KBS Rust Converter turns a rusty surface flat black. The chemical reaction converts the rust as the coating dries, and what you are left with is a durable, paintable, inert surface with a flat black appearance measuring less than 15 on a 60 degree gloss meter. You can topcoat it or leave it exactly as it is.

The Cured Finish: Quick Facts

Color: flat black
Gloss: under 15 on a 60 degree meter
Topcoat: optional
Black is how you know it worked. The color change is the chemical reaction, not a pigment. Rust turning black as you spray is the converter doing its job, so a patchy result usually means patchy rust rather than a patchy application.

Leaving It As the Final Finish

KBS Rust Converter does not have to be topcoated if a flat black finish is what you want. Left as is, it is a durable, paintable, inert surface. That makes it a practical one-step answer for frames, brackets, trailer parts, farm equipment, and anything else where the look matters less than stopping the rust.

Or Paint Over It

If you do want a different color, wait the full 24 hour cure and then paint. The converted surface is compatible with most topcoats and acts as the primer itself, so no separate primer is needed. Timing details are on the dry times page.

Frequently Asked Questions: The Cured Finish

KBS Rust Converter chemically reacts with the rust and converts it into a stable, inert surface, which is why the rust turns black as you spray. The result is a durable, paintable layer rather than loose corrosion. It has to be applied to a genuinely rusty surface to work, because the chemistry needs rust to react with.
Yes. KBS Rust Converter does not have to be topcoated if a flat black finish is what you want. Left as is, it is a durable, paintable, inert surface with a flat black appearance.
Flat black. The converted surface measures less than 15 on a 60 degree gloss meter, so it is a genuinely flat finish rather than a satin or semi-gloss. It can be coated over with another coating, or left as is.
The color change happens where there is rust to react with, so areas that were already clean metal will not darken the same way. KBS Rust Converter is not designed for non-rusty surfaces or for surfaces with a mix of rusty and non-rusty areas. If your metal is clean or only lightly rusted in spots, RustSeal and the KBS 3 Step System are the better route.
KBS Rust Converter has a heat resistance of 250 degrees F. For hotter service, look at the high-temperature coatings instead of relying on the converted layer.

Deciding between converting the rust and removing it? Read the full comparison or contact us.

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