Stopping Rust in Its Tracks with KBS Coatings: Part 2

Chris Hamilton . August 20, 2026 . Department . CHRIS HAMILTON

Save ArticleLogin to save it

AS SEEN IN OUR STREET TRUCK Sept 2026 ISSUE – Buy Now!

The KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System

Every truck builder has one that old frame sitting in the corner of the shop, waiting patiently for its turn. Maybe it’s destined to become your next project truck, maybe it’s a future chassis swap, or maybe you’re just hanging onto it because you know one day it’ll be useful. The problem is, bare steel doesn’t get better with age. Surface rust turns into scale, scale turns into corrosion, and before you know it, you’ve got more repairs than you originally planned. In our case, we had an old Ford truck frame that deserved another chance.

Too often, people think a quick coat of paint is enough to stop rust. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. If grease, contaminants, or oxidation are trapped beneath the coating, rust will eventually find its way back to the surface. KBS developed its three-step system to eliminate those problems before the protective coating is ever applied, creating a finish that’s built to last.

Get Your Weekly Truck Build Guides - FREE

KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System

In the last issue, we prepped our frame and filled in all of the holes. Now we’re going to focus on the rest of the rusty frame with the KBS 3-step coat system.

Everything begins with KBS Klean, a powerful water-based degreaser that removes years of oil, grease, dirt, and contaminants that ordinary cleaners often leave behind. A perfectly clean surface is critical because every step that follows depends on giving the coating direct contact with the metal.

Once the frame is clean, RustBlast takes over. This zinc-phosphate metal treatment doesn’t simply wash away loose rust—it chemically prepares the steel by dissolving oxidation while etching the surface to create the perfect anchor for the final coating. Think of it as creating the ideal foundation before pouring concrete. Without that foundation, even the best coating can’t perform to its full potential.

Start by diluting KBS Klean with water, then scrub the frame thoroughly to remove years of grease, grime, and dirt. For stubborn areas, let it soak a little longer before hitting it again with a brush or scouring pad.

The final step is RustSeal, and it’s what separates this system from traditional paint. Rather than simply drying on top of the metal, RustSeal is a moisture-cured coating that chemically bonds to the prepared surface, forming a tough, non-porous barrier that locks out moisture and oxygen—the two biggest causes of corrosion. The result is a finish that’s incredibly durable and built to withstand years of abuse underneath a truck.

Whether you’re restoring a vintage frame like ours, freshening up a rear axle, or protecting suspension components before assembly, the process remains the same. Clean it. Prepare it. Seal it. In the following steps, we’ll show you exactly how we used the KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System.

To learn more about the complete KBS Coatings lineup, visit www.kbs-coatings.com or call (800) 304-0951.

KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System — Once it dries, you will see the results almost immediately.

Apply RustBlast full strength to the dry frame using a spray bottle, brush, or roller. The goal is to keep the surface completely wet while the product works its magic on the rust.

Whether you’re restoring a vintage frame like ours, freshening up a rear axle, or protecting suspension components before assembly, the process remains the same. Clean it. Prepare it. Seal it.

Don’t rush this step. Keep reapplying RustBlast as needed, then rinse the frame thoroughly with water and let it dry completely before moving on to RustSeal.

With the prep work finished, it’s finally time for RustSeal. Apply a thin, even coat with a brush or roller, and don’t worry—those brush marks will level out as the coating cures.

For long-lasting protection, don’t stop after one coat. We applied two full coats of RustSeal, allowing the first coat to become dry to the touch before laying down the second.

TECH TIPS

Thin coats are your friend. Applying RustSeal too heavily can trap solvents, leading to bubbles or sags, so build your coverage with multiple light coats instead of one heavy one.

Patience pays off. Always let each coat become dry to the touch before applying the next to help prevent runs, blistering, and other coating issues.

Prep work makes all the difference. Any grease, oil, wax, or silicone left on the surface can cause fisheyes, so make sure the metal is thoroughly cleaned before opening the RustSeal.

Once RustSeal has fully cured, consider adding a UV-stable topcoat if the part will live in direct sunlight. It’s an easy way to keep the finish looking fresh for years to come.

With the KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System complete, this old Ford frame is protected and ready for the fun part—bolting fresh suspension and drivetrain components back into place. It’s amazing how much confidence a solid foundation gives you before starting a build.

This frame may have started as a forgotten shop project, but it’s well on its way to becoming something special. Stay tuned to future issues of Street Trucks as we continue bringing it back to life, and to learn more about the complete KBS Coatings lineup, visit www.kbs-coatings.com or call (800) 304-0951.

Read Full Bio

Chris Hamilton

Chris Hamilton is an automotive journalist, editor, and lifelong truck enthusiast with extensive experience covering custom truck builds, fabrication, performance upgrades, aftermarket products, and a ...