refinishing steel stands

[Mike-fish]

What I did for mine was: grind down to bare steel then apply 3 coats of marine anti-corrosion epoxy primer then 2 coats of marine anti-corrosion epoxy paint.

[Nano]

Yea imo a simple sanding won't suffice. You want to see how deep the rust goes as it could become a structural issue if its too deep. Id personally feel safer knowing what I have thousands of pounds/dollars sitting on. Grind it down if possible and use marine grade paint as suggested