Dealing with rust spots on paintwork

[All uphill]

I have owned a Raleigh Grand Sports for a couple of years, and enjoyed riding it as a singlespeed.

My plan now is to deal with the rust spots before building it into a drop bar road bike.

Here's the problem:

How can I best stabilise and hide, or eliminate these spots?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Drago]

Barkeepers friend. Has a mild oxalic acid content and won't harm the paint.

 

[All uphill]

Thanks @Drago , then touch up with paint, or just leave?

 

[Archie_tect]

I've just used fine wire wool and Kurust over the years on my old Dawes bike [a tin of rust converter of my old dad's, that I've had since I was a lad- might still be able to get it], which uses a mild acid to convert rust to black ferric hydroxide [can't remember exactly]. You have to clean off and touch up the pin marks with paint as soon as the kurust has worked its magic!

 

[MontyVeda]

I've just used fine wire wool and Kurust over the years on my old Dawes bike [a tin of rust converter of my old dad's, that I've had since I was a lad- might still be able to get it], which uses a mild acid to convert rust to black ferric hydroxide [can't remember exactly]. You have to clean off and touch up the pin marks with paint as soon as the kurust has worked its magic!

A tenner in Halfords so I guess Wilko, Wickes, etc. will stock it too... got a similar problem to the OP on my nickel plated frame and forks, so this looks like exactly what i need.

 

[midlife]

On nickel and chrome it might be best to use aluminium foil, rust is turned back to metal which. Or oxylic acid which does the same thing.

 

[Cycleops]

Touching in the rust spots with paint after the rust treatment is going to drive you bonkers and might look a bit odd when done as the spots look to be everywher. Have you considered a cheap powder coat job and replacement decals from H Lloyd?

 

[Drago]

Thanks @Drago , then touch up with paint, or just leave?

If what remains isn't too bad I'd just wax the bejesus out of it and keep it that way.

 

[Nigelnightmare]

Or spray it with clear varnish to keep the patina look.