Tips, Tricks, Videos, and Customer Photos

Snowplows receive a lot of hard use during a busy season and wear and tear can take their toll. Maintaining a snowplow is much less expensive than replacing it or making significant repairs. So, it’s important to take time to inspect and service the mechanical parts of your plow as well as refinish rusty components.

General Snowplow Maintenance

• Check to be sure all fasteners are properly tightened.
• Inspect electrical connections to be sure they’re not loose or corroded.
• Be sure all the moving contact points are properly greased.
• The plows cutting edge must be in proper condition to cut through snow, as well as it needs to be able to protect the moldboard. If a cutting edge is worn down to four inches or less, it’s typically ready for replacement.
• If your snowplow has plow shoes check to be sure they can keep your blade off the ground. If they can’t, be sure to replace them.
• Inspect the plow and vehicle mounts for cracks.

Keep Rust from Forming on the Snowplow Blade

The best way to avoid rust damage is to keep rust from forming in the first place. After use, especially after being in contact with salt, wash the snowplow blade, frame and other components to remove dirt and corrosives.

Steps to Refinish a Rusty Snowplow

If you find the moldboard, frame or attachment components have been scratched down to bare metal, you can be sure rust will begin to form. Spot damage repairs, as well as complete piece refinishing can be done with RustSeal. RustSeal is a very hard and durable coating that stops rust. It can handle the rigors of snowplow duty and is able to be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on. The coating flows out well, so if it’s brushed or rolled on it won’t leave brush marks.

BlackTop is a UV stable (does not chalk or fade in sunlight) topcoat that goes over RustSeal well and is ideal for the moldboard, frame or attachment components. BlackTop comes in Gloss, OEM Satin Black, or Flat allowing you to pick your desired sheen.

• The first step to refinish a rusty snowplow is thoroughly cleaning the area to be painted of any dirt, grease, salt, or other contaminants that could interfere with the adhesion of RustSeal. KBS Klean is recommended. KBS Klean is a powerful, water-based, and biodegradable cleaner.
• Next, remove any loose, scaling rust with sandpaper or a wire brush or wheel.
• If the paint or coating is loose and peeling or bubbling it will need to be removed before painting as the bond of RustSeal is only as strong as the surface to that which it’s adhered.
• If you are going to be applying RustSeal on top of an existing paint or coating, you’ll first need to scuff it, so RustSeal has a surface to bite to. This can be done with 320 grit sandpaper. Sand just enough so that the surface has a dulled appearance. If it’s shiny the RustSeal won’t adhere as well as it could.
• Wash the surface again with KBS Klean to be sure all debris and residues are removed.
• Next use RustBlast to prepare the metal for RustSeal. RustBlast is a powerful rust remover, zinc phosphate pre-primer, and metal etch that treats the metal to provide a surface to which RustSeal can strongly bond.
• Next, apply RustSeal to the treated area. For this application it’s recommended to apply a minimum of 3 thin covering coats.
• Detailed information on use of KBS Klean, RustBlast, and RustSeal can be found HERE.
• Lastly, finish off the snow plow with KBS MAXX which comes in plenty of colors and can be brushed or rolled to give an incredibly durable finish that will not chalk or fade. KBS MAXX is the ideal snow plow paint because of its brillance and long term durability.

Maintaining a snowplow is much less expensive than replacing it or making significant repairs. It’s important to take time to inspect and service the mechanical parts of your plow and refinish a rusty snowplow as necessary.

How to Detail Your Engine and Engine Bay with KBS Klean

A clean engine bay looks great and makes it easier to spot leaks and other issues if they arise. If you want to detail your engine bay for shows, simpler maintenance, or just to make your daily driver look its best, KBS Klean makes the job easier. Here’s how to detail your engine and engine bay as a do-it-yourself project with KBS Klean.

1. Get Ready to Detail Your Engine Bay

• Before you start the cleaning and detailing procedure, you’ll want to make sure the engine is cool. Hot engines, radiators, exhaust, etc. can cause burns. Plus, heat can cause cleaners to evaporate quickly. So, play it cool…
• There’s going to be a lot of water sprayed on the engine and in the engine bay. So, to avoid electrical shorts or other damage to electrical components it’s a good idea to disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal.
• Another measure to protect under hood electrical components, as well as other parts like open element air cleaners is to cover them. This can be done with plastic bags or plastic wrap.
• Gather needed items.
• KBS Klean
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Scrub pad and/or a scrub brush with a handle to be get down low and in tight spots
• Plastic bags and/or plastic wrap
• Goggles and rubber gloves
• Terry cloth towels
• Air compressor (if available)

2. Clean (Klean) the Engine and Engine Bay

• Now comes the cleaning. To remove dirt and grease you’ll need to need scrub the engine and engine bay down with an all-purpose cleaner/degreaser or commercial engine cleaner. KBS Klean is a great choice. KBS Klean is a concentrated high-strength cleaner that’s water based and biodegradable. It’s made to thoroughly remove dirt, grease and grime and other contaminants.
• Mix KBS Klean and warm water in a bucket. The KBS Klean and water solution can be prepared in different ratios, depending on the degree of grunge and contaminants that need to be cleaned off as well as the type of materials it’s being applied to. Typically, cars and trucks have many non-ferrous metals like aluminum and brass under hood. So, we recommend using a water to KBS Klean ratio of 25 to 1. Remember to use warm water, as the warmer the water is the better KBS Klean will work.
• Be safe out there. Wear goggles and rubber gloves when you detail your engine and engine bay.
• You can use a sponge to scrub down the engine bay, and if needed a scrub pad or bristle brush can be used to speed up removal of heavy gunk. For the most effective cleaning, wash the surface for 5-10 minutes. Keep the solution wet, don’t allow it to dry on the surface.
• KBS Klean can also be used with power washers, just make sure the pressure isn’t too high. Start with a 25° nozzle and if required, switch to a 40° nozzle. Stand back at least three feet as pressure washing from a close range can damage parts. Be careful not to get the solution into electrical components and their connections.
• After you’ve finished cleaning an area rinse it thoroughly with water. Once your completely done allow the engine and engine bay to dry thoroughly. Wiping them down with a terry cloth towel will speed things up and compressed air will make it go even quicker.
• Now you can remove the plastic bags or wrap, as well as reconnect the cable to the negative battery terminal. If dirty areas were left under the protective covers, they can be carefully wiped down with a rag to remove and dirt or grime.

3. Dress It Up

• The final step to detail your engine and engine bay is to provide a shine and a deep and lustrous appearance with engine bay dressing. There are many products to choose from which are available in different formulations with some being oil based and others acrylic based. Oil based products are typically stickier than acrylic based, which can cause them to catch dirt and dust than acrylic.
• Engine bay dressings can apply differently. Some products are a spray on and leave it application, while others are sprayed onto a cloth or sponge and then applied to the engine and engine bay. Spray on and leave it products allow quick coverage, while those applied with a cloth or sponge allow more control of where the dressing is placed. Follow the use instructions of the product you choose.

A clean engine bay looks great and makes a car or truck easier to maintain. Using KBS Klean as part of this process to detail your engine makes the job easier.

The Best Way to Paint Brake Rotors and Restore Brake Rotors

Brake rotors have a big impact on how your wheels look. Beautiful wheels with rusted rotors peeking through just don’t scream wow. Yet, rust-free rotors with painted rotor hats can make all the difference. Plus, they make the car or truck look maintained. If your rotor hats are rusty, here is how to clean, prep, prime and paint brake rotors to achieve a quality and long-lasting result. It’s easy to do, they’ll look great, and it’s much cheaper than buying new rotors.

Before you paint the brake rotor hub it needs to be properly prepared so the brake rotor paint will strongly bond. To start, rust needs to be removed from the rotor hat. This can be done by sanding, sandblasting or by chemical means. While sanding or chemical removal can be done with the rotor still on the vehicle, sandblasting will require removal of both the rotor and caliper. So, keep in mind that performing the job with the rotor on the car is easier. Here we’re going to describe painting the brake rotors while still on the car.

1. Start by eliminating loose or flaking rust from the rotor hat with sandpaper or a wire wheel. Be careful not to gouge or scratch the friction surface of the rotor. While you want to remove as much rust as possible, there’s no need to completely bring it down to perfectly rust-free metal. RustBlast, described in step three, will handle this.
2. Next comes cleaning the rotor hat. Brake cleaner is traditionally used to clean off brake dust and debris and works well but is a harsh and toxic option. So, we’re using KBS Klean, a strong cleaner that is water based, non-toxic and biodegradable. Once mixed with water, use it along with a scrub brush to remove all dirt, grime, and brake dust. It works as well as brake cleaner and is safer to use.
3. Step three before you paint the brake rotor hat is to address any remaining rust and prepare the surface for best adhesion of the brake rotor paint. In this case we are using RustBlast, which dissolves rust and it micro etches the metal surface with a texture which allows paint to best grab onto the metal. RustBlast is sprayed on and then scrubbed with a brush or scrub pad. RustBlast also leaves a zinc phosphate coating on the metal that prevents flash rusting.
4. It’s important that you don’t get paint on the friction surface of the brake rotor as it can interfere with contact between the rotor and the brake pads. This can affect braking as well as damage the pads. So, before painting cover the friction surface of the rotor with masking tape. Also cover the brake caliper and wheel studs while you’re at it.

When deciding what paint to use on brake rotors, it’s important to choose a product that can handle high temperatures. We are using KBS Xtreme Temperature Coating Primer followed by KBS Xtreme Temperature Coating. Both are in aerosol version. Keep in mind it’s not necessary that every bit of rust is removed before applying the primer as it is very capable of bonding to and permanently sealing any remaining rust.

1. KBS Xtreme Temperature Coating Primer is silicone based and can handle temperatures up to 1200° Fahrenheit. It acts like galvanization and locks onto the metal to provide a surface for best bonding of Xtreme Temperature Coating. Apply two thin covering coats, allowing 15 minutes drying time between coats.
2. Next comes the Xtreme Temperature Coating, a high temperature paint intended for brake rotors which handles temperatures up to 1500° F. After waiting 30 minutes for the primer to dry, apply at least 2 thin covering coats and allow at least 15 minutes in between coats. After your done painting, wait 30 minutes for it to dry and remove the masking tape.
3. The final step is heat curing for maximum paint hardness and adhesion. After letting the primer and paint cure in ambient temperature for 12 hours drive the vehicle a few times to heat up the rotors and allow them to come back down to room temperature naturally.

Keep in mind that painting the rotor hats isn’t just for rotors that have been used. Painting new rotors to prevent rust can avoid the rust problem to begin with.

KBS Coatings offers all the products used in our project to clean, prep, prime and paint the brake rotor hats in the KBS Brake Rotor Restoration Kit. Xtreme Temperature Coating is available in many colors for ultimate customization.

Brake rotors have a big impact on the appearance of wheels. Taking time to paint your brake rotors can help make them look their best.

How to Achieve an Incredible Looking Finish When Applying A Moisture Cured Paint

You just applied the final coat of a moisture cured paint or coating. It’s still wet and so far, everything looks great. You call it a job well done and leave the piece to dry thoroughly. Later you come back to inspect your work and see micro bubbles have formed in the coating. Ugh! Now you must either deal with it the way it is, or sand down the bubbles and apply another coat. Keep in mind, user error is the main reason why moisture cured paints and coatings form bubbles, and it can be easily avoided.

What is a Moisture Cured Paint or Coating?

A moisture cured paint or coating is a type of coating which cures in the presence of atmospheric moisture. It forms a protective film by reacting chemically with the moisture in the air. Moisture cured paints and coatings are a one-part (1K) formulation and include clearcoats, such as DiamondFinish Clear, Rust preventative coatings, like RustSeal, BlackTop, and KBS MAXX, as well as other paints, coatings, and sealants. Among the benefits of moisture cured paints and coatings is that they withstand pooling water, produce a hard, durable, and highly reflective surface, and have good adhesion characteristics. Moisture cured coatings are popular for use in humid environments as the humidity can help rather than hinder curing, as it can with paints and coatings that aren’t moisture cured. However, excessive humidity can cause problems with the curing of moisture cured coatings, which we’ll talk about a little later.

Moisture cured paints and coatings are made up of pigments, additives, resins and solvents. Since they cure in the presence of water vapor, their formulation is solvent based, rather than water based. The solvent functions to dissolve or disperse a variety of components used in the formulation. As the paint or coating begins to dry the solvent evaporates and the resin component remains to create a hard coating that is not breathable. This advanced coatings technology helps to resist stains, contaminants, and rust.

Why Moisture Cured Paints and Coatings Can Form Bubbles

That brings us to those nasty little bubbles in the paint or coating you may have found after it dried. The bubbles are typically formed because of gas and vapor pressures within the paint or coating. This typically happens when a coat of product is applied too thick and a film, or skin, forms over the top of the still wet and solvent rich paint or coating. Much like pudding that has skinned over. The solvent gas in the wet coating has difficulty evaporating through the film and becomes trapped. Known as Solvent Entrapment, the condition forms bubbles under the skin. Blistering can also occur with moisture cured paints or coatings. This is different than bubbling and can happen when they are applied during high humidity, or on wet surfaces, meaning a wet on wet application.

The resulting bubbles eventually dry in place as the paint cures. This not only looks bad but can compromise the protection the paint or coating is intended to provide; a hard, non-breathable film that seals the material it is applied to away from moisture, oxygen, and contaminants. The bubbles can cause the coating to form a permeable Swiss cheese like structure which can allow these elements to pass through.

Tips for Applying Moisture Cured Coatings

• Avoiding paint bubbles is a matter of taking care and being patient. Instead of applying a couple of thick coats of product to get the job done quickly, time should be taken to apply it in multiple thin coats. With each coat being given sufficient time to dry and off-gas solvent. For example, with RustSeal, KBS recommends applying an additional coat once the first or consecutive coat is dry-to-the-touch and does not leave a fingerprint, which is typically within 2-6 hours depending on temperature and humidity. Applying an additional coat on top of that which has not had sufficient cure time is a sure-fire way to make the paint or coating bubble up.
• Remember to not apply moisture cured products in rainy, excessively humid conditions, or on wet surfaces.
• When brushing or rolling on moisture cured coatings it’s important to not “overwork” the brush or roller. Continually going back and forth over the paint or coating forces out the solvent gases at a faster rate than that intended by the manufacturer for proper self-leveling and curing.

In Summary

User error is the main reason why moisture cured paints and coatings can form bubbles. However, by being patient and taking care to not apply coats too thickly and allowing sufficient dry time between coats it can be avoided.

We get an honest question asked all the time: “How can your coatings be hard and flexible? That does not make sense!”

When we started KBS Coatings, we utilized paint chemists that were on the forefront of coatings technology, and they helped us develop coatings that utilized innovative Cross-Linked Coatings Technology. Not only does this coatings technology (used in RustSeal, Tank Sealer, DiamondFinish Clear, KBS MAXX, KBS MAXX Clear, KBS Top Coater, Motor Coater) allow our coatings to adhere incredibly well to surfaces but this technology also allows our coatings to be insanely durable and hard while still being flexible enough to be applied to coil springs and leaf springs.

A diagram that shows what our coatings do is really nice but most people want to see this coatings technology in action. We get that.

Here is a video showing the toughness and flexibility of DiamondFinish Clear.

Also, here is a video showing the toughness and flexibility of RustSeal.

If you have a coatings application where you need a hard and durable coating that is flexible and adheres well, we have plenty of options for you. Please be sure to get some today!

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 below, 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.

Keep Surface Wet and Then Rinse With Water

This tip for RustBlast is a simple one but just as easily misunderstood. As a powerful rust remover and acid etch, RustBlast will only etch metal and dissolve rust while it remains damp. By letting RustBlast dry before reapplying you might allow an excessive amount of zinc phosphate to build up.

If RustBlast isn't rinsed off (RustBlast should always be rinsed at the end) this excess zinc phosphate can create a barrier that could keep RustSeal from adhering property.

By making sure that you both reapply RustBlast while wet, and rinse RustBlast off when done, you ensure that RustBlast will do the premium job that it's designed to do.

Remember Your Lawnmowers!

As you are pulling out your lawnmowers and getting them ready for spring, remember that RustSeal on the underside of the deck will prevent rust and the slick surface provided by the RustSeal will prevent grass from sticking to the deck and clogging up the discharge.

Pick a glossy finish like Gloss Black RustSeal for the slickest surface and watch the grass fall right off and not clog up your mower. Because the underside of most mower decks is coarse, we always apply at least 3 thin coats for this application.

+Go HERE to order the System Sampler which contains everything you need to clean, prep, & apply two coats of RustSeal on up to a 12.5 square foot area.

APPLY RUSTSEAL IN THIN COATS

Remember that RustSeal should be applied in THIN coats. Applying too heavily, will cause running and/or sagging on vertical surfaces, and possible bubbling on horizontal surfaces. As RustSeal cures, it releases a small amount of carbon dioxide. If allowed to "puddle", the top of the RustSeal directly exposed to the ambient humidity in the air (the actual catalyst for RustSeal) will begin to "skin" over. This "skinning over" is much like that of chocolate pudding and blocks the release of the afore mentioned carbon dioxide causing bubbles. By applying thin coats, this film cures through and through all at once.

MORE TIPS & TRICKS

RustSeal Fix-It Guide: This guide helps you quickly identify the causes of and the recommended solutions for the most common issues that could occur for RustSeal.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE THAT WILL BE REWARDED...

Over the years, one of the BEST TIPS that we can give to people who are sealing a tank is to BE PATIENT. Proper prep and sealing IS NOT a lunch hour project. The KBS 3 Step System works perfectly if the Instructions are followed which includes:

• Be Patient and allow the KBS Klean the time to thoroughly dissolve all the oily fuel residues before rinsing.
• Be Patient and allow the RustBlast to soak and disintegrate the rust in your tank before rinsing.
• Be Patient while waiting for the tank interior to dry completely as the tank can NEVER be too dry!
• Be Patient and allow the tank to cool to room temperature before applying the sealer.
• Be Patient when sloshing the sealer around to insure complete coverage.
• Be Patient when draining any & all excess sealer from the tank.
• Be Patient while waiting for the sealer to cure.