Will the Car Continue to Rust After Touch-Up Painting?

[LaCameron]

Do not leave paint peeling on your car unattended for long periods, as it can lead to rust. During daily driving, minor scratches are inevitable. Rust primarily occurs when the metal body panels are exposed to the external environment after collisions or scrapes. Occasional scratches, small stones hitting the body while driving, and prolonged outdoor parking can cause rust to appear even on the best-maintained cars. More relevant information is as follows: Note 1: Areas prone to water accumulation, such as the inner and outer edges of wheel arches, the bottom and corners of doors and trunks, are susceptible to rust over time. If the drainage holes at the bottom of the doors are blocked or not functioning smoothly, water seeping in during rain or driving can accumulate inside the doors, leading to rust from the inside out. By the time it's noticed, it may be difficult to address. Note 2: Car owners can take the following measures to prevent rust: regularly ensure that drainage holes in doors and other parts of the body remain clear. Areas around keyholes, window seals, and moving parts of wiper arms are also prone to rust and should be frequently wiped with a dry cloth.

[DiBradley]

I once had a car that rusted, and I tried to fix it myself by spraying paint over the rust, thinking it would solve the problem. But before long, the rust started creeping out from the edges again, which was really frustrating. Later, I learned that if the rust isn’t completely removed—like by sanding it down to bare metal—it will continue to spread underneath the paint, corroding the metal. This happens because rust is essentially an oxidation reaction that persists as long as oxygen and moisture can seep in. Simply covering it with a layer of paint is just a temporary fix. Now, I use rust remover to treat the spots, ensuring the metal is clean and smooth, then apply primer and topcoat for a much longer-lasting result. My advice to car owners is not to cut corners—address rust early by consulting professionals to avoid costly major repairs down the road.

[ReeseDella]

I've worked in an auto repair shop for many years and have seen numerous cases where rust reappears after touch-up painting. The root cause is incomplete rust removal, as residual rust particles can penetrate the new paint layer, leading to bubbling and peeling. A proper touch-up process should include grinding the rusted area down to bare metal, sealing it with rust-proof primer, and then applying the topcoat. Otherwise, moisture and salt can seep through gaps, accelerating corrosion and even compromising the frame's strength. I recommend regularly inspecting rust-prone areas like wheel arches and door edges, addressing small rust spots early to save money and hassle while extending the vehicle's lifespan.

[OSophie]

I often DIY car repairs, and if rust isn't properly treated before repainting, it can indeed continue to spread. Simply put, rust is like a virus—if the root isn't cleaned, it will spread. I use rust converter spray to first turn the rust black and stabilize it, then sand and repaint, which works well and only costs a few dozen yuan. The key is not just to cover up the rust but to regularly check sealing and paint quality to avoid moisture retention. Saving money doesn't mean being careless—spending a little time to prevent rust recurrence is more cost-effective.