Remove rust and paint?

[lgreen]

Not audio related but similar techniques should apply. Paint rusty metal! Please move if wrong forum.

I have rusty in ground landscape light covers that need to be repainted. Very hard to sand all surface, especially irregular bottom narrow fins. Looking for advice. I have 20 and they are very expensive to replace.

You all are experts! Can I soak in something? Acid? Paint thinner?

Edit... Tried the basics wire brush and power drill combo, sandpaper, file

 

[rayma]

Wire brush?
https://www.amazon.com/Wire-Brush-Steel-Rust-Removal/dp/B08HDMGN77

 

[tomchr]

I'd bead/sand blast them or tumble them with some abrasive media. Then prime and paint.

Tom

 

[GM]

https://www.google.com/search?q=diy...2l5j69i65l2.7650j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

[Jheu02]

After wire brushing, you could apply Naval Jelly to convert the remainder of the rust. Then prime and paint, perhaps using something like rustoleum textured.

 

[grimberg]

Soda blasting. Similar approach to what @tomchr suggested, but cheaper.

 

[brandon3212276]

Fabricator here, obviously sandblasting would be ideal but that's not economical for most people. I'd use a grinder with a wire wheel or cup, that would make short work of it.

Wear safety glasses or you'll immediately lose both your eyes 👀