Best Rust Converter – Top 15 Reviews 2021

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 2021.

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 are the Best Rust Converter?

Best for Jeep: 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 Rust Converter Por 15: Black Star MRO Chem Rust Converter

“Easy to apply; work well; miracle product; exactly as described.“

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 Cast Iron: Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer

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

Best for Truck Frame: FDC Rust Converter ULTRA

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

Best Rust Converter Spray Paint: Black Star 8542146750 Rust Converter

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

Best for Outdoor Furniture: CRC Rust Converter

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

Best Rust Converter and Primer: AdCoat Rust Converter and Primer

“Look great; awesome stuff; high-quality converter.“

Best for Truck Body: Rust Kutter – Rust Converter

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

Best for Steel: Permatex 81773 Rust Treatment

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

Best for Metal: GEMPLER’S Eco-Friendly RCQ Rust Converter and Primer

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

Best for Corrugated Iron: KBS Coatings 150080 Black Rust Converter

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

Best for Gas Tank: Henkel 1381192 Rust Converter

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

Best for Vehicles: Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658

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

Best Rust Converter – Comparison Chart

The table below summarizes necessary information about the 15 best rust converter in 2021, including dimension, weight, and applying method.

Top 15 Best Rust Converter Reviews 2021

Best for Jeep: POR-15 45404 Rust Preventive Coating

Key features 

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

Product specs 

Brand	POR-15
Dimension	4.25 x 4.25 x 5″
Item weight	2.29 lbs
Capacity	1 Quart
Applying method	Brush/Spray
Color	Bright color, black coating (optional)

The first product in my list is the POR-15 45404 Rust Preventive Coating. It is also the best product overall thanks to the following reasons.

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). Besides, you coat it with POR-15 rust preventive coating. 

Last, this item exceeded 2000 hours salt spray test, so you can trust and invest in it to protect your metal items.

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

Key features 

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

Product specs 

Brand	Permatex
Dimension	11 x 9 x 8″
Item weight	11.1 lbs
Capacity	8/10.25/16 oz
Applying method	Brush/Spray
Color	Dark coating

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 Rust Converter Por 15: Black Star MRO Chem Rust Converter

Key features 

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

Product specs 

Brand	Black Star
Dimension	–
Item weight	–
Capacity	1-5 Gallon, 1 Quart
Applying method	Spray/ Brush/ Roll
Color	Black

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. 

It also 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 Car Restoration: XIONLAB 2 In 1 Rust Converter & Metal Primer

Key features 

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

Product specs 

Brand	XIONLAB
Dimension	6.5 x 6.5 x 9.5″
Item weight	10 lbs
Capacity	1 Gallon
Applying method	Spray
Color	Kind of red

The next product in my picks 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 Cast Iron: Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer

Key features 

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

Product specs 

Brand	Corroseal
Dimension	12.3 x 5.7 x 5.6″
Item weight	10.2 lbs
Capacity	4 options
Applying method	Brush/ Spray/ Roll
Color	Metal color

The product that has received the most complement form customers is Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer. One of the best choice for cast iron.

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 for Truck Frame: FDC Rust Converter ULTRA

Key features 

• Convert rust features 
• Ultimate protection 

Product specs 

Brand	FDC
Dimension	12.05 x 6.22 x 6.06″
Item weight	8 lbs
Capacity	1 Gallon
Applying method	Brush/ Roll
Color	Black

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 Rust Converter Spray Paint: Black Star 8542146750 Rust Converter

Key features 

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

Product specs 

Brand	Black Star
Dimension	–
Item weight	–
Capacity	1/2/3/12 cans
Applying method	Spray
Color	Black

Black Star 8542146750 Rust Converter is one of the best rust converters spray paint in 2021 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. 

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

Best for Outdoor Furniture: CRC Rust Converter

Key features 

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

Product specs 

Brand	CRC
Dimension	3.25 x 3.25 x 9″
Item weight	1 lbs
Capacity	1 Quart
Applying method	Brush
Color	Black

The next product in my peak is the CRC Rust Converter. If you are finding an excellent product for outdoor furniture, 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 Rust Converter and Primer: AdCoat Rust Converter and Primer

Key features 

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

Product specs 

Brand	AdCoat
Dimension	6 x 6 x 12″
Item weight	8.13 lbs
Capacity	1 Gallon
Applying method	Brush
Color	Milky white, dries black

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.

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 Truck Body: Rust Kutter – Rust Converter

Key features 

• Eliminates rust 
• Useful for both exterior and interior 

Product specs 

Brand	Rust Kutter
Package dimension	9.5 x 3.6 x 3.25″
Item weight	2.94 lbs
Capacity	1 Gallon/1 Quart
Applying method	Spray
Color	Bright color

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 Steel: Permatex 81773 Rust Treatment

Key features 

• Tannic acid and organic polymer formula 

Product specs 

Brand	Permatex
Dimension	2.75 x 2.75 x 6.94″
Item weight	8 oz
Capacity	3 options
Applying method	Brush/ Spray
Color	Metal color

And the next product in my list is Permatex 81773 Rust Treatment. This item is also the best choice for steel come with 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. 

Overall, 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. 

Best for Metal: GEMPLER’S Eco-Friendly RCQ Rust Converter and Primer

Key features 

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

Product specs 

Brand	GEMPLER’S
Dimension	–
Item weight	2.4 lbs
Capacity	1 Quart
Applying method	Brush
Color	Black protective barrier

If you want to find a safe rust converter for metal, 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. 

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

Best for Corrugated Iron: KBS Coatings 150080 Black Rust Converter

Key features 

• Easy aerosol application 
• Easily transforms rust 
• Fast drying 

Product specs 

Brand	KBS
Package dimension	7.8 x 2.6 x 1.61″
Item weight	1 lbs
Capacity	12 oz
Applying method	Brush/Spray
Color	Dark coating

The next product in my list is KBS Coatings 150080 Black 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 Gas Tank: Henkel 1381192 Rust Converter

Key features 

• Convenient 8-ounce bottle 

Product specs 

Brand	Henkel
Dimension	55.63 x 55.63 x 142.24″
Item weight	9.6 oz
Capacity	–
Applying method	Brush
Color	Black

The next product in my pick is the Henkel 1381192 Rust Converter. 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 Vehicles: Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658

Key features 

• Any angle spray 
• Paintable surface 

Product specs 

Brand	Rust-Oleum
Dimension	2.5 x 2.5 x 8″
Item weight	14.4 oz
Capacity	10.25 oz
Applying method	Spray
Color	Black

The last product I want to show you is Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658. This item is also the best choice in a limited budget. 

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. 

Buying Guide: How to choose the Best Rust Converter?

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.

My Top Picks

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.