# Remove rust stains from car's paint?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/remove-rust-stains-from-cars-paint/106237>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** chrysler, towncountry\
**Created:** [July 25, 2017, 2:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remove-rust-stains-from-cars-paint/106237 "2017-07-25T14:54:29Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![shanonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@shanonia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shanonia)\
**Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 2:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remove-rust-stains-from-cars-paint/106237/1 "2017-07-25T14:54:29Z")

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There are rust stains on the painted metal and painted plastic bumper cover, where water has dripped down from areas of exposed rust. I have repaired and repainted the areas of exposed rust. How can I removed the rust stains, short of sanding and repainting the stained areas?

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**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 2:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remove-rust-stains-from-cars-paint/106237/2 "2017-07-25T14:59:49Z")

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Usually polishing compound and some elbow grease works pretty well for this. A mild solution of CLR and water might get the tougher spots done, too, although I’d test a small inconspicuous area first to make sure the CLR won’t damage the paint.

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**Author:** ![lion9car](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/59ef9b/32.png) [@lion9car](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lion9car)\
**Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 3:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remove-rust-stains-from-cars-paint/106237/3 "2017-07-25T15:32:00Z")

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I’d try a clay bar first. If that doesn’t do the trick, then the polishing compound suggested by Mustangman would be my next vote.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 6:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remove-rust-stains-from-cars-paint/106237/4 "2017-07-25T18:53:45Z")

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This product will remove rust stains from painted surfaces.

![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/2X/a/a44cf38a71c4bf4648c7ee8c1187938f93953985.jpg)

Tester

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**Author:** ![shanonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@shanonia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shanonia)\
**Post date:** [July 25, 2017, 8:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remove-rust-stains-from-cars-paint/106237/5 "2017-07-25T20:06:04Z")

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Thanks all for your advice. I had some Turtle Wax Polishing Compound on hand and it did the job.