What paint can go directly over rust?

Several paints can go directly over rust, specifically formulated as direct-to-rust or rusty metal paints that contain rust converters and corrosion inhibitors, though best results still require removing loose rust first. Leading products include Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel and Rust-Oleum Hammered Finish, which are designed to be applied directly over lightly rusted metal after wire brushing off loose flakes, as they contain fish oil and inhibitors that penetrate rust and seal it from moisture. Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer is a primer that chemically converts rust to black inert surface that can be topcoated, so it goes directly over rust as first step. POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating can go directly over rusted metal after degreasing and is used in automotive restoration, forming rock-hard barrier. Corroseal Rust Converter also goes directly over rust and converts it. Krylon Rust Protector series claims direct-to-rust application. Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint, popular in UK and US, can be applied directly over rust with no primer. For all these, you must remove loose rust, dirt, and oil with wire brush and cleaner, and apply when surface dry, otherwise paint traps moisture and fails. For heavy rust, use converter first then topcoat. Fix water source like clogged gutters causing constant wetness to prevent recurrence. These paints work best on light to moderate surface rust, not severely pitted structural rust.