Rust-Oleum Stops Rust is the rust-prevention line for metal: a rust converter, four primers for different metal conditions, an oil-based brush enamel, and textured and metallic spray finishes. Most rust jobs need two steps, the right primer or converter and then a topcoat, so the table below shows which can does which job. Everything here comes from Rust-Oleum's technical data sheets.
Which Stops Rust product do I need?
| Your metal |
Use |
Dry and recoat (70°F, 50% humidity) |
| Rusted, and you don't want to sand to bare metal |
Rust Reformer (8 oz water-based brush-on or 10.25 oz spray). It chemically converts rust into a smooth, paintable black surface. Not for non-rusted surfaces. |
Brush: touch 20-40 min, handle 1 hr; oil-based paint after 3 hr, lacquer or spray paint after 3 days. Spray: dry 24 hr, one coat, topcoat after 24 hr. |
| Heavily rusted (loose rust removed) |
Rusty Metal Primer spray, designed for heavily rusted surfaces only |
Touch 15-30 min, handle 1-2 hr; topcoat within 1 hr or after 48 hr. About 10-12 sq ft per can. |
| Bare, lightly rusted or previously painted |
Clean Metal Primer spray (white) |
Same as Rusty Metal Primer: touch 15-30 min, topcoat within 1 hr or after 48 hr. |
| Galvanized steel, aluminum flashing, PVC, porcelain, glazed brick, fiberglass |
Universal Bonding Primer spray (white), a maximum-adhesion acrylic primer that also bonds topcoats to two-part epoxies |
Touch 30 min, handle 1 hr; topcoat anytime (wait 2 hr over two-part epoxies). About 10-12 sq ft per can. |
| Car parts and bodywork |
Automobile Primer spray (flat light gray), a fast-drying, sandable base for automotive lacquers and enamels on bare or lightly rusted metal |
Touch 15-30 min, handle 1-2 hr, fully dry 48 hr; recoat within 1 hr or after 48 hr; dry sand after 4 hr. |
| Topcoat by brush |
Protective Enamel, oil-based, satin black half pint. It can go directly on metal; a Stops Rust primer first gives longer protection. |
Touch 2-4 hr, handle 5-9 hr, recoat after 24 hr. |
| Topcoat with texture |
Multi-Color Textured spray (Autumn Brown, Aged Iron) |
Touch 15 min, handle 1-2 hr; second coat within 1 hr or after 48 hr. About 4-8 sq ft per can. |
| Topcoat with metallic shine |
Outdoor Metallic spray (Oil Rubbed Bronze), with real metallic flakes |
See the can label. |
Rust-Oleum's sheets say not to use Rust Reformer, Rusty or Clean Metal Primer, Automobile Primer, the textured sprays or the brush enamel on galvanized steel. For galvanized metal, prime with Universal Bonding Primer first. Spray in 50-90°F with humidity under 65%, and wash off dirt, grease and loose rust before you start. The primers and textured sprays go on in 2 or more light coats a few minutes apart; one coat of Rust Reformer spray is enough.
Shop related: all Rust-Oleum paint and coatings, Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch, spray paint for metal, primers and sealers, and spray paint and art finishes.
FAQ
Rust Reformer or Rusty Metal Primer?
Rust Reformer converts rust into a black paintable surface, so you don't sand to bare metal; it is for rusted surfaces only. Rusty Metal Primer is a primer for heavily rusted metal after you scrape off the loose rust. Rust Reformer can stay black or take a topcoat; the primers are a base for a topcoat.
Can I paint galvanized metal with Stops Rust?
Yes, with Universal Bonding Primer first. Rust-Oleum rates it for galvanized steel, and its other Stops Rust primers and enamel are not for galvanized steel.
How long before I can topcoat a Stops Rust primer?
Rusty Metal, Clean Metal and Automobile Primer: topcoat within 1 hour or wait 48 hours. Universal Bonding Primer: anytime. Rust Reformer brush-on: 3 hours for oil-based paint, 3 days for lacquer or spray paint.
Is the brush-on Rust Reformer water-based?
Yes. Rust-Oleum lists the 8 oz brush-on as water-based with soap and water cleanup. The spray can is an aerosol that cleans up with xylene or mineral spirits.
Can I return these?
Spray cans and the oil-based enamel are flammable and can't be returned under our refund policy, so check the product before you order. If an item arrives damaged, defective or wrong, email Store@projectweekenddiy.com with photos and we will make it right. Orders of $35 or more ship free.
Sources: Rust-Oleum technical data sheets SRT-14 Rust Reformer (rev 051221), SRT-10 Primer Sprays (rev 030617), SRT-29 Universal Bonding Primer (rev 011118), SRT-34 Automobile Primer (rev 052820), SRT-02 Enamel Brush (rev 021317), SRT-09 Textured Sprays (rev 102021); Rust-Oleum Stops Rust product pages; Rust-Oleum SDS for each item.
