What is the Best Rust Converter for Truck Frames?

The development of rust on your car’s body can really undermine the integrity of your truck frame. Once it starts eating away on the metal sheet, it’s only a matter of time before you find yourself performing a whole frame replacement.

But this doesn’t always have to be the course of action, especially when your budget does not allow such a project. The appropriate rust converter will not only help to get your frame back in shape but also ensure that you don’t blow your budget while doing it. 

If you’ve been driving your truck for a long time now, this is an essential tool that will assist to stop rust in its tracks. Check out the following best rust converters for truck frames that we’ve compiled for you!

In a Hurry? The Test Winner after 36 Hours of Research: 

Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer, Rust Converter - 1 Gallon

Our Rating: 92/100

Why it is the best?

  • It is manufactured using environmentally friendly substances
  • applies easily
  • creates a nice coating that will fend off rust for a long time

How I Picked:

17 Resources 

403 Reviews Compared

36 Hours Of Research 

17 Popular Products Considered

Last Updated: June 11, 2021

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Current Top Garage Floor Mats On The Market - Comparison Table

Best Rust Converter for Truck Frames- Individual Reviews

Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer, Rust Converter - 1 Gallon

Our Rating: 95/100

The Corroseal brand has provided us with a variety of elite industrial-strength products that you can use in different fields. This converter helps to extend the life of your metal surfaces while keeping away rust and corrosion.

The primer is quite affordable and features an easy application formula. It has been produced using environmentally friendly ingredients that will not harm you in any way. One gallon of the converter will cover 200 square feet of any surface, eliminating the need to sandblast the rust.

Corroseal converter has a thin profile, although it applies effectively when used with a brush. It turns into a milky color when applied that later comes back to a normal color. 

Going through user reviews, you’ll realize that this is one of the most solid converters in the market. Just make sure that you properly scrape off the rust before applying it for the greatest results!

Pros

  • Environmentally friendly
  • Easy to apply
  • Effective results
  • Keeps rust away

Cons

  • Doesn’t come cheap

Gempler's Rust Converter - Quart

Our Rating: 91/100

This rust converter applies relatively easily and will take just as little as thirty minutes to dry. It also doubles up as a primer, enabling you to paint over it with wonderful results. One coat of paint can be enough over two paints of the primer when using Gempler’s rust converter!

The product comes at an affordable price compared to its competitors and is environmentally safe. Its consistency makes applying it using a brush more suitable than spraying it. 

However, there have been a few reports of the converter hardening onto the painted surface, leaving you with a cement-like varnish. Luckily, this is something you can prevent by avoiding the painted surfaces when applying it. 

Pros

  • Eco-friendly
  • Price friendly
  • Provides great results with just two coats

Cons

  • Tends to harden on painted surfaces
  • Not suitable for spraying

CRC Rust Converter 18418 – 32 FL OZ, Liquid, Water-Based Rust Converter For Metal Surfaces

Our Rating: 90/100

The CRC rust converter is a unique product that will instantly stop the rust from further damaging your vehicle. It has a milky white vinyl profile that will transform your rusted parts into a tough black primer.

The converter easily accepts paint and will dry up after just one hour of applying, providing you with results that will last you for years. It is thinner than most converters, which makes it easier to spray than brush. 

Either way, it still results in a nice and solid coating that will save you the trouble of scraping off the rust.

Pros

  • Takes 1 hour to dry
  • Durable
  • Accepts paint well

Cons

  • Very thin consistency

Our Rating: 89/100

This rust converter from 3M is easy to use and will accept paint quite easily. It only needs one hour to dry after application and will convert your rusted metal surface into a paintable primer.

The Mar-Hyde primer is very thin and may pose a bit of a challenge to apply on vertical surfaces. This also means that it is better applied using a sprayer than a brush.

 According to most customer reviews I’ve gone through, the product keeps rust at bay for years to come. Although it will cost you more than other converters in our review, you’ll be getting value money for your money!

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • Stops rust quickly
  • Works great

Cons

  • Pricey

KBS Coatings 150080 Black 12oz KBS Rust Converter

Our Rating: 87/100

The KBS Coatings rust converter comes in a nice spray can that will give you an easy time when applying it. The aerosol works very nicely to create a primed surface that dries up pretty fast.

The only problem with using the aerosol is that the spray soaks into the rust, causing you to use more of the converter than you’re supposed to. Apart from that, the product does a great job of converting your rusted surfaces into a paintable primer.

It also cleans up quite easily when you happen to spray it on painted surfaces. It doesn’t leave behind stains and this is why it boasts fabulous customer ratings on Amazon.

Pros

  • Easy to use aerosol can
  • Works well
  • Leaves a nice coating
  • Cleans easily

Cons

  • Requires more product to complete the job
  • You might want to watch out for overspray 

FDC Rust Converter Ultra, Highly Effective Professional Grade Rust Repair Spray (1 Gallon)

Our Rating: 87/100

This is an efficient rust converter that will transform the toughest rusted surfaces into an inert coating that prevents air and moisture from getting to the metal. It is relatively easy to apply and has remarkable coverage; one gallon will suffice 500 square feet of a smooth, non-porous surface.

According to the manufacturer, it takes 20 minutes to dry into a smooth dark finish. You can apply it using a brush, roller, or sprayer on anything from machinery, vehicles, railings, structures, etc.

The only thing is that you might want to add another coat on the converter before it rains or gets wet. It appears to be water-soluble and hence, washes off when it gets rained on.

Pros

  • Easy to apply
  • Multipurpose
  • Dries fast
  • Leaves behind a nice finish

Cons

  • Washes off in the rain

Rust Kutter - Stops Rust and Converts Rust Spots to Leave A Primed Surface Ready to Paint, Professional Rust Repair Manufactured in USA – Sprayer Included

Our Rating: 87/100

The Rust Kutter comes in a pump spray bottle, which makes for an easy application method. The pump does a better job of delivering a larger amount of product compared to aerosol converters in stopping rust and corrosion. It results in a nice thick coat that you want when using a rust converter. 

Rust Kutter takes only thirty minutes to dry, although it leaves an ugly finish. Luckily, this shouldn’t be a problem if you're going to paint over it. It is also efficient for both interior and exterior parts of the car. Remember to wear rubber gloves when spraying the rust converter.

This is because the product tends to run down your hand during application. Also, be sure not to overspray to avoid wasting the product. The overspray can also damage the paint. Overall, this is a practical rust converter that works well and can be painted on easily!

Pros

  • Dries fast
  • Sprayer bottle works well
  • Easily paintable

Cons

  • Leaks on to hand during application
  • Dries ugly 

What to Look for in a Rust Converter - Buying Guide

Before you decide to purchase a rust converter, there are a few aspects you must consider to ensure that you get the right product for your car:

Application Method

One of the first things you want to know about the rust converter you purchase is its application method. Most converters come in liquid form and feature a relatively straightforward application formula, which can either be brushing or spraying.

However, some are water-based and will need you to make a solution before applying them. You want to make sure that the solution is not too thin to keep it from dripping off the metal while applying.

Durability

The best rust converter is one that will provide you with long-lasting results. Some formulae deliver an excellent seal that ensures the rust does not occur again for a long time. Make a point of going through customer reviews on the product to know if you can expect durable results.

Toxicity

It is also important that you know the level of toxins in the rust converter before buying it. Products with more toxins tend to be more flammable, and can even have drastic effects on your skin. You’d be wise to look for rust converters with fewer toxins for your own safety and the safety of the environment.

Ease of Cleaning

Applying a rust converter can sometimes be a messy process that will usually require cleaning once you’re done. Try to find a brand that will not trouble you to clean so that you don’t waste your precious time on this.

Drying Time

Generally, manufacturers recommend that you leave the converter for 24hrs after applying to dry thoroughly. However, some converter brands will take longer to dry than others. It’s up to you to compare the drying times and find a rust converter that best works for you. 

After It's All Said and Done, I Recommend: 

Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer, Rust Converter - 1 Gallon

Our Rating: 92/100

Why it is the best?

  • It is manufactured using environmentally friendly substances
  • applies easily
  • creates a nice coating that will fend off rust for a long time

Conclusion

A good quality rust converter will be the right response to the corrosion that is gradually finishing off your truck frame is. It helps to restore the integrity of the metal and leaves behind a nice coating that you can conveniently paint on to get your truck back into shape.

While there are numerous options of rust converters in the market that you can use, the above brands offer you viable options that not only deliver you great results but also make for a lasting solution.

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