Rust Sealing Treatments Review

I have used two kinds of rust treatments on steel pieces. Outside, I used the POR-15 and Stirling Silver paint combination favored by many in the Airstream restoration community. On the interior parts of the frame, I started using Eastwood’s rust encapsulator paint. Two years of exposure have passed and results are starting to emerge. On the parts painted with POR-15, distinct pinpoint rust marks are starting to emerge, though there is no sign of paint damage. No damage is showing on the admittedly more protected places painted with Eastwoods. Evaluation: I think both are quality products and far superior to Rustoleum. Durability seems to be slightly better for Eastwoods, since the more exposed parts painted with that did not breech rust. POR-15 involves a complicated process of setting down two base coats of POR-15, then following with a third cover layer of another paint (POR-15 is UV sensitive, so must be shielded). Eastwoods gets a bit of advantage in my mind since it only requires applying a single layer of paint and is available as an aerosol spray, which is exceptionally handy.

Action: Since I have leftovers of both products, I cracked open a mini-can of POR-15 (I bought a six pack of sample sized cans, which is super, since a little goes a much longer way than anyone could possibly expect), applied a single layer of that yesterday and hoped to follow up with a spray coat of Eastwood’s Rust Encapsulating paint in silver on the exterior. However, the nozzle failed, so I ended up using the Stirling Silver paint combination. I applied Eastwood’s black paint on the exposed frame as with the rest of the frame.

Verdict: If you have any cans of POR-15 hanging around or recently applied it, feel confident that you have a high quality product on hand. However, if I need new supplies, I will probably prefer Eastwood’s Rust Encapsulating Paint, since it is easier to use and seems to perform as well, if not better. Also, it’s necessary to think of rotary brushing and repainting exposed areas as a normal maintenance activity.(9/07)

Update (4/08): This spring we ordered some more paint from Eastwoods and added on an order of their Rust Converter Kit. This comes in a two part formula that you mix together when you need it and brush on affected areas. It forms a tough coating over the rust. When dry, the coating is paintable and appears to add a significant margin of protection–as well as neutralizing any rust that has formed.