Can I Just Paint Over Rust? (Spoiler: Not Really) 😬

So you’ve got a few rust spots on your old white Sprinter van — about half the size of a tennis ball — and you’re thinking: “I’ll just slap on some Hammerite and call it a day.” I get it. It’s tempting. But here's the hard truth: painting over rust won’t fix it. Rust is like cancer for metal — if you don’t fully remove it, it just keeps spreading under the surface. Even “straight to rust” paints might slow it down, but they won’t stop it. For a lasting repair, you’ll need to sand the rust off completely (down to bare metal), clean the area, treat it with a rust converter or primer, then apply your Hammerite paint. Yes, it’s more work. But it’s the only way to make sure the rust doesn’t come back with a vengeance. Ever done your own rust repair? How’d it hold up? #RustRepair #VanLifeMaintenance #DIYCarCare #FixItRight #SprinterVanTips