How To: Remove Rust

There are several ways to remove rust. Here, we give you a step-by-step tutorial on three common methods, so you can choose the one that best suits your project needs and skill set.

How to Remove Rust


Learning how to remove rust isn’t rocket science, and in homeowners’ ongoing fight to maintain outdoor tools and patio furniture, rust removal is an essential skill. There are at least three ways to get the job done; choose the method you like best from the options detailed below. Bear in mind that no matter the technique used, any effort to remove rust begins the same way: by using pliers, screwdrivers, or wrenches—and, if necessary, lubricant—to remove all fasteners (for example, screws).

- Wire brush
- Paintbrush
- Rust converter

How to Remove Rust - Wrench


Available in liquid or spray form at most home improvement centers, rust converters work wonders on iron or steel. Handling the product is a cinch. First, use a wire brush to scrape off any rust dust or flaking paint on the item you wish to clean. Next, apply the rust converter with a paintbrush (if you’ve chosen the liquid) or directly (if you’ve opted for the spray). What happens next is a miracle of chemistry: The rust transforms into a black substance, one that prevents further corrosion and can be painted over to achieve a finish that seems brand-new.

- Sandpaper or steel wool
- Electric drill with wire wheel

If you want to remove rust from an object marred not only by rust but also a great deal of flaking paint, there’s really no substitute for good old-fashioned elbow grease. Sanding the surface of the object with sandpaper or steel wool (or even a scouring pad) usually does the trick, so long as the rust is light. Just remember to scrape first with a coarse-grit paper, making sure you remove all pockmarks before finishing with a finer grit to smooth out grooves. For heavier rust buildup, try an electric drill outfitted with a wire brush. Alternatively, if you have access to one, use a grinder, but do this carefully. Keep the grinding wheel, stripping disc, or flap disc moving on the object at all times, or you’ll risk causing damage worse than rust!

- Goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Paintbrush
- Putty knife
- Rags
- Chemical removers

Take tremendous care when using commercially sold chemical rust removers; these powerful solutions contain either hydrochloric or phosphoric acid. Do this type of work only in well-ventilated spaces, and be sure to wear protective eyewear, rubber gloves, and full-coverage clothing.

Want to remove rust from a small object? You can fully immerse it in the rust remover, letting it soak one to three hours for light rust, overnight for heavy rust. If you are removing rust from a larger, more unwieldy object, consider using a remover in gel form. Once applied, different products take different amounts of time to be effective, so read the manufacturer’s directions closely. In cases where a significant amount of rust has built up over time, be prepared to apply several courses of the chemical before seeing the desired results.