Rust scale removal methods before paint?

[TurboDSM]

I picked up a used receiver hitch that has areas of rust scale underneath peeling paint. I want to clean it up so it looks decent and prevents rust from developing further.

What would be a good method to remove the rust so I can repaint it? Wire wheel on an angle grinder? Flap disk? Something else?

I don't have access to a media blaster, nor is the piece valuable enough to pay someone to do this.

After removing the rust manually, is there a chemical worth putting on it to take care of any rust I missed and help prevent rust in the future; something that is OK to primer and paint over?

Any recommended brands or type of rattle can primer/paint to use on the receiver hitch?

Sorry if these questions have been answered before, my searches didn't pull up what I was looking for.

Thanks for your help.

[myistar]

Well, once you have it down to bare metal. Use Self-Etching Primer. It is made to go on bare surfaces and provide excellent Adhesion. I prefer the brand SEM. But I'm sure some others will do the job fine as well. As far as chemicals to help prevent rust and kill it, There are some out there.

have any pictures of the thing?

[TurboDSM]

Thanks for the info myistar. I hadn't really thought about the type of primer, so that is really good to know.

I'll try to get a pic up in the next day or so. And I'll try to do an after shot when I'm done.

[hankj]

If you have an automotive machine shop in the 'hood, ask them to drop it in the hot tank for a day. It'll come out nice and clean, and you can use a self-etching primer for good measure.

Hank

[Sberry]

Epoxy primers are about the best. Some dont even need all the rust cleaned, about a 220 etch, seals minor rust right in.

[m.k.swelding]

SandBlaster then etch prime the gray primer then 2 coats of paint.

[TurboDSM]

Pics!

[crawdaddy]

They make a small hand held sand blaster called the speed blaster it holds about a quart of sand it would be perfect for that.You will need an air compressor the small unit costs about $30.00 and works very well it is perfect for cleaning small parts like that.You can find one at Autobodystore.com or any auto body suppliers.Ive had one for about 3 years still works great.Mike

[Bodybagger]

Be sure you get all that stinking powdercoat off. I hate powdercoat due to frequency of its misuse.

[jbmprods]

you can use a wire cup on your grinder to get the bulk of the rust off then go to your local auto paint store and buy a product called "Rustmort". brush or spray it on with a spray bottle and let it dry. it turn any rust to a black oxide primer. anywhere it contacts no rust will stay wet. just hose that off with water, dry it off good then use any primer and paint. i've used this on a lot of farm equipment and as long the paint stays intact with no bare metal you won't have any reoccurring rust.