Picked up an older Crossfire protein that had light surface rust, no pitting. Here's pics when I started sanding with orbital sander. Finished sanding today, clean and wipe down with mineral spirits. Next step is two coats of primer then two coats paint.

Coat it with rust cure before the primer, then 2 coats of final paint. You can thank me later.

I'll look into that, if I can find it. Thanks

I'll take a picture this morning and post. I get it at ACE Hardware or True Vaule.

This is what I use, comes in 1 qt. Or gallon sizes. Several brands out there but this works for me. Just brush on with throw away brush and let dry.

I'll see if I can find some here in Breckenridge, but we're kinda limited.

A knotted cup brush on a 4 1/2" angle grinder is far more efficient at cleaning steel than a sander for wood is.

I had a bunch of 50 and 80 grit pads, they did a pretty good job. But I was thinking of going back over with a cup brush. Thanks

Sanding is complete and Ospho has been applied. First coat of primer tomorrow.

I'm glad you found the rust cure. I use it on all farm painting projects and on stuff around the place that starts showing signs of rust.

First coat of primer this morning. I have a Wagner power sprayer and it worked good.

Question..Sanded, cleaned, a coating of Ospho and one coat of rusty metal primer. Do I need a second coat of primer or can I just go ahead and put two coats of paint on it?

2 coats of final paint and you'll be fine.
Looks really good.

Feeder is complete, 2 coats of leather brown rustoleum applied.

If you has a brand for your ranch it needs stenciled on the feeder in white. It would be a nice touch.
Nicely done!

Shoot that looks brand new now! Do agree with a brand on there, it would be a cool touch.

I wish I had a stencil, but I don't.

Looks good

Dang Stompy!! You makin em look that good... I kinda want it back!!

Good work sir, and glad that worked out.

Looks good. That has to last much better than the factory finish. We had those same feeders at a lease and even out in the desert, they were some rusting son of a guns.

Put it out yesterday and they're already on it.

Looking great sir !