How to remove rust from structural steel?

Jacob0

Hi all,

I have a internal structural steel post in a new house which was previously exposed to the rain as there was several months of delay in installing the roof over. It was rusting and pitting at the base. It is no longer exposed to the weather. 2 months ago, I sanded as much rust as I could off with WD40 and wiped it clean with vinegar. I then applied multiple coats of Dy-Mark Etch Primer.

I recently noticed the post is still rusting through the primer and flaking. I would appreciate anyones advice on how to treat this so it doesnt happen again. I'm considering removing the primer and using a rust coverter to remove the rust before I prime the surface again for painting.

EricL

Hello @Jacob0 

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

I agree with your analysis, and I suspect that a rust converter product should have been applied before the post was sealed with primer. Fortunately, it is still only surface rust, I propose sanding the surface again and removing all the paint products applied (to the affected spot) so that the rust converter can be applied directly to the steel.     

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric