How to Fix a Rusted Steel Desk

Steel is a durable material used in the manufacturing of buildings, furniture, appliances and power tools. However, steel has the disadvantage of rusting in moist and hot environments. Although a steel desk has a protective rust-resistant coating, over time this coating wears off. Once rust starts on the steel, it continues to spread. If you don’t remove the rust, serious damage can develop. With a little effort, you can fix rust on steel desks.

Steel wool pad, scrubbing pad or wire brush
Rubber gloves
Rust remover
Paper towels or rags
Metal primer
Brush

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any items in or on the desk before removing the rust.
- 2
  Scrub the rust with a steel wool pad, wire brush or scrubbing pad. These products remove small rust spots and surface rust.
- 3
  Put on rubber gloves. Pour commercial rust remover onto a steel wool pad. Apply the rust remover to the rusted areas of the desk. Wait five to 15 minutes for the rust remover to dissolve the rust. Rust removers are very effective in quickly removing rust. Most rust removers have acids like hydrochloric acid as the main ingredient.
- 4
  Wipe away the rust remover with paper towels or rags.
- 5
  Paint on a metal primer with a paintbrush. Let the primer dry and apply a second coat. Metal primers are rust inhibitors. These products prevent rust from forming again.
- 6
  Replace all the contents in the desk once the primer dries.

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