How to protect steel post showing early sign of rust?

lukelee

The two years old steel post is showing early sign of rust. Picture is below. It is under the decking, touch the ground, some grass around, it was wet after rain.

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I went to bunnings last week, tried to find some products to fix the rust. My understanding is to

1.Clean the rust with steel brush. 2.Apply rust converter. 3.Apply primer. 4.Apply Topcoat.

There are so many products, I was confused. There are three Rust converters.

1. Dy-Mark MetalPro Rust Converter
2. White Knight Rust Guard Rust Converter

3. Bondall Ranex Rustbuster Rust Converter

Which one is the best? The staff told me they are three different chemicals?

Then the Primer, there are

1. White Knight Rust Guard Metal Primer Paint

2. White Knight Rust Guard Cold Gal Primer Paint

3. Dulux Metalshield Rust Defence Primer

4. Dulux Precision All Metal Primer

5. Dy-Mark MetalPro Zinc Gal Primer

6. Dy-Mark MetalPro Silver Zinc Metal Paint 2 in 1

I also see some Etch , or Epoxy primer, which one is better?

And the last: Topcoat, we have

1. White Knight Cold Gal Silver Rust Guard Primer Paint

2. Dy-Mark Aluminium MetalPro Quick Dry

Do I need topcoat at all? The post is under the deck, it doesn't need to look nice. Can I apply two layer of primer instead of one layer of primer and one layer of topcoat?

Is Dy-Mark MetalPro Silver Zinc Metal Paint 2 in 1 better than Primer + Topcoat?

Can I mix the brands? Or better stick with one brand? White Knite seems more expensive than Dy-Mark, is White Knight a better brand?

Many thanks.

EricL

Hello @lukelee 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about protecting your steel post. 

It's best not to mix and match as these products work well when working with the same brand. For example, since you are not going to need a great deal of paint, I suggest using the White Knight 0.125L Rust Guard Rust Converter in combination with the White Knight Rust Guard 300g Grey SLS Etch Primer Spray Paint. For the topcoat I suggest using the White Knight 300g Cold Gal Silver Rust Guard Spray Paint - Bunnings Australia.

Using two coats of primer is not enough to protect the surface a topcoat must be applied. Now between the three brands only the White Knight is offering it in a smaller quantity. White knight is a trusted brand and works well to preserve steel.  

My best advice is to make sure that the affected area is clean and make sure to cover any exposed area with drop sheets and masking tape to prevent over spray.

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to paint metal

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric