i had some minor bubbles on my rear wheelwells, i installed BW cut-outs approx six/seven yrs ago.
i filed & sanded the cut edges & hit them with some industrial red oxide primer.
two yrs ago i got to have a good look at them when a lady left-turned me. the metal was in perfect shape with NO traces of rust anywhere. i did cover up the red oxide with 3 coats of black por15 before installing my new flares this time
they allow you to run nice wide rubber