Need help removing light scratch with surface rust...

[Volvo]

Hi all!

I just purchased a beautiful 2007 Volvo V50 lease return, and noticed a tiny mark on the roof. Unfortunately, it seems to have gone untreated for some time and now has surface rust on it (looks like maybe a ski scuffed it or something). It is about a centimeter long, and barely noticeable. However, it does have rust and is bothering me...

I have purchased touch up paint from the dealership (including clear coat), ultimate compound, scratch x as well as a nice wax and polish.

It looks as though with rust - people think I should wet sand this rust off. Is this true even with a tiny mark like this? I would really hate to hurt the beautiful (3 year old) silver paint around the tiny mark, as the rest of the car is perfection.

Is there any way that I can use ultimate compound or scratch x to wipe the rust off the mark and then apply the touch up paint? Or is wet sanding absolutely necessary?

Thank you so much for any assistance, i will be tackling this tomorrow...

Also, can anyone quickly list the steps?

THANKS!

Volvo

[Murr1525]

Re: Need help removing light scratch with surface rust...

Is there any chance of pics?

Usually, you would not use wet-sanding paper for rust, but a small piece of regular sand paper, like 200 grit or so.

I have also heard of, but not purchased yet, a cool little fiberglass brush that works in the same manner, but more controllable for small areas.

You would want to remove the rest with one of those first, and any loose paint around the edge, and then apply the paint. Do not use the brush, use a toothpick to dab a little, let it dry, dab a little, let it dry, etc.

If you do not want to wet-sand, just get it as best you can with those steps. It will come out OK.

If you want perfect, you would have to make the paint into a small blob, then use the paper to level it. Then hope you can easily remove the sanding marks with the Ultimate Compound and either your hands or a polisher.

You do not want to wax or polish the spot for a couple months. But you can clean the rest of your car up if it needs it....