The art of stalking, taming
a car’s worst enemy: rust
By Michael Kulaga
Or the Kmerald
Rust.
It begins as a seemingly harmless speck of
brown, hardly noticeable at first. Hut without at
tention. it turns into a relentless cancer with a
devastating destructive potential. It has been
known to consume bicycles, whole cars and even
bridges. But with precautionary measures, it can
be tamed.
Metal corrosion is a chemical change caused
by the oxidation of iron that has been exposed to
moist air (an item not in short supply during
Oregon winters). And in this brief description lies
the clue to its prevention. Metal must be pro
tected from the air; which is why cars, bridges,
bicycles and everything else made of iron-based
alloys are painted.
Rust on automobiles begins when the painted
surface is punctured, allowing air to reach the un
protected surface. Once corrosion has begun,
drastic measures must be taken to prevent its fur
ther spread.
This means surgically removing the corroded
area and resurfacing the metal to prevent further
oxidation. But while the process may seem in
timidating. it doesn't take a degree from Baby Doc
College of Physicians to root out rust and prevent
its return. Preventing rust from claiming your
vehicle takes only a few. simple steps.
•Locate corroded areas on the vehicle. Some
of these areas will be obvious, but others will be
more difficult to find. Look for rust, bubbles in
the paint and uneven surface spots.
•Thoroughly wash the area that needs
attention. '
•Sand the rusted area. This is the most im
portant step in stopping the oxidation process
because the metal will continue to corrode if the
rust is not completely removed.
Sandpaper comes in various types and grades
of coarseness. Aluminum oxide and silicone car
bide are best-suited for metal work. The paper
grade is indicated by a numbering system, with
the higher numbers being finer and better suited
for finishing work. Generally, a No. 40 works
well for removing rust and paint.
•Feather the edges of the paint that sur
rounds the sanded area. After the initial sanding,
the metal should have a shiny silver appearance.
Use a fine paper (No. 100) to smooth the edge of
the paint around the sanded area. You should not
be able to distinguish the edge of the paint from
the bare metal by feel.
•Chemically clean the sanded area. Use a sol
vent, such as denatured alcohol, to remove dust,
wax and any grit from the area to be painted. Do
this in a well-ventilated area and use a clean, dry
cloth to wipe off the solvent.
•Prime the bare metal. Mask off all trim,
glass, vinyl and any other nearby areas that
shouldn't be painted. Use a paint specifically
made for priming bare metals. Paint can be either
sprayed or brushed, but sprayed paint generally
provides a smoother finish. Carefully follow
directions for applying the paint.
•Sand and clean the primed surface for a
smooth finish. After the primer is completely dry,
use a fine sandpaper to even out any imperfec
tions in the coat and then use a solvent again to
wash away dust and grime.
•Apply the finish paint. This coat can either
closely resemble the hue of the original paint,
although it is never a perfect match, or it can be
' Continued on Page 4B
Rainfall not nature’s carwash
The onset of Oregon’s winter
rainy season shouldn't be taken
as a cue to put the hose, sponge
and soap away and let Mother
Nature take over the car
washing for a few months.
If anything, nature will do
more harm than good.
According to Richard Chala.
co-owner of Eugene Quality Car
Wash, rain passes through
pollutants such as emissions
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from burning slash and wood
stoves or fireplaces. “The rain
that lands on your car can ruin
the paint finish.” Chala says.
Chala adds that road sand or
salt (which is spread on many
streets and roads during icy or
snowy weather), has a
detrimental effect on car and
truck finishes.
And during the bathless
winter months. Chala says1(dirt
and dust can accumulate on the
surface of a vehicle to such a
degree that the first spring
washing of one’s car or truck
has a sandpaper-like effect on
the vehicle’s finish.
Chala emphasizes it is as im
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one’s car or truck as often dur
ing the cold, blowy, rainy
season as one would during the
warm sunny months of
summer.
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