the spot with some matching Tremclad/Rustoleum spray paint.

I know it won't look perfect, and I know it won't eliminate the problem, but I'm thinking it may prevent the rust from spreading as rapidly.

Any thoughts you can offer?

Many thanks,

Silly Female on her own

Answer
Hi Mari,

What you will probably notice if you remove the paint is that the rust will be more extensive than just where the paint seems to be coming off. Most likely it's rusting through from the back side of the panel. Usually where mud and road debris finds a place to hang on is where the rust will start. I would make sure you clean the backside of the panel and try and coat it with some type of undercoating that is corrosion resistant. You also might consider using a rust converter for the front side of the panel. You can buy the stuff in an aerosol can which makes it very user friendly. This will work much better than Rustoleum. You should use a primer and paint to re-coat the area that you have removed paint. If you have any other question please feel free to ask a follow up.

Gary