Thank you, everyone, for all the replies.
I am doing this for the first time, so I will appreciate it if you guys could confirm my choices of products. If not, pls link the product that you would recommend.
I would treat it first with some iron remover and see how well it cleans up. Then repost some pics. Given your location and paint color the iron remover will be useful for the exterior paint work.
While searching I came across a lot of rust eliminator type of products, like
Rust Dissolver by Rust-Oleum, or Corrosion X that
@Cujet suggested. The videos show that they 'remove' the rust. Taking a cue from your comment, what is best idea, use rust dissolver like material first before trying to sand down or just sand it down?
I have to check again if the rust is 'filamentous'. If it is, whats the best strategy to deal with it, sand off all the paint on top of it and reach to the bare metal? Will rust dissolver help there?
I love the Corrosion X line of products, especially standard Corrosion X followed by Corrosion X Max-Wax
The description of this product sounds like it will convert the rust and keep it that way, but do you use it as a preventative?
The red Scotch Brite you mentioned, is it this (
https://www.amazon.com/Scuff-Pads-Scotch-Brite-Brand/dp/B00MBPT0F8) product?
After everything cures, I would use clear gravel guard or an equivalent coating there.
I acutally ordered protection film. My idea was, even if I fix this, it is going to repat in a few years, just because the way it is designed. Once I fix and apply protection film, replacing the film is a lot easier chore than fixing the paint.
I'd coat the effected area with rust bullet or POR15, then cover it with clear 3M tape, then snap the sill cover back in place
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002P4KM2 Is this the product you are referring to? If I choose to go this way, the process should be like, clean the rust by any means, sand or use rust eliminator and apply this. The result look silver/greyish in color. Once thats done, apply the 3M protection film.
The reason why I am trying to figure out easiest option because there is a lot of variety to choose from. I was just looking at automotive primers. There are so many, I have no idea which one is better fit for my purpose.
If I decide to repaint then I will go with Duplicolor paint but my paint is not in stock with Duplicolor. Is there any other automotive paint that comes in a spray can?
About application of rust inhibitor to the underside, I have talked to many local mechanics, almost all tell me that it is useless now that the car is more than 5 years old. When it was new, I was told not to apply because it could potentially void any warranty. TBH, don't know the best way forward.
Thanks again for all comments, and apologies if the questions sound too basic. As I said, I am doing this for the first time and a little hesitant that I may end up making it worse than it already is. So crossing my t's and dotting my i's.
