Stop Rust in Its Tracks: KBS Coatings Part 2

Chris Hamilton . August 21, 2026 . HEADLINE . Chris Hamilton

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AS SEEN IN OUR AUGUST 2026 ISSUE – Buy Now!

Prep Work Makes the Difference

In the first installment of our KBS Coatings frame restoration series, we introduced the project and explained our goal of bringing an old Ford truck frame back to life using a variety of KBS products. Now it’s time to get our hands dirty.

If there’s one lesson we’ve learned over the years, it’s that the final result is only as good as the preparation underneath it. It doesn’t matter whether you’re painting a frame, a body panel, or an entire truck, skipping prep work always comes back to haunt you later.
For this phase of the project, we focused on getting the frame ready for its first round of protection. Years of rust, grime, and surface corrosion had to be removed before any coating could be applied. Using grinders and wire wheels, we worked our way around the frame, knocking down rust and cleaning the metal anywhere we planned to apply KBS products.
While preparing the frame, we also identified several unused holes and openings left behind from previous modifications. Rather than leaving them exposed, we used KBS mesh reinforcement material to permanently fill and smooth those areas before moving on to the coating process. This gave the frame a cleaner appearance while eliminating spots where moisture and debris could collect in the future.

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Once the repairs were complete, we applied KBS Etching Primer to promote adhesion and create a solid foundation for the topcoat. From there, we moved on to KBS BlackTop, one of our favorite products in the lineup. We’ve used KBS coatings on multiple projects over the years and continue to be impressed by both the durability and ease of application.
One thing readers may notice in the photos is visible brush marks immediately after application. Don’t panic. KBS BlackTop is a self-leveling coating, meaning those brush strokes flatten out as the product cures, leaving behind a smooth and professional-looking finish.
In the next issue, we’ll continue the project by coating another section of the frame using a yellow topcoat to demonstrate some of the additional color options available within the KBS system.

The KBS products for this project include everything needed to clean, prep, repair, and protect a rusty frame for years to come.

Our starting point was this rusty Ford truck frame that had seen plenty of years and was ready for a fresh start.

The first step was removing loose rust, scale, and debris using a grinder to create a solid foundation for the coatings.

KBS Klean is designed to remove grease, dirt, and contaminants before any coating work begins.

After grinding, we thoroughly cleaned the frame with KBS Klean to remove years of grime and surface contaminants.

With the frame cleaned and prepped, the metal was ready for repairs and the next stage of the restoration process.

KBS Backbone Reinforcing Mesh provides a simple solution for repairing and filling unwanted holes in sheetmetal and frame surfaces.

Before coating, we filled unused holes in the frame to create a cleaner finished appearance.

KBS RustSeal was mixed and prepared for use after the frame repairs and prep work were completed.

A layer of RustSeal was applied around the repair area to begin sealing the exposed metal.

The reinforcing mesh was embedded into the coating to create a strong foundation for the repair.

Additional RustSeal was brushed over the mesh to fully encapsulate the repair area.

Once coated, the repaired section blended seamlessly into the frame rail.

IF THERE’S ONE LESSON WE’VE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS, IT’S THAT THE FINAL RESULT IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE PREPARATION UNDERNEATH IT.

A final coat over the repair area helped create a smooth, durable surface ready for primer and topcoat.

KBS Fusion Self-Etching Primer promotes adhesion and creates the ideal foundation for the final coating.

After sanding and smoothing the repaired area, the frame was ready for primer application.

Even an outdoor project can produce professional results when proper prep and quality materials are used.

RustSeal continues to be one of our favorite products for locking out moisture and protecting bare metal.

As you can see here, brush marks are visible during application but will self-level as the coating cures.

KBS BlackTop was applied to provide a durable satin-black finish and additional UV protection.

The difference between the coated and uncoated sections shows just how dramatic the transformation can be.

KBS Cavity Coater helps protect hard-to-reach internal frame sections where rust often starts.

Using the included wand, Cavity Coater can be sprayed deep inside boxed frame rails and enclosed sections.

Proper storage is important with this product. We highly recommend using a plastic bag to help ease reopening at a later time.

NEXT ISSUE, we’ll step beyond black and apply a yellow topcoat to demonstrate some of the additional color options available through KBS Coatings.

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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 ...