I've said it before, and I'll say it again-rust sucks! I can't tell you how many times I've shied away from parts or even complete projects because of it. I hate dealing with rotted metal, no qualms about it. However, I'm not alone, as many others share my sentiments. Fortunately, some of those people have taken the time and effort to not only do something about curing the cancerous woes, but to actually develop products and methods to help others experiencing the same struggles.
Now, thanks to KBS Coatings, people like me can breathe a breath of fresh, rust-free air. With their comprehensive three-step Oxygen-Block System, you can give new life to old, deteriorating metal, from chassis to floorboards and pretty much everything in between. Easily stop rust in its tracks and renew fatigued metal surfaces with a variety of finishes. For frames, the BlackTop Chassis Coater provides an OE-like satin black look, while the company's popular RustSeal is available in black, silver, red oxide, off-white, and even green, all of which can be top-coated on exterior surfaces with your choice of sealer to provide proper UV protection.
Basically, what you want to do is not only stop rust dead in its tracks, but also keep it from returning. In order to accomplish that, you need to remove the key elements that are feeding its current existence: water and oxygen. While simply covering surfaces with a high-grade sealing agent can and often will deter further corrosion, to completely cure the problem, you need to thoroughly prepare affected surfaces prior to sealing. With KBS' AquaKlean and RustBlast-both water-based agents-followed by RustSeal, you can kiss rust goodbye forever.
Even if you've never prepped raw metal surfaces before, AquaKlean and RustBlast couldn't be simpler to use. For heavily rusted/corroded areas, you'll need a good wire brush or a wire wheel attachment for your electric grinder, and, of course, the proper safety equipment, such as gloves and protective eyewear. Treat the preparation process as you would bodyworking a quarter-panel or a fender: the better the underlying work, the better the end results.
Along with its inherent rust-inhibiting properties, RustSeal (as well as BlackTop Chassis Coater) is user friendly and quite easy to apply. Small areas can be tackled with a brush or mini spray applicator; larger areas may require an actual spray gun, such as a gravity-fed HVLP unit that KBS offers. While RustSeal is considered the final step of the three-phase process, it is not intended for exterior-surface use; however, BlackTop is! The satin-black finish has permanent UV stability, so you won't experience any immediate fading or white chalking from element exposure like you would with any non-sealing coating.
With plenty of corroded items lingering in my backyard, I decided to devote the better part of an open weekend to give KBS Coatings' Oxygen-Block System a try. After taking some time to familiarize myself with the application process, followed by a trip to the local hardware store for a few ancillary items, I was well on my way to completing my own three-step rust rehab...and I'll never fall off the wagon again!
