How to Prevent Rust When the Car Paint is Exposed to Primer?
2 Answers
If you have a garage, try to park the car inside as much as possible. This ensures the car stays in a dry environment, reducing the risk of rust even during long-term parking. Avoid using car covers whenever possible, as they can repeatedly whip against the paint, especially when dirt gets stuck, causing countless scratches on the car. After washing the car, there may still be some water in the gaps. Drive for a short distance to let the wind dry out the remaining moisture before parking. Applying a sealant to the softer painted surfaces can increase the hardness of the paint and help prevent rust.
Last time my car also had exposed primer, which looked quite alarming, but I knew I had to deal with it promptly. The first step was to clean the affected area, using a clean damp cloth or alcohol wipes to remove dust and grease, as impurities can accelerate rusting. Then I sprayed a layer of rust-proof spray from a small bottle to temporarily seal the exposed metal and prevent rainwater from seeping in. I also bought a touch-up pen to apply some matching paint to cover it up, making sure to avoid direct sunlight on the rust spots. I usually park in a garage or under a shade to minimize moisture exposure. If the exposed primer is in a visible area, rust can spread easily, leading to more severe corrosion, which would be more expensive to repair. Later, I developed a habit of checking the car body for cracks after washing it. If I find any issues, I do a temporary DIY protection first before going to a professional shop for a proper paint touch-up. It doesn’t cost much to ensure safety.
