Preserving the aged, weathered look of rusted metal is a growing trend in automotive restoration, industrial design, and artistic projects. To maintain that patina without letting corrosion worsen, applying a clear coat over rust is essential. In this article, we’ll explain what rust patina is, why it’s worth preserving, and how to effectively protect it using KBS Coatings DiamondFinish Clear and KBS MAXX Clear.

There are methods to remove paint from metal include paint stripper, media blasting, sanding, and wire wheeling. This article describes which paint stripping methods are best for your application.

Sealing the inside of an engine block addresses issues related to porosity, corrosion, and lubrication, and enhances to the overall longevity and reliability of the engine. Both KBS RustSeal and KBS Gold Standard Tank Sealer are excellent engine block sealer options. Here is how they are used.

How To Properly Open a DiamondFinish Clear Can and How To Preserve Clear Coat In The Can

Over the years, one of the most useful tips we give to our customers is how to properly open a paint can so it be sealed correctly. In the video, we show you how to properly open and close a paint can from KBS Coatings.

Because most of our paint is shipped at some point, there is a chance that the paint in the can might get between the can and the lid which can make getting the lid off more difficult than it might be with an ordinary latex paint. Latex paints do not provide nearly the adhesion that is provided with paints from KBS Coatings so that is why opening our paint cans is an essential critical first step.

In the video, we also show you how to use KBS Paint Saver. KBS Paint Saver is a proven paint preserver that allows user-friendly long-term storing of leftover paints in the original can. KBS Paint Saver keeps paints, coatings, and clear coats from skinning over in the can saving you money by allowing you to use the entire can of paint. KBS Paint Saver is environmentally safe, allows for storage of paints in their original cans, and is extremely easy to use.

At KBS Coatings, we want you to be able to make the most of your investment which is why we show you how to open and close the paint can and how to use KBS Paint Saver to preserve the paint in the can.

Get some DiamondFinish Clear or KBS Paint Saver for your project today and take your rust prevention to the next level!

Marine Paint Needs to Have Toughness, Flexibility, and Durability

Marine environments can wreak havoc on metal and the paints they are finished with. Things like boat trailers, decks, hulls, masts, and storage lockers are susceptible to the moist and often salty conditions. Wear and tear can damage paint, exposing metal, and soon rust sets in. Without stopping rust, it causes damage that can be costly to repair or require replacement of the rusted part.

To avoid damage the metal needs to be refinished immediately with marine paint. However, rust usually sets in before the job can be completed. So, what is the best way to refinish metal that is rusted? What needs to be considered when choosing a rustproof paint for marine use?

Marine paint needs to separate air and moisture from the metal to avoid oxidation, the precursor to rust. To keep air and moisture away from metal the paint must bond strongly and be hard to avoid damage from wear and tear.

Flexibility is another important quality marine paint needs to address. Flexibility allows the paint to remain bonded to the metal if it is dented, as well as when the metal expands and contracts. Durability is critical also to reduce the frequency of the metal needing to be refinished. UV stability is a primary concern as the paint will most likely have high exposure to the sun.

To maintain an impenetrable barrier that will seal the metal away from air and moisture, marine paint ultimately must have toughness, flexibility, and durability to remain uncompromised by dings and dents to the metal, as well as the elements.

KBS Coatings RustSeal performs well as a marine paint as it has the necessary toughness, flexibility, and durability needed to maintain an air and moisture proof seal with the metal. RustSeal is a single part, moisture cured, rust preventive coating. The formulation of the RustSeal makes it wholly non-porous and impervious to air, water, sea salt and chemicals. RustSeal is for use above or below the waterline and will protect metal that is underwater or exposed to constant high humidity.

KBS Coatings' Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings Technology makes RustSeal both highly-durable and flexible. Its hardness helps to avoid damage from wear and tear, while its flexibility allows it to remain bonded to metal during expansion and contraction, or if it is dented. RustSeal will not crack, flake, or peel in marine environments. Check out THIS VIDEO demonstrating RustSeal’s durability and flexibility. RustSeal is user-friendly and can be brushed on, rolled on, or sprayed on. It flows out well and is self-leveling to provide a beautiful, smooth finish without brush marks.

To achieve the best bond of RustSeal to metal, the surface needs to be properly prepared. Corrosion and organic contaminants need to be removed so that RustSeal can deeply penetrate and permanently adhere. This includes removing dirt, oil, grease and other contaminants. The surface also needs to have a texture, or etch, that allows the RustSeal to take hold. This preparation can be achieved by sand blasting. However, blasting with plastic, bead or soda media will not provide the amount of abrasion needed for direct RustSeal application. If the metal is not being sandblasted, KBS Coatings offers KBS Klean and KBS RustBlast for proper surface preparation.

KBS Klean is a concentrated, water-based, biodegradable, and non-flammable formula that cleans the surface by removing dirt, grime, oils, lubricants, grease, waxes, scum, algae, and other contaminants. KBS Klean is applied after using 320 grit sandpaper, or a wire brush or wheel to remove any loose flakey rust. After the KBS Klean procedure is complete, it is time for KBS RustBlast.

RustBlast is a powerful rust remover, zinc phosphate pre-primer, and metal etch. RustBlast dissolves rust, corrosion, metal oxides, and tarnish from most metal surfaces. Prior use of KBS Klean is important as the cleaner the surface is, the more effective RustBlast will be. RustBlast ultimately allows RustSeal to penetrate more deeply into pores in the metal to permanently seal and protect the surface.

RustSeal is not intended for use as a final marine paint finish as long-term exposure to direct UV light will cause fading of the color and sheen. RustSeal’s guaranteed rust protective properties, however, will not degrade. To protect against unwanted cosmetic changes, RustSeal can be top coated with any opaque (solid color) paint system. A popular choice is KBS Coatings Top Coater, which is included in the KBS All-In-One Kit. This user-friendly all-inclusive kit consists of KBS Klean, RustBlast, RustSeal, KBS Top Coater and KBS #1 Thinner.

KBS Top Coater is a single part, high solids paint that does not run or sag, and gives at least twice the coverage of conventional single part marine paint. Like RustSeal, KBS Top Coater can be brushed, rolled or sprayed on. Its self-leveling properties allow it flow out well, not show brush marks and provide professional looking results. KBS Top Coater is available in 16 colors.

Marine environments can wreak havoc on metal and the marine paint it is finished with. KBS Coatings provides a solution to avoid rust with a tough, long lasting and durable barrier, while providing a beautiful and professional appearing finish.

For more information on the KBS Coatings All-In-One Kit click HERE.

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!

DiamondFinish Clear Is The Ultimate Clear Coat for Fishing Lure Makers

DiamondFinish Clear is an ultra-long lasting, moisture cured clear coat designed to add body, depth, and a rich gloss to your fishing lures.

DiamondFinish Clear is extremely durable because of its high solids content but at the same time DiamondFinish Clear always remains highly flexible.

DiamondFinish Clear is guaranteed to never yellow or crack and can be used over metal, plastic and wood as a crystal clear seal coat.

DiamondFinish Clear can be applied by dipping, by brush, and spray gun.

DiamondFinish Clear is also ideal for suspending glitter in your finishes.

Get some DiamondFinish Clear Coat for your fishing lures today and take your artwork to the next level!

DiamondFinish Clear Is The Clear Coat To Add The Bling To Your Custom Artwork

You have created your custom fishing lure and what to protect it and add Bling. Look no further than DiamondFinish Clear Coat to protect your fishing lure and provide the Bling.

DiamondFinish Clear Coat is an extremely long lasting, moisture cured clear coat. DiamondFinish Clear adds depth, body, and a rich gloss to your fishing lures.

Guaranteed to never yellow or crack, DiamondFinish Clear Coat can also be used over metal, plastic, and wood as a crystal-clear seal coat.

DiamondFinish Clear Coat is ideal for suspending glitter in your finishes.

DiamondFinish Clear Coat is highly durable due to its high solids content, but at the same time will always remain highly flexible because of advanced coatings technology.

DiamondFinish Clear Coat can be applied by brush, spray gun, or by dipping.

Get some DiamondFinish Clear Coat for your fishing lures today and take your artwork to the next level!

How To Attach The Cavity Wand to KBS Cavity Coater Aerosol

In this video, we show you how to properly attach the easy-to-use Cavity Wand to the Cavity Coater Aerosol Can.

The keys to your success are to shake the Cavity Coater Aerosol well before use, gently push straight down the spray tip while giving a slight twist, and also applying when it is between 65-80F for ideal results. Cavity Coater Aerosol sprays the best when the Cavity Coater Aerosol is between 65-80F.

Cavity Coater Aerosol is the Perfect Solution for hard-to-reach areas that are prone to rusting! Cavity Coater is a single step, super-penetrating corrosion inhibiting coating (CIC) designed for long term protection on all metal surfaces. Cavity Coater Aerosol provides a self-healing film which provides insane rust protection on hard to reach areas.

KBS Bed Renu Used To Restore Bumper With Textured, Durable Finish

KBS Bed Renu is not only designed to be used as a tough, durable Bed Liner, but KBS Bed Renu is also used to restore bumpers. KBS Bed Renu gives you an incredible looking, durable, UV stable, textured finish that performs extremely well on bumpers that take abuse including off-road vehicles.

KBS Bed Renu is a tough and flexible thick black protective coating designed to coat areas where your bed-liner has worn away or needs “Renu’d”.

KBS Bed Renu is an easy-to-apply bumper paint that provides a textured, UV stable, incredible durable finish for all vehicles including off-road vehicles.

KBS Bed Renu is ideal for fender flares and running boards providing the needed UV stability along with a textured and durable finish that is easy to clean.

KBS Bed Renu protects against corrosion and abrasion while withstanding impacts and providing traction.

KBS Bed Renu features a fast cure and excellent adhesion which extends the life of your vehicle.

KBS Bed Renu is waterproof, deadens sounds and vibrations, and absorbs impacts.

KBS Bed Renu resists staining from harsh chemicals and does not crack, bubble, or peel.

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.

Simple Steps to Seal a Gas Tank with The KBS Coatings Tank Sealer System

In this video, we show you the Super Simple Steps to seal up or restore a gas tank with Tank Sealer from KBS Coatings.

Gold Standard Tank Sealer is a superior, one part, ready-to-use fuel tank sealer that is specifically formulated to stop rust and corrosion all over the world.

When used in combination with KBS Klean and RustBlast, it will form a super-tough, fuel and alcohol impervious coating, while simultaneously sealing small pinholes and weld seams. Tank Sealer may be used on steel, aluminum, and fiberglass tanks.

Applications include fuel tanks, diesel tanks, biodiesel tanks, oil tanks, utility tanks and non-potable water tanks. KBS Tank Sealer is Impervious to all fuels, alcohol additives and most solvents. It's been rated as the industry‘s NEW Gold Standard in gas tank sealers.

Marine Paint Needs to Have Toughness, Flexibility, and Durability

Marine environments can wreak havoc on metal and the paints they are finished with. Things like boat trailers, decks, hulls, masts, and storage lockers are susceptible to the moist and often salty conditions. Wear and tear can damage paint, exposing metal, and soon rust sets in. Without stopping rust, it causes damage that can be costly to repair or require replacement of the rusted part.

To avoid damage the metal needs to be refinished immediately with marine paint. However, rust usually sets in before the job can be completed. So, what is the best way to refinish metal that is rusted? What needs to be considered when choosing a rustproof paint for marine use?

Marine paint needs to separate air and moisture from the metal to avoid oxidation, the precursor to rust. To keep air and moisture away from metal the paint must bond strongly and be hard to avoid damage from wear and tear.

Flexibility is another important quality marine paint needs to address. Flexibility allows the paint to remain bonded to the metal if it is dented, as well as when the metal expands and contracts. Durability is critical also to reduce the frequency of the metal needing to be refinished. UV stability is a primary concern as the paint will most likely have high exposure to the sun.

To maintain an impenetrable barrier that will seal the metal away from air and moisture, marine paint ultimately must have toughness, flexibility and durability to remain uncompromised by dings and dents to the metal, as well as the elements.

KBS Coatings RustSeal performs well as a marine paint as it has the necessary toughness, flexibility and durability needed to maintain an air and moisture proof seal with the metal. RustSeal is a single part, moisture cured rust preventive coating. The formulation of the paint makes it non-porous and impervious to air, water, sea salt and chemicals. RustSeal is for use above or below the waterline and will protect metal that is underwater or exposed to constant high humidity.

KBS Coatings Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings Technology makes RustSeal both highly-durable and flexible. Its hardness helps to avoid damage from wear and tear, while its flexibility allows it to remain bonded to metal during expansion and contraction, or if it is dented. RustSeal won’t crack, flake or peel in marine environments. Check out this video demonstrating RustSeal's durability and flexibility.

RustSeal is user-friendly and can be brushed on, rolled on, or sprayed on. It flows out well and is self-leveling to provide a beautiful, smooth finish without brush marks. The paint is available in at least 10 colors.

To achieve the best bond of RustSeal to metal, the surface needs to be properly prepared. Corrosion and organic contaminants need to be removed so that RustSeal can deeply penetrate and permanently adhere. This includes removing dirt, oil, grease and other contaminants. The surface also needs to have a texture, or etch, that allows the RustSeal to take hold. This preparation can be achieved by sand blasting. However, blasting with plastic, bead or soda media will not provide the amount of abrasion needed for direct RustSeal application. If the metal is not being sandblasted, KBS offers KBS Klean and RustBlast for proper surface preparation.

KBS Klean is a concentrated, water-based, biodegradable, and non-flammable formula that cleans the surface by removing dirt, grime, oils, lubricants, grease, waxes, scum, algae, and other contaminants. KBS Klean is applied after using 320 grit sandpaper, or a wire brush or wheel to remove any loose flakey rust. After the KBS Klean procedure is complete, it is time for RustBlast.

RustBlast is a powerful rust remover, zinc phosphate pre-primer, and metal etch. RustBlast dissolves rust, corrosion, metal oxides, and tarnish from most metal surfaces. Prior use of KBS Klean is important as the cleaner the surface is, the more effective RustBlast will be. RustBlast ultimately allows RustSeal to penetrate more deeply into pores in the metal to permanently seal and protect the surface.

RustSeal is not intended for use as a final marine paint finish as long-term exposure to direct UV light will cause fading of the color and sheen. RustSeal’s guaranteed rust protective properties, however, will not degrade. To protect against unwanted cosmetic changes, RustSeal can be top coated with any opaque (solid color) paint system. A popular choice is KBS Coatings Top Coater, which is included in the KBS All-In-One Kit. This user-friendly all-inclusive kit consists of KBS Klean, RustBlast, RustSeal, Top Coater and KBS #1 Thinner.

KBS Top Coater is a single part, high solids paint that does not run or sag, and gives at least twice the coverage of conventional single part marine paint. Like RustSeal, KBS Top Coater can be brushed, rolled or sprayed on. Its self-leveling properties allow it flow out well, not show brush marks and provide professional looking results. KBS Top Coater is available in at least 16 colors.

Marine environments can wreak havoc on metal and the marine paint it is finished with. KBS Coatings provides a solution to avoid rust with a tough, long lasting and durable barrier, while providing a beautiful and professional appearing finish.

For more information on the KBS Coatings All-In-One Kit click HERE.

This video shows the durability and flexibility of DiamondFinish Clear. DiamondFinish Clear is a tough Clear Coat that can be applied Direct To Metal or over other coatings. DiamondFinish Clear is a water clear high gloss clear coat that remains permanently flexible and is able to perform in the toughest environments without yellowing, cracking or peeling.

Headlight Clear Coat Damage Reduces Light Output

Cars and trucks with dull, cloudy, yellowed headlights. You see them all the time. Vehicles on the road, in parking lots and in your own driveway. Because of damaged headlight clear coat, the headlights don’t put out as much light as they used to. They look bad. They make the vehicle look aged. There’s nothing good about them except for their creation of replacement headlamp sales, and the only folks who like that are those who sell replacement headlamps!

The headlamps in question are made from polycarbonate plastic (PC). During the 1980s, most car and truck manufacturers stopped producing headlights with glass and began using polycarbonate plastic because of its lightweight and that it can easily be formed into a variety of complex shapes for many different vehicle designs. Polycarbonate has the benefit of not breaking as easily as glass. But the downside is the dullness, cloudiness and yellowing that occurs as the headlamp ages.

Consequences of dull, cloudy, yellowed headlights

Appearance of headlamps is a cosmetic thing; the more important issue is safety. Drivers cannot afford any reduction in visibility. Consider that 50 percent of vehicle collisions occur at night and as determined by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), 26 percent of these collisions were caused by poor lighting.

Research done by the American Automobile Association (AAA) shows that dull, cloudy and yellowed headlights, on low beam, have reduction in light output of nearly 80 percent as compared to when they were new. In other words, deteriorated headlights may produce only 22 percent of the light of new ones! Making the road, other cars, pedestrians, deer, etc. 80 percent less visible at night. Now that’s scary.

Of note, AAA made these determinations by conducting research using an accredited laboratory to test headlights from two popular sedans that had been in service for about 11 years. Light output from the deteriorated headlights were compared against the light output of corresponding new headlights to quantify the amount of light reduction. All testing was done in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108.

There are other consequences of dull, cloudy and yellowed headlights. While not as dire as the safety issue, there is a chance the diminished headlamps will earn you a fix-it ticket and fine issued by the police. Also, resale value of the vehicle can be negatively affected because of poor appearance. Plus, the owner might be a bit bummed the guy next to him has clearer headlights at the Saturday morning Cars and Coffee.

Causes

So, what causes polycarbonate plastic headlamps to deteriorate? There are several factors.

Polycarbonate headlamps are produced with a protective headlight clear coat to prevent scratching of the lenses and sunlight damage. However, exposure to sunlight breaks down the coating, which causes yellowing and clouding. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can also cause the lens to develop micro-cracks which speeds up the color change. The resulting discoloration significantly diminishes light output.

Another cause is gravel, road salt, and other debris that strike the headlamps as the car or truck is being driven. This wears down the headlight clear coat and creates pits and scratches which adds to their cloudy appearance.

When chemical pollutants in the air react with water vapor and oxidants, they form acid sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids fallout when it is raining or snowing. Known as acid rain, these acids etch the lenses and create cloudiness.

Polycarbonate lenses are porous and when heated by the bulb inside, and by the sun, they absorb minute particles of dust and debris through these tiny pores, which adds to the cloudiness. When light passes through the lenses, it is refracted from the particles and creates glare for oncoming drivers.

All of this contributes to dull, cloudy and yellowed lenses. In some cases, headlights can require maintenance within three to five years of use.

Can it be avoided?

There are ways damage to polycarbonate plastic headlamps can be mitigated. Avoiding UV exposure is at the top of the list. Park your car in a garage or at least in the shade. Face the car away from the sun when parking outdoors to reduce UV exposure.

Keeping your headlights clean from dirt and chemicals is important. Wash them at least every three months with car wash and a sponge. Early signs of yellowing can be removed by carefully polishing the headlights with a non-abrasive polishing medium and a microfiber cloth.

Can polycarbonate plastic headlights be restored?

Thankfully, if the polycarbonate headlamps aren’t too badly damaged there are options for economically restoring them, rather than installing new units. Consider a headlamp typically ranges $130.00 to $430.00 depending on whether it’s an OEM or aftermarket part.

Restoration of the headlamps starts by removing the oxidized outer layer where pits, cloudiness, and yellowing reside. This is typically done with a fine abrasive, like fine sandpaper or abrasive pad, until the damage is removed. In extreme cases a heavier abrasive is needed, which requires polishing with a compound to smooth the surface.

Once a headlamp is restored the lens surface needs to be sealed with a high-performance headlight clear coat. Otherwise, the surface will cloud over in short order. This is the new protective coating that’s replacing the failed factory coating. So, the headlight clear coat needs to be UV stable to handle sunlight while not yellowing. Or else it’s right back to yellowed headlights. The headlight clear coat also needs to be durable and flexible to handle impact from gravel and debris without chipping, cracking or peeling.

Headlight restoration is far more cost effective than headlight replacement. Professional headlamp restoration services are available. Do-it-yourself kits are available as well.

Which brings us to the KBS Coatings Headlight Restore Kit

The KBS Coatings Headlight Restore Kit has everything needed to restore 4 or more polycarbonate plastic headlight lenses. The Headlight Restore Kit represents quite a savings compared to the typical $130.00 to $430.00 cost of replacement headlights.

Included in the Headlight Restore Kit is KBS Klean, which is used along with the included scrub pad to clean the surface and remove oxidation, cloudiness and yellowing. KBS Klean is a powerful, concentrated, water-based cleaner that deeply penetrates and cleans surfaces without leaving harmful residues or emitting noxious fumes. This procedure properly prepares the surface for application of KBS Coatings DiamondFinish Clear.

DiamondFinish Clear is a moisture cured, crystal clear, one part urethane clear coat that is that is UV stable, durable, and extremely tough. It can perform in the toughest environments without yellowing, cracking or peeling. Because of its Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings Technology, it performs extremely well as a headlight clear coat. This technology makes the coating both flexible and durable, so it is tough against chips and cracks and doesn’t have issues with delamination or flaking away from the surface. For a demonstration of DiamondFinish Clear’s flexibility and durability see our video.

DiamondFinish Clear is a single component (1K) coating, which means user-friendliness with no self-mixing of two parts and is applied with the included sponge brushes. Since the coating is self-leveling it leaves a beautifully smooth surface without brush marks. Note: Most headlight clear coats have issues with this.

Check out this demonstration of the Headlight Restore Kit.

Dull, cloudy, yellowed headlights affect both the safety and appearance of vehicles. It’s important to maintain polycarbonate plastic headlights to keep light output as close to original as possible and to keep the headlights looking clear and bright.

For more information on the KBS Coatings Headlight Restore Kit CLICK HERE.