Framebuilders - Don't just rust away - do something?

I have several older bicycles that were once of some great value and cost. The steel, lugged frames have considerable rust where paint is chipped. Some very rusty areas are the rear dropouts, underside of the top tube and the usual assortment of nicks and dings.

I'm a very lazy and impatient person in some respects. And in this case, I tried to repair the bikes by using naval jelly and painting with spray-on Rustoleum.

The "preparation phase" was pretty pathetic. Although, I did some sanding and used multiple applications of jelly, rusty, or "non-shiny" areas remained when I began painting. Some of the particulars, dark "rust dots" in the drop outs, non-shiny, dark areas on the top-tube etc...........

Knowing that I did not use a surface-primer - and that I had not reached "bare metal" in all areas that I painted my question is: Did I do any good? Will the fact that I cleared off some rust, and applied a coating slow or stop the rusting? In other words, at least where the new paint sticks, no air gets to the metal, so no additional rust develops, right? I mean doing anything is better than nothing right?

Brash opinions, cute remarks requested. Thank You.

One cute remark. So you expect a silk purse from a sows ear.
Yes you have done something and it will look good for a while, and granted no paint job lasts forever. but the fact that you do not get all the rust means the 'bug' is still there and he will eat his way to the surface sooner or later, the question remains of how long it will take..... ... ... ... ....peace

Rust never sleeps!! ;)


I would try a toothbrush sized wire brush to get as much rust from the pits as possible.
Then rub some grease into those spots. Repeat as needed.