Rust Protection Using Clear Coat While Keeping a Rust Patina Look

Patina is a thin layer that develops on the surface of metal, wood, leather, and other materials which gives an aged look. Patina can be the result of age, exposure to the sun and moisture, as well as wear. A patinaed look can also be brought about artificially with things like chemicals, specialty coatings, and abrasion. Rust can be considered a desirable patina, however, left unchecked it can eventually eat metal away completely. Every now and again we get inquiries from customers who would like to keep the patina look of rusted metal, heighten rust patina appearance, while also protecting the metal from further rusting. When asked for advice on coatings that can be used to get these results, we recommend DiamondFinish Clear and KBS MAXX Clear for rust protection using clear coat to keep and maintain a rust patina look.

Rust Protection Using Clear Coat

To stop rust, rust must be separated from oxygen and moisture. DiamondFinish Clear and KBS MAXX Clear coats can be used to seal rust and provide rust protection with a durable impervious barrier that blocks moisture and oxygen from reaching metal surfaces. By using a clear coat for rust protection, the rust patina look will remain, but the rust won’t continue to progress.

Preserving Rust Patina with Clear Coat

Rust patina can be a delicate thing. Since rust can be powdery, or flaky, it is susceptible to being marred by impacts and abrasion. A clear coat provides a hard, durable, protective coating that can preserve rust patina. Another benefit of sealing rust with a clear coat is the rust won’t be exposed, so it won’t rub off onto clothing and other items.

Enhancing Rust Patina with Clear Coat

A clear coat brings out richness in rust colors and gives depth and luster. Applying a clear coat to seal rust patina gives it a beautiful wet look and adds a darker tone and contrast to the color of the rust.

Protecting Metal Sheets from Rust While Preserving Patina Rust

A customer told us about a wall he constructed in his basement using steel sheets that had patina rust. He said he just wanted to coat it with a clear coat to keep the look and prevent future rust. For this job, we recommended DiamondFinish Clear.

About DiamondFinish Clear

DiamondFinish Clear is one stage, single part (1K) moisture cured clear coat that can be used indoors or outdoors. It provides a beautiful crystal-clear appearance. DiamondFinish Clear is made to be extremely durable and hard, yet flexible. DiamondFinish Clear is UV stable and will not yellow, crack, or peel.

DiamondFinish Clear is offered in cans for brushing, rolling or spray equipment. Since DiamondFinish is a single part coating, no mixing of two components is necessary. Just stir and it’s ready to go.

Wall with Rust Patina

About KBS MAXX Clear

KBS MAXX Clear is a single stage two-component (2K) polyurethane clear coat. KBS MAXX Clear has superior impact, weather resistance, UV permanence, and gloss retention, while providing fast drying characteristics. Like DiamondFinish Clear, KBS MAXX Clear provides a beautiful crystal-clear finish. KBS MAXX and the KBS MAXX Activator Medium are easy to mix and yield a clear coat that is ready to spray or brush.

Application Tips

• Before applying a clear coat to rust, remove loose rust flakes with a wire brush. You do not have to be aggressive, but you want to remove rust that is falling off the surface.
• Clean the surface with KBS Klean mixed with warm water in a 1-1 ratio. A cloth can be used to scrub the surface.
• Rinse with water and allow the surface to dry thoroughly. Many times it is best to force dry to get all of the water out of the rusty surface which tends to be porous.
• Apply a minimum of three coats of DiamondFinish Clear or KBS MAXX Clear. The actual number of coats can vary based upon the coarseness of the rust. It’s important that the peaks and valleys of the surface profile are completely sealed to prevent rust and corrosion from spreading down the road.

Application Tip

SPECIAL TIP: DiamondFinish Clear and KBS MAXX Clear can also be used to seal non-rusted, bare metal to keep it from rusting.

If you are looking for rust protection using a clear coat while keeping a rust patina look, DiamondFinish Clear and KBS MAXX Clear will provide long lasting durability, and a beautiful appearance. If you have any questions about sealing rust with KBS clear coats, please let us know.