Learn to Remove Rust Stains from Exterior Paint

Rust stains can ruin the good looks of your home’s exterior paint job in very short order. When you don’t use the right primers or paints, rainwater can leave streaky, orange-ish, dirty-looking stains on your house.

Luckily, there are a number of ways you can remedy this problem. In today’s post, we are going to describe a few of the most effective ways of getting rid of rust stains from your exterior paint.

The Brush Methods

Utilizing a stiff brush with plastic bristles or steel wool in tandem with a solution of some kind is one very effective way of getting rid of rust stains. For this method, you would gently scrub away rust stains by hand. Simple enough right?

But what kind of solution can you use? There are some products that you probably have lying around your house right now that will help you in your endeavor towards a rust-free home. There are also some products that you can pick up at your local hardware store. You can use any of these solutions:

• Baking Soda – Sprinkle baking soda to the affected area and dip your brush or steel wool in some water. Scrub the rust stains gently until they clear away.
• Lemon Juice – The mild acidity in lemon juice helps to break down rust particles. Apply lemon juice to the stain and let it settle for about 10 minutes. Then, gently scrub the stain away.
• White Vinegar – White vinegar is also mildly acidic which makes it effective for dissolving rust yet gentle enough not to damage your paint or siding. Just be sure to scrub gently.
• Commercial Rust Remover – You can get a pre-made solution specifically for removing rust stains at your local hardware store. The best ones to use on your exterior paint are ones with high PH levels.

Any of the aforementioned solutions can be effective but you have to be careful with the actual brushing part. Brush too hard and you can dull your paint. Brush too soft and the rust won’t be completely cleared. But it isn’t hard to find a happy medium after a few strokes.

The Sandpaper Method

For exceptionally stubborn rust stains, you can try having at them with fine grit sandpaper. This method however, should only be used if you have particularly difficult and deep-seated stains.

Power Washing

One of the most effective ways to treat rust stains on paint is with professional power washing. A power washing technician will know what solutions to use to get rid of rust stains without damaging your paint.

If you do choose to handle the job yourself though, be sure to stand at least 2 feet away from the surface as you wash and do your best to keep the nozzle at a downward, 45-degree angle.

If you are dealing with rust stains on your exterior paint, you can always call us here at Century Painting as well. We offer professional power washing services and we can prime and re-paint your exterior so no rust stains will appear again! For estimates give us a call at; (704) 245-9409! Our painting company in Charlotte would be happy to help!