How to Get Rust Off Table Tops
- 1). Scrub the rust with a wire brush. A wire brush's thick and coarse bristles help to remove the unsightly stains. Brush vigorously back and forth to remove the rust. You could also attach the wire brush to a power tool and work the corrosion away. Take care when performing this technique, however, as you can cause damage to the table if you use too much force.
- 2). Apply naval jelly to the rust spots while wearing protective gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and goggles, once you are finished with the brush. Dip a disposable brush into the jelly and apply it to the affected area. Allow it to soak for about 10 minutes and then remove it with a rag. Rinse the spot off with water. Reapply the jelly to the spots, if large amounts of rust are detected.
- 3). Dip a rag into mineral spirits and wipe down the rusted spot. Mineral spirits will not only clean the rusty area, but help to remove any excess moisture as well.
- 4). Treat the rusted spot with a rust converter while still wearing the gloves and goggles, if the table top is made from iron. Dip a clean cloth into the converter and dab it on the spot. This acid-based product will alter the rust so that it can bond to the surface of the table.
- 5). Finish the table, if desired, once the spot has dried. Apply primer to the table, and lightly sand it with paper or a sander, using a fine grit. Skip priming the table if you used the rust converter, as it acts as the primer. Paint the table with a product that is made for metal.
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