Removing Surface Rust on Armor

Well, seems like that time of year where they're going to start laying down salt. I have a bunch of hits from this summer all over steel armor and am wondering what is the easiest way to cover it up for winter? I remember reading something that you spray directly on, no sanding or prepping, it reacts with the rust, and covers it up? I can't seem to find that thread anymore.

 

Maybe you're thinking of POR15?

 

Assume you’re talking about a rust converter? Still should wire brush or sand most of the surface rust off; and at the very least clean the area with like a solvent/paint prep spray (I often use SEM Solve). Then touch up the spots with the rust converter, give it 24-48 hours to fully work, then touch up the are with some paint.

If talking about a paint over rust product like por15, I like por15, but I still usually do the above prep still. (Edit: rereading your post, my guess is you’re most likely thinking of por15).

if talking about something like fluid film, that’s more for underbody; it’s a oil that coats and soaks into any rust spots.

 

Ahh yes, I think it was POR15. But looks like I still need to prep. Being incredibly lazy, any suggestions on a solution that isn't any more than spraying some paint prep and dabbing whatever on it to stop rust/cover the hits?

I'm also not sure what the difference pros/cons are of rust converter vs paint over rust products?

Edit: I also have some knicks on the frame. Some rusted over, some not yet. Just paint the non rusted stuff and use either rust converter or paint over rust on the rest I assume?

 

Lazy but effective method: brush the areas with like steel wool or a scour pad, just to remove any loose dust or lingering flaking paint chips in the area. Then spray with SEM solve to get rid of any lingering wax or oils, then coat with POR15. (Or rust converter, wait, then top coat with whatever).

In a nutshell-
Rust converter: chemically converts rust (iron oxide) to iron tanite which is inert and should no longer spread (converts the rust to something that’s no longer “rust”). You can then paint over it. Note that rust converters will often leave a flat black coating that resembles paint, but won’t hold up like paint (still needs to be top coated with something).

POR15 or similar: bonds to and encapsulates the rust; which essentially blocks it off from exposure to the elements that would allow it to spread any further.

 

This you're trying to knock surface rust off and spray self etch over and paint get a wire brush that can be used on a drill. I did my IFS skid and sliders (sliders were way more work) then rear diff and it took all of 15 minutes max before I was spraying on primer

 

Sweet, thanks! Sounds like POR15 is the way to go. Also the google machine says that if its not exposed to UV ray POR15 does NOT need to be painted over, which makes it an even easier process.

 

Another option in the rust converter area is rust bullet. I've used it several times and not only is there minimal prep but I've never had rust come back.