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The Best Way to Refinish a Rusty Truck Frame If you have a rusty car or truck frame that you want to refinish and restore, you might be wondering what is the best way to go about doing the restoration. Customers contact us all day long with just that question. RustSeal or KBS Rust Converter? They wonder what the difference is between the RustSeal or KBS Rust Converter and which option would be the best way to refinish a rusty truck frame. What is RustSeal? RustSeal is a rust preventive coating with a finish quality that is smooth and looks a lot like a ceramic coating. RustSeal is extremely hard and durable yet is flexible to avoid chips, scratches, cracks, and peeling. RustSeal is available in many color options. RustSeal is an incredible permanent solution for rust prevention. How Does RustSeal Work? Exposed metal + moisture + oxygen = rust. RustSeal works by separating metal from moisture and oxygen. RustSeal can be applied to bare, rust-free metal or be applied directly to treated rust to encapsulate and stop rust. RustSeal is a coating that is made to grab onto the metal and stay put to form a permanent and non-porous barrier against moisture and oxygen. This strong adhesion combined with RustSeal’s flexibility allows RustSeal to take severe impacts without chipping and cracking, which preserves the barrier against moisture and oxygen. These qualities make RustSeal a great coating to refinish a rusty truck frame that might see hard off-road use. How Do You Apply RustSeal? Proper preparation is the key to getting the best adhesion of RustSeal when refinishing a rusty truck frame. KBS Coatings has put together an all-inclusive, three-step system to clean, prep, and seal the metal for the best results. Step 1: KBS Klean After removing loose, flaky rust with sandpaper, scotch brite pad, or a wire wheel, the next step in refinishing a rusty truck frame is to use KBS Klean to clean the surface. KBS Klean is mixed with warm water and the surface is washed down with the KBS Klean solution. Using a scrub pad or bristle brush gives the best results. When finished the cleaner is rinsed off with water. KBS Klean is a powerful, concentrated cleaner that works great to remove dirt, grease, and grime. Details for using KBS Klean can be found HERE. Step 2: RustBlast Next RustBlast is used to neutralize any remaining rust, and to provide the best adhesion for RustSeal, RustBlast etches the surface and leaves a dusting of zinc phosphate. RustBlast is sprayed directly on room temperature or above metal and kept wet for at least 30 minutes, or longer depending on the extent of existing rust. During this time the surface can be scrubbed with a scrub pad. Keep in mind when refinishing a rusty truck frame that RustSeal can encapsulate treated rust, so it’s not necessary to remove every bit of rust. When done, the metal is rinsed with water and thoroughly dried. Details for using RustBlast can be found HERE. Step 3: RustSeal Now that metal is prepped it is time for RustSeal. Keep in mind, RustSeal can be brushed or rolled on, as well as be applied with simple spray equipment. Whatever the method of application, it is important to apply RustSeal in thin covering coats allowing approximately 2-6 hours dry time between each. This is so RustSeal cures properly. RustSeal is moisture cured, meaning moisture in the air helps it cure. The higher the humidity, the quicker it cures. Detail Directions for using RustSeal can be found HERE. What is Rust Converter? KBS Rust Converter is a convenient aerosol spray compromised of tannic acid that transforms iron oxide (rust) into a bluish-black ferric tannate inert primer layer that is resistant to moisture. KBS Rust Converter kills existing rust and stops new rust from forming. How Do You Apply Rust Converter? KBS Rust Converter is designed for use on rust, but not on non-rusty surfaces or surfaces where there is a mix of rusty areas and non-rusty areas. Surface Preparation for Rust Converter Remove as much loose flaky rust as possible with a wire wheel or sandpaper. If needed, wash the surface with KBS Klean mixed with warm water and the surface is washed down with solution. Using a scrub pad or bristle brush gives the best results. Rinse the surface with water and dry thoroughly. Rust Converter Application Spray KBS Rust Converter with steady even strokes 8 to 12 inches from the surface. A chemical reaction will cause the rust to turn black. KBS Rust Converter will be dry to the touch in about 10 minutes, and a full cure takes place in about 24 hours. Thick coats may take a little longer. If a second coat needs to be applied, wait 24 hours for the first coat to dry. Details for using KBS Rust Converter can be found HERE. Top Coating Rust Converter While KBS Rust Converter can stand alone, KBS Rust Converter also acts as an excellent primer for oil, acrylic, and epoxy-based paints. If our customer chose to use KBS Rust Converter to refinish their rusted truck frame, they can top coat KBS Rust Converter with something like BlackTop for a better appearance. What’s BlackTop? BlackTop is a single stage, high performance, moisture cured, one-part UV stable coating with a beautiful black finish. BlackTop is a high-performance protective coating that is ideal for top coating surfaces previously sealed with any paint or primer system. Also, BlackTop can also be applied directly to bare metal without need for primer. Surface Prep for BlackTop If KBS Rust Converter is fully cured and hasn’t collected any dirt or dust, BlackTop can be applied directly to the KBS Rust Converter without any preparation. If there is dirt, grease, or grime on the KBS Rust Converter, wash the surface with KBS Klean mixed with warm water. If KBS Klean was used, rinse the surface with water and dry thoroughly. BlackTop Application BlackTop can be applied with a brush, roller, or simple spray equipment. Apply 1-2 thin coats. Re-coating can be done once the previous coat of BlackTop is dry-to-touch and does not leave a fingerprint and prior to 24 hours. If you go more than 24 hours, it is best to lightly scuff the previous cured coat of BlackTop with 320 grit or a green scotch-brite pad. Full cure for BlackTop is 48 hours. Details for using BlackTop can be found HERE. What’s Better: Rust Converter or RustSeal? Benefits of Using KBS Rust Converter When Refinishing a Rusty Truck Frame Saves labor time since preparation is minimal and application is quick. Transforms rust into a hard and paint-able primer layer. Stops rust. Convenience of Aerosol. (That said, RustSeal can be reduced and sprayed with the Preval Sprayer Kit.) Benefits of Using RustSeal When Refinishing a Rusty Truck Frame Longer lasting permanent protection than Rust Converter. Designed to last the life of the vehicle. Extremely durable, flexible, and keeps metal sealed. Encapsulates and permanently stops rust. Works on lightly rusted and non-rusty bare surfaces. Can be used for preemptive rust protection. Beautiful smooth finish as compared to Rust Converter’s coarse surface texture. Looks like powder-coating but with ultimate durability and flexibility unlike powder-coating. So, what is the Best Option for Refinishing a Rusty Truck Frame? For the ultimate longest lasting rust protection, we always recommend RustSeal and first preparing the surface with KBS Klean and RustBlast. KBS Rust Converter is good for use on completely rusted surfaces and will stop the existing rust, but RustSeal will provide the longest lasting protection when refinishing a rusty truck frame.

How to Stop Rust and Prevent Rust Rust can quickly damage metal if not stopped right away. It has ruined countless automobiles over the years. Back in the day, I experienced the rusty death of my 1973 Camaro due to road salt. That was a hard lesson and made me realize rust is the enemy. It damages so many things made of ferrous metal like fasteners, wrought iron fences, storage tanks, and construction equipment just to name a few. But the enemy can be defeated. Let’s talk about how to stop rust. Stop Rust from Forming The best way to stop rust is to keep it from developing in the first place. That means keeping the metal separated from air, moisture, and corrosives like the previously mentioned evil road salt. With a little attention rust can often be avoided. Keep the metal coated with paint, oil, or rust preventative coatings that will keep air, moisture, and corrosives from reaching it. Keep surfaces clean. Wash off dirt, debris, road salt, and other contaminants. Be sure moisture holding debris is removed from where it can build up like nooks, recesses, and inside rocker panels. Be sure drain holes, designed to keep water from collecting in cavities and recesses, are not plugged. Touch up chips and scratches in the paint or protective coating right away before rust can take hold. Can You Stop Rust Once It Starts? A common question is “will rust stop if kept dry?”. In real world conditions keeping metal dry will slow down rust, but it won’t completely stop it. Think of those old, abandoned cars sitting exposed in the desert. They’re bone dry most all the time, but they do rust albeit very slowly. As previously mentioned, rust forms due to a chemical reaction between metal, oxygen, and water. Unless ALL water vapor in the air is removed, there will still be moisture to react with oxygen and the metal, causing rust. “Can you stop rust from spreading?” Once rust sets in it can be hard to stop. There are stopgap measures to slow it down a bit, like spraying on a rust penetrant like WD-40 to dissolve the rust down to bare metal. But it needs to be resprayed often to prevent further rust, as it can quickly wear off leaving the metal exposed to further rusting. Immediately and properly using touch-up paint to fix chips and scratches which have begun to rust is important to keep it from spreading. Since rust starts forming as soon as metal is exposed, care must be taken to ensure any rust within the chip or scratch is removed before using touch-up paint. For the most effective results the repair should be made as soon as the damage is noticed. The traditional way to stop rust on metal that has not been weakened or perforated is to sand, sandblast, or use rust remover to eliminate rust down to bare metal, and then follow up with an application of primer and top coat. However, there are those who seek other options to stop rust without sanding and refinishing, as it can be a labor intensive and skill intensive process especially if the area to be repaired is large. A measure to stop rust once it has started, without sanding and refinishing the metal, is to use rust converter which is a chemical solution that can be directly applied to the rusted metal surface. KBS Rust Converter is formulated with phosphoric acid to convert rust into a ferric phosphate inert layer. Tannic acid in the converter then produces a protective bluish-black ferric tannate inert primer layer. The result is a tough coating that prevents further rusting. It can stand alone to protect against exterior weather conditions or be painted over for a better appearance. Another simple way to stop rust while also getting an excellent finish is to use the KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System. A major benefit is that rust does not have to be completely eliminated for the system to completely stop further rusting. The 3-Step System includes KBS Klean to thoroughly remove dirt, grease, grime, and other contaminants. Only loose, flaky rust needs to be removed before washing with KBS Klean. Removal can be done with sandpaper or a wire wheel or brush. Next the surface is scrubbed down with RustBlast which effectively dissolves rust and corrosion from most metal surfaces. RustBlast also etches the metal for best adhesion of RustSeal rust preventative coating, which is the third step. It should also be noted RustBlast leaves a zinc phosphate coating that stops new rust from forming for up to 7 days, depending on environmental conditions. So, within that time period flash rusting won’t happen and the surface remains properly prepared for RustSeal. RustSeal is impervious to road salts and most every chemical. It flows out to a beautiful, smooth, rock-hard, and tough ceramic-like coating that is hard to chip or scratch and will not crack or peel. What stops rust is that RustSeal seals the metal from moisture and oxygen, and without those present metal can’t rust. How you choose to stop rust depends on how effectively you want to stop the rust in the long-term, the amount of labor you want to put into the project, and the quality of the final finish you want to achieve. The KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System stops rust, is easy to use, and provides a beautiful final finish.

RustSeal - Showing the Insane Durability and Flexibility of this Rust Preventive Paint This video shows the durability and flexibility of RustSeal by KBS Coatings. RustSeal is a superior single part, ready-to-use, rust preventive coating. RustSeal is impervious to road salts and most every chemical. RustSeal flows out to a beautiful, rock-hard, tough ceramic-like coating that is tough to chip or scratch, and will not crack or peel. Get some RustSeal for your project today and take your rust prevention to the next level!

Rust Prevention Products Used To Stop and Prevent Rust on Car Surfaces In the video, Stacey David shows how easy it is to prep and coat surfaces of your car or vehicle to stop rust and prevent rust from destroying the metal surfaces. The rust prevention system from KBS Coatings, that features KBS Klean, RustBlast, and RustSeal, is used to stop rust and prevent rust on all of these surfaces and more: suspension mounts, strut towers, control arms, Shocks and struts, sway bars, backend exhaust, exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, mufflers, rocker panels, floor boards, trunk floors, front fenders, rear fenders, doors, battery compartment, engine compartments, and engine bays. RustSeal is a superior one part, completely non-porous, ready-to-use, high-solid content, rust preventive coating, that is actually strengthened by exposure to moisture. It is impervious to road salts and most every chemical. RustSeal flows out to a beautiful, rock-hard, tough coating that is tough to chip or scratch. These exceptional properties make RustSeal specifically formulated to prevent corrosion and stop rust. RustSeal completely seals metal surfaces, blocking all the pores and preventing penetration of moisture, oxygen, and water vapor. Unlike other corrosion treatments, RustSeal is an enhancement and investment that lasts. Water and air are locked out, therefore oxidation, the precursor to rust, cannot take hold on the metal surfaces of your vehicle.

Car Frame Repair is Kept Free of Future Corrosion Using the KBS Ultimate Frame Coater Kit During an automotive restoration car frame repair is often necessary. During the life of the car, or truck, the frame may have been damaged by rust or a collision. Since a damaged frame affects safety, it is important to be sure the frame is repaired properly. The first step of a car frame repair is a thorough inspection of the frame to determine if it has any damage. In cases of collision a frame may be visibly bent, however, there are times when the damage may not be visible. This might be noticed if the vehicle is pulling to one side as it is being driven. If an alignment is performed and the car is still pulling, there is a good chance the frame is bent. Uneven tire wear is also an indicator of a bent frame. Again, if after an alignment is performed and the condition persists, the frame may be bent. Another sign of a bent frame are shocks and suspension that are worn unevenly. These components will wear faster on the side of the vehicle where more weight is being distributed by the bent frame. Uneven gaps in the body can also be a telltale sign of a tweaked frame and need for car frame repair. To straighten the frame, autobody shops use powerful hydraulic machines to push and pull the frame back into shape. That is, if the car or truck hasn’t been too badly damaged. In this case, car frame repair may be possible by cutting out the bent portions of the frame and weld in replacement pieces. Another consideration are cracks in the frame that have formed due to collision, or stress from long-time use. Cracks can be visible to the naked eye, however, some are hard to see or are hidden just below the surface of the metal. Also, visible cracks may have ends that are so narrow that it is difficult to see how far they extend. There are methods to find these small cracks in the metal. The first is visible dye penetrant testing where dye is applied to the metal surface. After a period, the dye is wiped off the surface, which leaves dye that has settled into the crack. Therefore, making the crack visible as a bright red line. The only drawback is that the test will only show cracks that have reached the surface. It won’t show internal cracking of the metal. Dye penetrant testing indicates cracked metal A different and more accurate way to test metal for cracks is magnetic particle inspection, which is commonly known as Magnaflux. This process detects cracks that are on the surface as well as defects in the subsurface of the metal. The way it works is magnetic particles, suspended in oil, are applied to the surface of the metal. The metal then receives a magnetic charge causing the magnetic particles in the oil to concentrate where cracks or defects in the metal are and indicate where they are located. Of note, Magnaflux is significantly more expensive than visible dye penetrant testing for car frame repair. Magnetic Particle Inspection reveals crack Cracks in frames must be expertly repaired. Common car frame repair methods for flat surfaces include reinforcing the crack with a square shaped plate with the square edges of the plate placed 45° to the crack, which spreads the stress forces out. Another method is to “stop drill”, or drill holes at ends of the crack to keep the crack from migrating, and then installing a sleeve over the cracked area and welding it in place. Rust is common cause for significant frame damage. Especially with cars driven in the midwest and northeast US, where road salt eats away at metal. Rust damage is usually easily spotted with a visual inspection of the frame. However, frames can rust from the inside out, with little evidence of rust on the exterior of the frame. So, it’s important to inspect inside frame rails to be sure this isn’t happening. Also, the welds throughout the frame, including joints of mounting tabs welded onto the frame, need to be carefully inspected for rust damage that may have compromised the integrity of the metal. The rust needs to be removed physically, or chemically, and perforated or significantly damaged metal needs to be replaced. Welded-in steel plate patches may work in some cases while in more extreme situations new frame sections can be purchased or obtained from donor cars. Once a frame has been inspected, and any needed car frame repair made, it should receive a coating that will keep it protected from rusting in the future. KBS Coatings offers the Ultimate Frame Coater Kit to remove rust, prepare the metal for coating, and seal it away from future corrosion. The first step in the process is to remove any loose, flaking rust with a wire brush or wheel, or sandpaper. KBS Klean is then used to clean the metal. This high-strength non-toxic cleaner removes dirt, grime, grease, and other contaminants from the surface of the metal. KBS Klean can also be used to clean the frame during frame inspection and car frame repair. The next step is RustBlast, which removes rust and is applied with a scrub brush and allowed to soak for at least 30 minutes. RustBlast contains zinc phosphate pre-primer and etches metal to prepare it for coating with RustSeal. RustSeal is then applied with a brush, roller, or spray-gun. RustSeal is a single part coating that is hard and durable, yet flexible to handle impacts and dings. It effectively seals the metal away from air moisture and therefore keeps it from rusting. RustSeal provides a beautiful finish, and if flows out well. Which means it smooths out when applied and doesn’t show brush marks. RustSeal looks great and compliments any show car or restoration. A final, yet crucial step is to protect the inside of frame rails from rust. To do so, the kit includes Cavity Coater, which is a cavity wax and corrosion inhibiting coating. Cavity Coater penetrates deeply to provide protection in hard-to-reach areas. Cavity Coater is applied with the Cavity Wand, which has a 360 degree spray tip for complete coverage. For a demonstration of Cavity Coater being applied click here. Proper frame inspection, car frame repair, and corrosion protection are an important part of an auto restoration. The KBS Ultimate Frame Coater Kit ensures the frame will stay in rust-free condition, and looking great, for years to come. For more information on the Ultimate Frame Coater Kit click HERE.

Media Blasted. RustSeal. BlackTop. Easy to apply and Professional Looking Results!

The Frame Coater Kit is a quart size 3-Step System Kit that includes enough products to Klean, Blast & Seal a full-size car or truck frame, or any 50 sq. ft. area with 2 coats of paint coverage. You get Top Quality Protection at a tremendous value! Detailed instructions included. KBS Coatings’ 3 Step System of RustSeal (a rust preventive coatings), KBS Klean (an industrial strength water-based cleaner / degreaser) and KBS RustBlast (a powerful rust remover / metal etch) is the most effective rust and corrosion prevention system available today. RustSeal is a paint or coating that chemically bonds to bare metal to form a permanent, moisture resistant finish that is flexible yet won't crack, chip, or peel. Because RustSeal is moisture-cured, this superior coating is made even stronger by continued exposure to moisture. RustSeal is also highly resistant to some of the most aggressive chemicals such as acids, alkalis, salts, abrasive materials, fertilizers, coal dusts, solvents, oils, and other refined petroleum products.

This video describes the use of KBS Coatings Undercoats to protect cars and trucks from rust. The KBS UnderCoat product line can be used to protect the undersides of a vehicle from being damaged by debris and rust, as well as act as a sound deadener to reduce noise transmitted into the vehicle. Rust often ends the life of vehicles. Road salt collected moisture and other factors can contribute to rust developing and eating away at metal. Rust not only looks bad but can be a danger. Weakening metal and making vehicles unsafe. To remain rust free, metal surfaces of the underside of the vehicle need to be separated from corrosion causing elements. Automotive undercoat provides a protective layer that keeps debris from scratching metal and possibly creating the potential for rust. Automotive undercoat also provides sound deadening properties and reduces or eliminates the sound of gravel and debris pinging off the underside of the vehicle. KBS Undercoat line provides protection for wheel wells, gas tanks, frames, and floor pans. KBS UnderCoat produces a very tough, yet flexible film with excellent adhesion, and helps prevent road salt from eating away at your car's metal and fiberglass. All KBS UnderCoats offer excellent adhesion to metal or painted surfaces and come in a matte black finish. The KBS UnderCoat product line consists of three different formulations to meet different requirements. (all products group shot). Solvent-based asphalt undercoating, solvent-based rubberized undercoating, and VOC friendly Water-Based Asphalt undercoat. Use of Solvent-Based Asphalt Undercoat is a personal preference: Some people believe Asphalt-Based is best, saying it has superior longevity. Others prefer Solvent-Based Rubberized UnderCoat. With Solvent-Based Rubberized UnderCoat, rubber is used in the formulation rather than asphalt. This type of undercoating can be painted over and has a smoother texture than asphalt based. While Asphalt-Based UnderCoat cannot. Some people feel the somewhat smoother texture is easier to clean. VOC friendly Water-Based Asphalt UnderCoat is available for professionals and for those in areas that must adhere to strict VOC requirements. Water-Based Asphalt has the same performance as Solvent-Based Asphalt but takes a little longer to cure than Solvent-Based. At KBS Coatings we are rust removal and prevention experts. KBS Coatings specializes in not only protecting metal from the initial development of rust, but has high-performance systems to remove rust, prepare the metal and then encapsulate it from harmful elements with high-quality coatings. As part of the automotive undercoat application process we first recommend properly prepping the metal surfaces and then applying KBS RustSeal. RustSeal is a rust preventative paint that chemically bonds to metal to form a flexible yet rock-hard, and non-porous barrier that will not crack, chip or peel. This will thoroughly seal metal away from moisture before undercoating is applied. This system of RustSeal and KBS UnderCoats provide ultimate protection. KBS UnderCoats are applied with a Shutz gun with a large orifice which allows you to adjust pressure and dictate the amount of texture. The quart-sized can be directly attached to the spray gun. One gallon and larger containers are available as well. KBS UnderCoats are a great way to protect the undersides of a vehicle from being damaged by debris and rust, as well as act as a sound deadener to reduce noise transmitted into the vehicle.

how does your rust seal work? does it creep into the rust and kill all of it? and can it be used as a top coat in an automotive application?