Remove Dry Mud And Surface Rust From Metal Running Boards And Apply Primer And Paint

Posted on: 27 January 2017

Remove dry mud and surface rust from the metal running boards that are secured to each side of your truck by completing the steps below. A fresh coat of rust inhibiting primer and paint that is applied to the metal will further improve the appearance of your truck's appearance and will protect the boards from being susceptible to corrosion.

Materials

  • wire brush
  • large pieces of plastic sheeting
  • scissors
  • water hose
  • sponge
  • automotive detergent
  • bucket
  • rust dissolving gel
  • paintbrush
  • power sander
  • sandpaper
  • tack cloth
  • automotive tape
  • exterior spray primer (designed for use on metal)
  • exterior spray paint (designed for use on metal)
  • clear compound
  • buffing sponge

Eliminate Mud And Sand The Running Boards

Open the doors to your truck so that the each running board is fully exposed. Move a wire brush back and forth over dry mud clumps to loosen and remove them. Line your vehicle's floorboards and upholstery with large pieces of plastic sheeting to prevent water from damaging your truck's interior. Prepare a bucket of soapy water and dip a sponge into the mixture. Wipe each running board's surface with a sponge that has been dipped into the soapy water. Afterward, use a water hose to rinse off each running board. Wait for the metal pieces to dry.

Remove Rust And Apply Primer And Paint

Use a standard paintbrush to apply a thin coat of rust dissolving gel to each rust spot. After the rust begins to dissolve, move a power sander back and forth over the corroded areas to eliminate the rust completely. Wipe a tack cloth across the sanded metal to eliminate small flecks of rust or sanding dust. Use automotive tape to secure plastic sheeting to the portions of the truck's body that are adjacent to the running boards.

Apply a thin even coat of exterior spray primer to the surface of each running board. Once the primer has dried, apply a coat of exterior paint to each running board's surface. After the paint has dried, add a second coat of paint if desired.

Apply Clear Compound

Pour a few drops of the clear compound onto a buffing sponge. Move the sponge firmly in small circles across each running board. The compound will assist with blending the paint so that each running board has a uniform appearance. It will also increase the shininess of each metal piece. Maintain the running boards by removing surface dirt from them on a regular basis with soapy water and a sponge.

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