Treating rust

I am going to do some paint work on older machinery that is rusty. I plan on using a powered wire brush to get the metal clean as I reasonbly can. Do I need to use anything special to nuetralize the rust? I am using a primer that is marked "rust kill" but want to make sure if something else is needed. I plan on repainting my 4020 after I "practice" on some other projects and want the old girl to look good and stay looking good not have rust pockets under the paint after a few years. I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks

4020;

There are numerous products on the market for treating rust. Home Depot sells Must for Rust which is a nuetralizer/cleaner. Some guys swear by it, others are not impressed. Picklex 20 is another product that converts rust and is easy to use, but is a little expensive. Ospho, or PPG's DX579 will neutralize rust as well. POR 15 sells a product called Metal Prep which does the same thing. These are metal conditioners with a phosporic acid solution along with other chemical that form a phosphate conversion of the rust.

To ensure a lasting paint job you should clean as must rust off as possible and then treat the metal with one of the products above. Follow the manufacturer's directions on prepping for painting. You should then paint as soon as possible to seal the metal. I'm not familiar with your paint that has a "rust killer". But if you search the archives you'll find that most guys recommend an epoxy primer because of it sealing properties and durability. By sealing, I mean it prevents moisture and air from reaching the metal to cause rust.

Needless to say, 80% + of a good paint job is preparation, so how much time you want to put in to it will determine the outcome. Hope this helps you out.

That does help. For some small projects I am not so worried about but the tractor I want done well. I tested the primer on a spot on dad's old cattle trailer last night. I wire brushed the heck out of a section and painted that and I did to see how it did painted some non cleaned sections. The can says to remove loose rust flakes and such but I just don't have much confidence in painting but not actually removing the rust and treating it. I will look for the treaters you listed and see what is available in my area. Thanks

Are you talking about the cast iron or the tin? Totally different approach to each.
Wire brush OK for cast but a big No No for tin.
You want to use a sander on that to start finishing the metal for a smooth finish. Anywhere from 7 inch body sander, to 6 inch DA air sander, to 4 1/2 inch angle with flap wheels.
Then variaous primer and sanding applications to achieve desired level of final finish.
You can't prime or paint over ANY rust. It must be completely removed or neutralized! If in doubt that it is all gone you must use an epoxy primer.

Gordo

Gordo

It will be for both the cast and the sheet metal. I will start on various pieces like the hood and side panels and such first, basically the ones that get abused, dented, and scratched and have rust. I use the tractor regularly so doing it correctly and taking it all apart and painting all of the parts at the same time isn't something I can do. For now at least I will just be making it look better. I was thinking that just using a paint was not going to be enough to do this job. I take manufacturer claims with a grain (or handful) of salt. Thanks for advice/help