To achieve expert results, please take the time to carefully read and understand the following directions before you begin your restoration project. These directions are meant to be general guidelines only and do not cover every application or environmental situation. If you have remaining questions or concerns, please Contact Us for technical assistance.

ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES. ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA. Please heed all warning and caution notices on all products.

Importance of Surface Preparation:

A common mistake is to think that detailed surface preparation is for overachievers, when it actually means the difference between poor results and results that can last generations. Corrosion and organic contamination will block and inhibit any coating from deeply penetrating and permanently adhering to the engine. Simply put, the cleaner the surface using KBS Klean, the more effective RustBlast will work and the deeper Motor Coater will penetrate into the pores to seal and protect your engine.

FOR BEST END RESULTS, Surfaces must be dry and free of dust, dirt, oil, grease, wax and other contaminants that would adversely affect paint adhesion. Newly sandblasted surfaces are the ideal choice for direct Motor Coater applications and require no other prep beyond blowing off the loose dust. Be sure to handle with gloves to avoid contaminating the surface with oily fingerprints. Please note that plastic media, bead or soda-blasted surfaces do not provide the adequate amount of abrasion needed for direct Motor Coater application and will require Step #2 RustBlast for further etching. For all other applications, simply follow the KBS Prep System below. Always allow products and surfaces to adjust to room temperature before prepping and painting.

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KBS Klean – Cleaning/Degreasing Surface:

Wire brush and/or wire wheel surface, to achieve a solid surface profile. Alternately you could sand using a 320 grit paper. After removing all loose paint and flaking rust, it is necessary to remove all surface contamination. Slight residues of grease, oil or even fingerprints can ruin any good paint job. DO NOT use a solvent based cleaner which will leave harmful residues. Begin by diluting the KBS Klean concentrate with water. The warmer the water, the more effective and powerful the cleaning action of KBS Klean will be. Effective dilution rates will vary according to the type and degree of contaminants as well as surface materials. KBS Klean may be used in power sprayers for larger applications. For general purpose cleaning, apply liberally and scrub surface for 5-10 minutes. For heavy-duty cleaning, you can extend soaking time up to 24 hours or more as necessary. Use a bristle brush or scouring pad to expedite the cleaning of heavily soiled surfaces. Re-treat surface as necessary until clean. Rinse clear and let dry. Do not allow KBS Klean to dry on surface before rinsing with water. NOTE: Metal surfaces cleaned with KBS Klean should always be treated with RustBlast before painting to ensure proper adhesion.

For all alloys and non-ferrous metals, KBS Klean application times and dilution rates should be kept to a minimum due to the wide variations in these materials. For maximum performance, follow with RustBlast to remove surface rust, etch the metal, and leave a zinc phosphate coating (white powder residue) for superior Motor Coater adhesion. For new, smooth or shiny metal surfaces, it is recommend to lightly scuff with 120 grit sandpaper followed by the KBS Klean and RustBlast systems. For previously painted surfaces, you will need to remove all paint via chemical stripping followed by the KBS Klean and RustBlast systems. If unable to remove any or all paint from metal surfaces, lightly scuff with 400 grit sandpaper followed by KBS Klean.

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RustBlast – Surface Prep and Rust Removal:

Ideal application temp range is between 55-82°F. FOR BEST END RESULTS, remember that the surface to be treated should be free of dirt, oil, grease and other contaminants as the cleaner the surface, the more effective RustBlast will work. Be sure to have scraped off any loose rust, mill scale, paint, etc. and cleaned the surface with KBS Klean, prior to using RustBlast. Liberally apply RustBlast FULL-STRENGTH to a CLEAN DRY SURFACE using a spray bottle, brush, roller or backpack sprayer for larger applications. Re-apply often to continually keep the surface wet for a minimum of 10 minutes for smooth or lightly rusted surfaces, 20-40 minutes for moderately rusted surfaces and 1-2 hours for heavily rusted or corroded surfaces. Use a scouring pad as needed. Do not allow RustBlast to dry on surface before rinsing. This avoids leaving too heavy of a zinc phosphate buildup which can adversely affect the sealing process. After treatment, rinse thoroughly with water and then allow surface to dry completely before coating. For removal of light corrosion or etching of non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, copper), prepare surface as above and apply RustBlast for 10-20 minutes then rinse thoroughly with water and then allow surface to dry completely. After treatment with RustBlast, a slight white powder residue may appear. This is a zinc phosphate coating which aids Motor Coater’s adhesion. Items treated with RustBlast can remain uncoated for up to 30 days before sealing depending on environmental conditions.

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove every last speck of rust before applying Motor Coater. And some flash rust or orange staining may occur if surface was soaked and not dried immediately after using RustBlast. Either case, you are ready for coating with Motor Coater.

RustSeal – Prime/Seal The Surface (Optional)

Ideal RustSeal application temp range is 55º-82ºF. RustSeal is moisture-cured therefore ideally use only in moderate to dry atmospheric conditions. AVOID applying RustSeal in rainy or super humid conditions when it is difficult to keep the surface dry. Damp surfaces may produce bubbling causing improper adhesion. Humid conditions will shorten cure time and low humidity will lengthen it. Always work in a well ventilated area. Wear protective eyewear. Wear gloves to avoid skin contact and temporary staining. Remember RustSeal must be cleaned up before it dries as it cannot be removed by any solvent once cured.

Proper stirring of RustSeal is very important for the best uniform sheen and finish. Stir paint thoroughly for several minutes to obtain an even mixture. Effective stirring includes repeatedly touching bottom of can and lifting to disperse any settled pigments and/or matting agents. Placing paint can upside down for a short time before opening and stirring will aid with proper mixing. An upside down can also be gently shaken prior to stirring. Avoid violent or excessive shaking motions which produce air bubbles that will adversely affect seal and finish. Do not substitute shaking for stirring. For the best end results, continue to stir often during the course of painting. Thinning may be required for spray applications. Reduce 5%-10% if needed using only KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene which are slow evaporating solvents. Do not reduce with lacquer thinner.

DO NOT PAINT OUT OF CAN! It is recommended to use quality brushes but at disposable prices because cleaning the brushes afterwards is difficult. After a good stir, dispense a working amount of RustSeal into a separate container (steel or glass is best) and seal original can immediately. Unused paint should NEVER be put back into the can as it will shorten its shelf life and cause pressure build-up possibly popping the lid. Keep can groove free of paint by using a scoop or KBS Paint Spout. Use heavy plastic wrap between the lid and the top of the can to stop metal to metal contact as RustSeal can permanently seal the lid. If there is any trouble resealing the can lid tightly, transfer and store RustSeal in another proportionally sized metal can or glass jar. Always store paint in a cool dry place. RustSeal may be refrigerated for storage but you must allow paint to reach room temperature before re-use.

Apply RustSeal to clean, dry and prepped surfaces using a bristle brush, foam brush, roller, or spray equipment. RustSeal has superior self-leveling. Brush marks will flow out.

If Spraying RustSeal...
FOLLOW ALL CAUTION & WARNING NOTICES WHEN SPRAYING. ALWAYS WEAR AN AIR SUPPLIED RESPIRATOR: NIOSH/MSHA approved organic vapor particulate respirator. Spray pressure of 35-45 psi (250-330kpa) for siphon/pot guns and 25-35psi (170-250kpa) for gravity/top container guns. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend a 1.4-1.5 tip size. Thinning is not generally required but, if needed, 5%-10% is normally adequate. Use KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene only which is a slow evaporating solvent. Do not reduce RustSeal with lacquer thinner. Also remember to clean your spray gun immediately after using RustSeal. You can find more information on Spraying RustSeal in our Spraying Guidelines.

Always apply a MINIMUM of 2 thin covering coats (2 mils each) for priming/sealing an engine or motor. Use a Preval Sprayer Kit for any hard to reach areas. Re-coating can be done once the first or consecutive coat is dry-to-touch and does not leave a fingerprint. Multiple thin coats allow complete and thorough curing.

NOTE: When brushing RustSeal, for best results, do not overwork the brush as this can cause the RustSeal to cure too quickly possibly leaving visible brush marks. It is best to brush an area with RustSeal and move on immediately versus brushing an area over and over again. If you brush over an area over and over again forcing the solvents out, you run the risk of the brush marks not flowing out as well they are designed to flow out.

REMEMBER: ALWAYS APPLY THIN, COVERING COATS!

FOR BEST END RESULTS, always apply coats consecutively within 6 hours of each coat curing. Average cure to touch times are 2-4 hours, depending on humidity levels. NOTE: Do not apply RustSeal in rainy or humid conditions. Do not apply RustSeal in thick or heavy coats. Do not apply additional coats before prior coat has dried to the touch and does not leave a fingerprint. These application errors can cause the occurrence of surface bubbling as the top layer of RustSeal skins over like pudding and traps solvent gas underneath.

Allow the last coat of RustSeal to cure for at least 8 hours before proceeding to the Motor Coater Application.

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Motor Coater

Always work in a well ventilated area. Wear protective eyewear. Wear gloves to avoid skin contact and temporary staining. Ideal Motor Coater application temp range is 55°-82°F (13°-28°C).

Proper stirring of Motor Coater is very important for the best uniform sheen and finish. Stir Motor Coater thoroughly for several minutes to obtain even color mixture. Effective stirring includes repeatedly touching bottom of can and lifting to disperse any settled pigments and/or matting agents. Placing paint can upside down for a short time before opening and stirring will aid with proper mixing. An upside down can may also be gently shaken prior to stirring. Avoid violent or excessive shaking motions which can introduce air bubbles and adversely affect the finish. Do not substitute shaking for stirring. For the best end results, continue to stir often during the course of painting. Thinning may be required for some spray applications. Reduce 5%-10% if needed using KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene only, which are slow evaporating solvents.

Apply Motor Coater to clean, dry and prepped surfaces using a bristle brush, foam brush, roller or spray equipment. Motor Coater has good self-leveling characteristics. Brush marks will flow out nicely, but we do always recommend spraying any of the metallic colors for the best possible cosmetic finish.

SPRAYING: FOLLOW ALL CAUTION AND WARNING NOTICES WHEN SPRAYING. Spray pressures of 35-45 psi (250-330kpa) for siphon/pot guns and 25-35psi (170-250kpa) for gravity/top container guns are recommended. Thinning is not generally required but if needed 5%-10% is normally adequate. Use KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene only which are slow evaporating solvents.

In most cases, a single full coat of Motor Coater will cover completely with full color depth. If desired, a second coat may be applied within 30 minutes or after 7 days. Average cure times are 2-4 hours, however depending on humidity and temperature levels, dry times may vary. As with most paints, two thin coats are better than one heavy coat.

CLEARCOATING OVER MOTOR COATER: You do not need to clear coat over Motor Coater but if you want to clear coat over Motor Coater for additional durability and gloss, wait at least 7 days before apply DiamondFinish Clear or KBS MAXX Clear over Motor Coater.

NOTE: Do not apply Motor Coater in thick or heavy coats, as wrinkling may occur. Do not apply additional coats after 30 minutes or before previous coat has dried completely, typically 7 days.

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Motor Coater Aerosol Application

FOR BEST END RESULTS. Apply Motor Coater to prepared surfaces as described above. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND EYEWEAR when using Motor Coater. Always use a NIOSH/MSHA approved air supplied respirator. For best results, spray at room temperature 60° to 78°F. Use only in moderate to dry atmospheric conditions i.e. 70% humidity or lower.

Shake can for at least one minute after listening for rattle or mixing ball. During application, shake intermittently for approximately 10 seconds at 1 to 2 minute intervals. Press valve all the way down. Do not extend finger beyond the valve. Hold container about 6 to 8 inches from surface to be sprayed. Do not cover with continuous spray. Move back and forth, releasing sprayhead after stroke. Overlap each stroke.

IMPORTANT: Apply thin coats rather than heavy coats. If paint runs or sags, paint is being applied too heavily or paint can is too close to surface. Apply one or two thin covering coats. Recoating can be done once first or consecutive coat is dry-to-touch. For best results, always apply coats consecutively within 24 hours of each coat curing. Average recoat cure times are 1-2 hours depending on humidity levels. Full cure is usually achieved witin 24 hours.

IMPORTANT: After use, invert can and spray for 4 seconds to clean valve.

NOTE: If spray button becomes clogged, pull off and clean with KBS #1 Thinner. DO NOT stick pins or wire into can opening. Replace spray button firmly with valve opening pointing away from you.

Clean Up:

Use KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner for immediate clean up including your spray gun.

IMPORTANT: Always wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact. If skin contact accidentally occurs, remove with #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner followed by soap and water.

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