Top 15 Best Rust Converter Reviews 2020

Metal can quickly get rust when it interacts with weather elements. This article will show you the best rust converter with the latest reviews in 2020.

If your metal tools do not come with rust-resistance, it can quickly get rust no matter how you store it. You can take measures to protect the devices, but you will always see it rust after time. So, the problem is, how can you end up with rust and bring your tools back to productive items?

This part is where you need the best rust converter. The rust converter is beneficial to prevent rust from spreading and happening in the future. In this article, I have 15 best rust converters for considering the most up-to-date buying tips. Let’s check it out!

What is the Best Rust Converter?

Best Overall: Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658

Highly recommend; good coverage; easy to use; superior product; durable.

Best for Cars: MROChem Black Star Rust Converter

Easy to apply; work well; miracle product; best rust converter; exactly as described.

Best for Truck Frame: FDC Rust Converter ULTRA

Effective; easy to use and apply; highly recommend, for the truck frame; work great.

Best for Car Restoration: XIONLAB 2 In 1 Rust Converter & Metal Primer

Easy to apply; easy cleanup; work better than described; worth the money.

Best for Metal: Rust Kutter- Rust Converter

Durable; value for the money; work great; amazing stuff; need gloves.

Best for Gas Tank: Loctite 8-Ounce Extend Rust Neutralizer, 1381192

Best rust neutralizer; well and used; long durable; black finish; value for the money.

Best for Automobiles: AdCoat Rust Converter and Primer

Look great; best rust converter; awesome stuff; high-quality converter.

Best for Aluminium: CRC Rust Converter (1-Quart, 32fl Ounce)

Work very well; product works; amazing product; turn rusty parts to black.

Best for Cast Iron: POR-15 45404 Rust Preventive Coating

Highly recommend; easy to use; easy to apply; best rust coating; longterm investment.

Best for Engine Block: Permatex 81849-12PK Rust Treatment

Best rust treatment; easy to use; work as advertised; excellent product.

Best for Corrugated Iron: KBS Coatings 150080 Black 12oz KBS Rust Converter

Amazing product; great primer; easy to use; great price; value for the money.

Best for Boats: MROChem Black Star Rust Converter

Easy to apply, work well, miracle product; easy to remove; work like a charm.

Best in Safety: GEMPLER’S Eco-Friendly RCQ Rust Converter

Highly recommend; work great; happy with the results; paintable surface; value for the money.

Most reviewed: Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer

Easy to apply; easy to use and clean; work great; for the truck frame.

Best in Budget: Permatex 81773 Rust Treatment

Work great; for wrought iron; easy to use; excellent rust converter; incredible.

Best Rust Converter Comparison Chart

The table below summarizes necessary information about the 15 best rust converter in 2020, including dimension, weight, and applying method.  

Product name	Dimension	Item Weight	Applying method
Best Overall: Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658	2.5 x 2.5 x 8 inches	14.4 ounces	Spray
Best for Cars: MROChem Black Star Rust Converter	N/a	N/a	Spray, brush or roll
Best for Truck Frame: FDC Rust Converter ULTRA	11.7 x 6 x 5.8 inches	8 pounds	Brush
Best for Car Restoration: XIONLAB 2 In 1 Rust Converter & Metal Primer	6.5 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches	10 pounds	Spray, brush or roll
Best for Metal: Rust Kutter- Rust Converter	9.6 x 3.8 x 3.6 inches	2.79 pounds	Spray
Best for Gas Tank: Loctite 8-Ounce Extend Rust Neutralizer, 1381192	55.63 x 55.63 x 142.24 inches	9.6 ounces	Brush or roll
Best for Automobiles: AdCoat Rust Converter and Primer	6 x 6 x 12 inches	8.13 pounds	Brush or roll
Best for Aluminium: CRC Rust Converter (1-Quart, 32fl Ounce)	3.2 x 3.2 x 9 inches	1 pounds	Brush or roll
Best for Cast Iron: POR-15 45404 Rust Preventive Coating	4.25 x 4.25 x 5 inches	2.4 pounds	Brush or roll
Best for Engine Block: Permatex 81849-12PK Rust Treatment	11 x 9 x 8 inches	11.1 pounds	Spray
Best for Corrugated Iron: KBS Coatings 150080 Black 12oz KBS Rust Converter	7.8 x 2.6 x 1.61 inches	1 pound	Spray
Best for Boats: MROChem Black Star Rust Converter	N/a	N/a	Brush or roll
Best in Safety: GEMPLER’S Eco-Friendly RCQ Rust Converter	N/a	2.40 pounds	Brush
Most reviewed: Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer	12.3 x 5.7 x 5.6 inches	10.2 pounds	Spray, brush
Best in Budget: Permatex 81773 Rust Treatment	2.75 x 2.75 x 6.94 inches	8 ounces	Brush or roll

Best Rust Converter Reviews in 2020

Best Overall: Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658

Product specs 

Dimension	2.5 x 2.5 x 8 inches
Item weight	14.4 ounces
Result color	Black
Applying method	Spray

Key features 

• Any angle spray 
• Paintable surface 

The first product in my list of the best rust converter is the Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658. And this is also the best product overall thanks to the following reasons. 

Firstly, this product is advantageous in bonding with rust to transform it into a non-rusting. Also, it can help to prevent future rust. Moreover, after applying the rust converter, you can paint on it. 

Secondly, it is a spray rust converter, which is very simple to apply. You can spray at any angle with no difficulty. It is convenient and safe because you don’t need to worry about your skin touching the converter or cleaning after all. 

Best for Cars: MROChem Black Star Rust Converter

Product specs 

Dimension	N/a
Item weight	N/a
Result color	Black
Applying method	Spray, brush and roll

Key features 

• Advanced formula to transform rust into a slick polymer resin coating 

If you are looking for a rust converter for your car, I highly recommend the MROChem Black Star Rust Converter. It comes with a big size and not very expensive so you can use it with big items. 

MROChem can transform your rust surface to a slick polymer resin coating. And like any other product, it can help to prevent rusting in the future. And besides the truck frame, you can use this rust converter with any metal items, including cars, trailers, tools, and more. 

The Black Star Rust converter can be a functional basement for you to add a metal painting and renew your tool. And there are also many ways for you to apply this stuff: you can spray it, brush it or roll on it. 

Best for Truck Frame: FDC Rust Converter ULTRA

Product specs 

Dimension	11.7 x 6 x 5.8 inches
Item weight	8 pounds
Result color	Black
Applying method	brush and roll

Key features 

• Convert rust features 
• Ultimate protection 

The best rust converter for the truck frame is FDC Rust converter Ultra. With the unique formula, this product can convert rust to an inert coating, which can seal out moisture and protect your tools from corrosion in the future. 

A gallon of FDC rust converter can cover about 500 square of nonporous and smooth surface. So, it is not very expensive, so it is ideal for a truck frame. However, you can use this stuff for every metal items like automobiles, railings, tools, and more. 

And last, FDC can give you excellent primer coating for your future paints if you know to shake it enough before applying it. And don’t forget to remove the extensive rust on the surface before using the rust converter. 

Best for Car Restoration: XIONLAB 2 In 1 Rust Converter & Metal Primer

Product specs 

Dimension	6.5 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches
Item weight	10 pounds
Result color	Kind of red
Applying method	Spray

Key features 

• UV resistant rust reformer 
• Cover 2.5x more area 
• Non-flammable formula 

The next product in my picks of the best rust converter is Xionlab, two in one rust converter and a metal primer. Although it has a high price compared with other brands, it is still worth paying for such a high-quality product. 

This product is a water-based rust converter that is UV resistant. And it means that it can protect your tools better under sunlight. Also, a gallon of Xionlab can cover about 100 square feet – two times more than the previous product. 

However, it is not very simple to apply the Xionlab rust converter. You need to dilute it with 20% water and use a spray gun for applying. It is complicated and requires more time to clean. 

Best for Metal: Rust Kutter- Rust Converter

Product specs 

Dimension	9.6 x 3.8 x 3.6 inches
Item weight	2.79 pounds
Result color	Bright color
Applying method	Spray

Key features 

• Eliminates rust 
• Useful for both exterior and interior 

Rust Kutter comes with a spraying bottle that is ready for you to use with no preparation requirements. It is very convenient and straightforward. And it also comes with small sizes for people who want to take a try before buying a full-size item.

This product works perfectly for both interior and exterior of the items. It does not only eliminate rust but also primes metal to prevent rust from coming back. 

You can use Rust Kutter for every metal surface. However, it is best for car restoration, garden tools, farm equipment, marble, and roofs. For more information, it is toxic, so please prepare gloves, goggles, and have the best ventilation possible. 

Best for Gas Tank: Loctite 8-Ounce Extend Rust Neutralizer, 1381192

Product specs 

Dimension	55.63 x 55.63 x 142.24 inches
Item weight	9.6 ounces
Result color	Black
Applying method	Brush

Key features 

• Convenient 8-ounce bottle 

The next product in my pick of the best rust converter is the Loctite 8ounches extend rust neutralizer. This product is the best for small items like a gas tank or engine. With a unique formula, this product can convert light rust into a black paintable surface. 

You can use it for every metal item in your house, including barbecue grills, valves, storage tanks, bicycles, patio furniture, and more. 

However, this product is ideal for light rust. So if you have a very serious-rust item, you need to find other products. You can’t put them on a piece of metal that has been in your house for 30 years and expect Loctite to restore it. 

Best for Automobiles: AdCoat Rust Converter and Primer

Product specs 

Dimension	6 x 6 x 12 inches
Item weight	8.13 pounds
Result color	Applies Milky White, Dries Black
Applying method	Brush

Key features 

• One step rust converter 
• Water-based paint and primer 

Adcoat rust converter and primer are ideal for automobile restoration, marine, industrial, construction, and household projects. No sanding, no hard-working, just brush a layer of the converter on your rust surface. And you’ve done! 

With unique technology, the Adcoat rust converter can create a permanent chemical bond on your rust surface and make a magnetite layer. This layer will not have interaction with oxygen or moisture. And that is how Adcoat can help you to prevent rust. 

Moreover, this product is a rust converter and a metal primer at the same time. So, it is ideal for oil-based coatings like enamel, polyurethane to hides minor imperfections. And as a result, your rust item is renewed.  

Best for Aluminium: CRC Rust Converter (1-Quart, 32fl Ounce)

Product specs 

Dimension	6 x 6 x 12 inches
Item weight	8.13 pounds
Result color	Black
Applying method	Brush

Key features 

• Unique fast drying milky white vinyl coating 
• No flashpoint 
• Dries tack-free in 1 hour 

The next product in my peak of the best rust converter is the CRC rust converter. And if you are looking for an excellent product to protect your metal surfaces for years, CRC is the best choice for you. 

CRC rust converter has a unique milky white vinyl coating, which you can apply to any rusted metal surface, including aluminum, to stop rusts. It will help to convert rust into a black primer. And then you can add a coating paint for better looking. 

The price of this product is not low at all. However, it has outstanding coverage ability. As a result, in the end, it is not expensive. 

Best for Cast Iron: POR-15 45404 Rust Preventive Coating

Product specs 

Dimension	4.25 x 4.25 x 5 inches
Item weight	2.4 pounds
Result color	Bright color, black coating (optional)
Applying method	Brush/ spray

Key features 

• 3 step rust preventive system 
• Exceed 2000 hours salt spray test 

If you are looking for the best rust converter for cast iron, Por-15 45404 is the best choice for you. This item exceeded 2000 hours salt spray test, so you can trust and invest in it to protect your metal items. 

What I like most about this product is the 3-step rust preventive system. It is an advantageous system that is not only nonporous. Still, it can also seal to protect the metal surface from chemicals, salt, moisture, and weather conditions.

Everything you need to do is clean the surface and remove the large rusts. Then you can prep it with metal prep (included in the set). And last, you coat it with POR-15 rust preventive coating. 

Best for Engine Block: Permatex 81849-12PK Rust Treatment

Product specs 

Dimension	11 x 9 x 8 inches
Item weight	11.1 pounds
Result color	Dark coating
Applying method	Brush/ spray

Key features 

• 3 step rust preventive system 
• Exceed 2000 hours salt spray test 

The best rust converter for engine block is the Permatex 81849- 12 PK rust treatment. This product comes with a sprayer and three available sizes for you to select. So, it is ready for use, and it is ideal for a small part of the engine block. 

It is effortless to apply this rust converter on the metal surface thanks to the sprayer design. You only need to spray it or brush it on the rusted surface and wait for about 30 minutes to dry. 

Permatex rust converter can create a touch coating which can work as an excellent protective primer and allow you to paint over it. Also, this product comes with a unique formula that will enable you to use with body filler and fiberglass

Best for Corrugated Iron: KBS Coatings 150080 Black 12oz KBS Rust Converter

Product specs 

Dimension	7.8 x 2.6 x 1.61 inches
Item weight	1 pounds
Result color	Dark coating
Applying method	Brush/ spray

Key features 

• Easy aerosol application 
• Easily transforms rust 
• Fast drying 

The next product in my list of best rust converter is KPS coatings 150080 black 12oz rust converter. This product is ideal for protecting rusted surfaces like household items, cars, truck frames, and more. 

KPS featured its rust converter with the easy aerosol application, which can create a primed surface to protect your tools from getting rusted. 

And last, it can dry in a short time. KPS also comes with a sprayer design, so you don’t need to worry about applying or cleaning it. 

Best for Boats: MROChem Black Star Rust Converter

Product specs 

Dimension	N/a
Item weight	N/a
Result color	Dark coating
Applying method	Brush/ spray

Key features 

• Unlimited uses 
• Paint primer feature 
• Won’s re-rust feature 

MROChem black star rust converter is one of the best rust converters in 2020 for the following reasons:

Firstly, it can create excellent coverage on your metal surface, which can protect the surface from current rust and prevent future rust. Secondly, a Black star is a rust converter and even a phenomenal primer for you to paint. 

And last, it is straightforward to use and usable for unlimited items, including metal roofs, bridges, steel sheds, trailers, boats, and more. 

Best in Safety: GEMPLER’S Eco-Friendly RCQ Rust Converter

Product specs 

Dimension	N/a
Item weight	2.4 pounds
Result color	black protective barrier
Applying method	Brush

Key features 

• Unlimited uses 
• Paint primer feature 
• Won’s re-rust feature 

If you want to find a safe rust converter for your skins, I suggest that you should buy Gempler’s eco-friendly RCQ rust converter and primer. Since it is eco-friendly, it will not be as harmful as other products. 

It is effortless to use the Gempler. You only need a standard wire brush to remove extensive rust and apply the item with a regular paintbrush on the surface. One quart of Gempler can cover up to 125 square feet. 

Moreover, Gempler’s is environmentally safe with a natural cleanup water-based formula. And although it works as both a rust converter and primer at the same time, it is non-flammable. 

Most reviewed: Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer

Product Specs 

Dimension	12.3 x 5.7 x 5.6 inches
Item weight	10.2 pounds
Result color	Metal color
Applying method	Brush/ spray/ roll

Key features 

• One-step feature 
• Non-flammable and non-corrosive, water-based formula

The product that has received the most complement form customers is Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter. Thousands of customers chose it and loved it! 

This product comes with four different sizes for you to select. And it is ideal for people who want to try before buying a big bottle. 

Also, it is straightforward to apply. Although it does not come with sprayer, you can brush, roll and spray it. And it takes only eight to 10 minutes for drying. With only one step, you can protect your metal items from rust and renew it with a primer look. 

Best in Budget: Permatex 81773 Rust Treatment

Product specs 

Dimension	5 x 2.12 x 1.67 inches
Item weight	8 ounces
Result color	Metal color
Applying method	Brush/ spray

Key features 

• Tannic acid and organic polymer formula 

And the last product in my list of the best rust converter is Permatex 81775 rust treatment. This item is also the best choice in a limited budget. 

However, it still works well and can remove rust within minutes by adding a durable black polymer coating on the rusted surface. 

And last, this item is a water-based rust converter, which contains Tannic acid and an organic polymer. So, it has excellent performance and very simple to remove. 

Buying Guide

When looking for the best rust converter, you should pay as much attention as possible to the following features:

Durability

The first and most important feature of the best rust converter is durability. When paying your money for a bottle of rust converter, everybody wants it to do an excellent job to stop the rust and prevent it from coming back immediately. And that is why durability is so outstanding.

The durability of the rust converters will be different depending on different brands. Some might be more or less durable than others. However, I always recommend that you should buy the one with better durability.

Flammability and Toxicity

Firstly, the rust converter might be highly flammable sometime. And it is hazardous, primarily when you work in a plastic or wooden workshop. So, it is always best if you can choose the low in terms of flammability. It often comes with a higher price, but it is still worth investing in a safe product.  

Secondly, the rust converter contains some toxic, and some of them will harm your skins. Most of the rust converter is not skin-friendly, and what you need to do is choosing the one with the lowest ability to burn your skin. And even if you paid for a safe rust converter, please wear gloves and keep it away from your kin.

Application method

The application method is the most crucial feature that you should consider. You will not want to use the one that is difficult to use. And here is some helpful information for you.

The most popular form of rust converter is the thin liquid. Liquid rust converter is also the most accessible form of rust converter for you to apply. You can easily use it by using a brush or spray. As a result, you don’t need to touch your hands on the converter while still have the best performance.

Some other application method is more complicated and requires you to get proper preparation. And water-based converter is one of these converters. So, please don’t make it too thin because it will drip off when you work.

Cleaning

Cleaning is not the virtual feature to choose the best rust converter. However, the best rust converter has to be easy-to-clean. Based on the ingredients of each brand, the rust converter will be secure or challenging to clean.

So, you should take the time to compare the difference among models to see which is more comfortable and more simple to clean. The phosphoric acid-base will make you more time to clean than the other one.

Drying time

To enhance your work performance, you need to find the best rusts converter, drying in the shortest amount of time. Although the professional always recommend that you should leave the rust converter for about 24 hours to let it dry, some other brands can take you more than this time.

The ideal time to dry is about 20-30 minutes, and you can find some rust converter that takes you about 2-3 hours for drying. So, you should check the job requirements and choose the most suitable one for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does rust converter work? 

Yes, it does. The rust converter will penetrate the rust to bond with all the rust areas. It will create a chemical reaction to convert rust into a polymeric coating. As a result, it can help to prevent the rust from spreading and also can help to minimize the tool potential of getting rust in the future.

Can you paint over a rust converter? 

You can paint over rust converter if it is treated as the primer. And you should use the paint that is resistant to the contents in the rust converter.

What is the best condition to apply a rust converter? 

You should apply the rust converter when the surface and the air temperature is between 50 and 100 degrees F. Also, the cover has to be dry. Don’t use the rust converter under strong sunlight or in damp conditions.

Should I use a Rust converter or rust remover? 

The rust converter will convert rust to a stable and protective compound. Meanwhile, the rust remover will separate the rust away from the metal surface. There is no answer to which one is the best because it depends on your job requirements.

How long does it take for rust converter to dry? 

It will take about 20 minutes after you finish applying a layer of rust converter. However, this amount of time varies among different types of rust converter. The professional often waits for about 24 hours to apply the second layer to work better.

Our Top Pick

In conclusion, if you have a huge budget and want to find the best rust converter, I think Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658 is the best choice for you. It is straightforward to use and can create great coverage to protect your metal. 

Meanwhile, if you want to find the best rust converter in a small budget, take a look at the Permatex 81773 Rust Treatment. It is cheap but still works pretty well.