Q. Is sandpaper effective at removing rust?

Yes it is effective at removing rust. Rust may be removed from a piece of metal in a number of different methods. The best approach is to use sandpaper but it will take a long time and a lot of persistence; alternatively use chemicals like phosphoric acid oxalic acid muriatic acid or even bleach! Always exercise caution while handling chemicals; some of these acids may burn if they come into touch with unprotected skin; thus gloves and goggles should be used at all times when dealing with them. The rust may be easily removed with an abrasive blasting media such as sand or walnut shells and there will be no residue left behind.