Marine Paint Needs to Have Toughness, Flexibility, and Durability
Marine environments can wreak havoc on metal and the paints they're finished with. Things like boat trailers, decks, hulls, masts, and storage lockers are all susceptible to moist, often salty conditions. Wear and tear damages paint, exposes bare metal, and soon rust sets in. Left unchecked, rust causes damage that can be costly to repair or force replacement of the affected part.
To avoid that damage, the metal needs to be refinished promptly with marine paint. But rust usually sets in before the job can even get started, so what's the best way to refinish metal that's already rusted, and what should you look for in a rustproof paint made for marine use?
What Marine Paint Needs to Deliver
| Sealing power | Separates air and moisture from the metal to prevent oxidation, the precursor to rust |
| Toughness | Bonds strongly and resists damage from everyday wear and tear |
| Flexibility | Stays bonded to the metal through dents, expansion, and contraction |
| UV stability | Withstands high sun exposure without breaking down |
To maintain an impenetrable barrier that seals metal away from air and moisture, marine paint ultimately needs toughness, flexibility, and durability so it stays uncompromised by dings, dents, and the elements alike.
Why RustSeal Performs Well as a Marine Paint
KBS Coatings RustSeal performs well as a marine paint because it has the toughness, flexibility, and durability needed to maintain an air- and moisture-proof seal with the metal. RustSeal is a single-part, moisture cured, rust preventive coating. Its formulation makes it wholly non-porous and impervious to air, water, sea salt, and chemicals. RustSeal is rated for use above or below the waterline and will protect metal that's underwater or exposed to constant high humidity.
KBS Coatings' Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings Technology makes RustSeal both highly durable and flexible. Its hardness helps it avoid damage from wear and tear, while its flexibility lets it remain bonded to metal during expansion and contraction, or if the metal gets dented. RustSeal won't crack, flake, or peel in marine environments. Watch the video below for a demonstration of RustSeal's durability and flexibility.
RustSeal is user-friendly and can be brushed on, rolled on, or sprayed on. It flows out well and is self-leveling, giving a smooth finish without brush marks.
Prepping the Surface for the Best Bond
To achieve the best bond between RustSeal and metal, the surface needs to be properly prepared. Corrosion and organic contaminants need to be removed so RustSeal can penetrate deeply and adhere permanently. This includes removing dirt, oil, grease, and other contaminants. The surface also needs texture, or etch, that gives RustSeal something to grip. Sandblasting can achieve this, though blasting with plastic, bead, or soda media won't provide enough abrasion for direct RustSeal application. If you're not sandblasting, KBS Coatings offers KBS Klean and RustBlast for proper surface prep.
| KBS Klean | A concentrated, water-based, biodegradable, non-flammable cleaner that removes dirt, grime, oils, lubricants, grease, waxes, scum, algae, and other contaminants. Apply after using 320-grit sandpaper, a wire brush, or a wire wheel to remove any loose, flaky rust. |
| RustBlast | A powerful rust remover, zinc phosphate pre-primer, and metal etch that dissolves rust, corrosion, metal oxides, and tarnish from most metal surfaces. Using KBS Klean first matters, since the cleaner the surface, the more effective RustBlast will be. RustBlast ultimately lets RustSeal penetrate more deeply into the metal's pores for a permanent seal. |
KBS Klean comes first, followed by RustBlast once the surface is fully degreased and cleaned.
Topcoating RustSeal for a Finished Look
RustSeal isn't intended as a final marine paint finish, since long-term exposure to direct UV light will fade its color and sheen over time. Its guaranteed rust protective properties, however, won't degrade. To protect against unwanted cosmetic changes, RustSeal can be topcoated with any opaque (solid color) paint system. A popular choice is KBS Top Coater, which is included in the KBS All-In-One Kit along with KBS Klean, RustBlast, RustSeal, and KBS #1 Thinner.
KBS Top Coater is a single-part, high-solids paint that doesn't run or sag, and gives at least twice the coverage of conventional single-part marine paint. Like RustSeal, KBS Top Coater can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on. Its self-leveling properties let it flow out smoothly without showing brush marks, giving a professional-looking result. KBS Top Coater is available in 16 colors.
Marine environments can wreak havoc on metal and the marine paint that finishes it. KBS Coatings provides a solution for avoiding rust with a tough, long-lasting, durable barrier, while still delivering a beautiful, professional-looking finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can RustSeal be used below the waterline on a boat?
Yes. RustSeal is formulated for use above or below the waterline and will protect metal that stays underwater or is exposed to constant high humidity.
Does RustSeal need to be top coated for marine use?
RustSeal is not intended as a final cosmetic finish, since long-term UV exposure will fade its color and sheen, though its rust protection won't degrade. Top coating with an opaque paint system like KBS Top Coater protects the cosmetic finish while RustSeal continues protecting the metal underneath.
How should metal be prepped before applying RustSeal in a marine environment?
Corrosion and organic contaminants need to be removed first so RustSeal can penetrate and bond permanently. Sandblasting works well, or you can use KBS Klean to degrease and clean the surface followed by RustBlast to etch and remove rust and corrosion.
Can RustSeal be applied by brush, roller, or spray gun?
Yes. RustSeal is self-leveling and can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on, flowing out smoothly without leaving brush marks.