Best Primers for Rusted Metal in 2020 | In-depth Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Surfing the market for the best primer for rusted metal? Surely, getting your hands on the right one isn’t easy, it is extremely hard if you are a beginner. Primers are extremely effective when it comes down to removing rust from metal, it saves a lot of your time and energy.

And if pre-applied you can prevent rust as well. Having that said, there are dozens of metal primers, and not every one of them is efficient and effective. Some are just cheap liquids that don’t make things any better.

However, so that you don’t end up picking the wrong metal primer, we have done all the research and have picked 8 best primers for rusted metal. These primers are being used widely and users are pretty satisfied well, which is why they are on this list. Have a look below, we have reviewed each of them thoroughly, from their advantages to disadvantages, you will get to know everything.

So let’s begin!

Best Primer for Rusted Metals Reviewed in 2020

1. Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer

As the name implies, this is not a rust remover, it is a converter. The Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter converts the rust into black enables where you can paint easily. When it comes to rust converting, this very water-based primer works incredibly that is why it is on the top of the list.

From incredible performance to ease of use, you will get everything from this primer. It is an industrial-strength metal primer and can be used everywhere including, marine area, residential, commercial, etc.

In the beginning, this Corroseal water base primer was developed for commercial use, and then, the manufacturer has made it more powerful. Its marine environment this converter works like magic, now imagine how better it can work in a normal residential environment. You think sandblasting and scrubbing is all-time best for removing rust? Give this converter a try, your thinking will get changed.

It is a non-flammable and non-corrosive primer which makes it very safe and extremely easy to apply. On top of everything, this water-based primer can be applied in different ways, you can brush, roll, or spray it on the metal surface. One of the best perks of using a water-based primer is, you can remove them easily with soapy water, don’t require any hassle.

You don’t have to do any kind of hard scrubbing work but make sure there aren’t any loose rust parts if there is you can remove them easily. And then apply the coating. Within a few hours you would see a black enamel ready for painting.

As we mentioned before, when it comes down to effectiveness, indeed this Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter is one of the best rust converter metal primers. Having that said, this solution is a little pricey but that is so obvious, good things will be a little expensive, that’s fair.

Check Latest Price

2. Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover

Looking for a super safe rust remover? Have a look at the Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover. One of the top-rated rust removers of the market. If you have a bunch of rusty metal items, this Evapo-rust is going to give them a new life.

It is super easy to use that even a beginner can apply it nicely. It doesn’t require any scrubbing or sanding, this water-based solution will take off all rust pretty soon. As mentioned above, this rust remover is extremely safe. You wouldn’t need any kind of goggles or gloves. This solution is non-toxic and it is highly environment safe. Plus, it doesn’t harm your eye or skin if comes in contact.

This is a water-based rust remover and can be used in different items such as household, automotive, commercial, etc. You can use this solution on cast iron cookware, graters, knives, antique pieces, toys, sewing machines, motor parts, or any other metals. When the rust layer is thick, this Evapo-rust solution can be reused.

It is non-flammable and doesn’t come with any odor or fumes that might irritate the user. Plus, if you are worried about metal or steel health after applying this rust remover, relax! This solution wouldn’t damage anything even an inch.

After all of these being said, there is something that the manufacturer didn’t advertise. That is, for getting the effectiveness of this rust remover you have to soak the rusty metal for a while and when you are applying the solution, make sure the rusty metal is not dried, it should remain wet. However, overall this Evapo-rust remover is a good rust remover, a lot of people have used and used, so far everyone is pretty satisfied.

Check Latest Price

3. Rust Converter ULTRA Professional Grade Rust Repair

Here comes the best highly effective professional-grade rust repair, the Rust Converter Ultra. People who need rust converter for commercial use, this Rust Converter Ultra would be a great suit for them. And the best part is, this one is pretty inexpensive, you will one gallon of this solution within a very low price.

Thinking 1 gallon is the low quantity? It might be but not in the case of this Rust converter. You can cover around 500 square feet with 1 gallon of this rust converter solution. In case you don’t know, this is not a rust remover, it doesn’t remove the rust of your metal items, instead, it converts them to an inactive black coating and you can easily paint over that.

You wouldn’t need to do any kind of preparation work like heavy scrubbing or sandblasting. And then applying on the metal is pretty simple and easy as well. Moving on, not only this rust converter is effective, it is extremely versatile as well. You can use this rust converting solution on any metal you want, whether it is household items or automotive.

On top of everything, not every rust converter solution is suitable for marine vessels, because the solution wears off easily and faster with water. But with this ultra-rust converter, you can do your marine works as well. The way this solution is formulated it can be used in any environment.

Moreover, this rust converting solution can be applied in different ways, you can spray it, roll it, or brush it. Most people prefer using spray since that is very convenient. This solution is very safe, it doesn’t contain any chemical that might harm humans or animals.

Plus, it doesn’t have any fumes that might irritate the user. Having said that, make sure you don’t use this solution near cloth because it stains badly.

Check Latest Price

4. TotalBoat Rust Primer Converter – Best Rust Primer Converter

The total boat is a well-reputed brand and they have been serving the market for a very long time. And this TotalBoat rust primer is another top-notch production of this brand. In converting rusts, this solution does an incredible job with no doubt. It is a converter, not a remover. What this solution does is, it turns the rust into an inert substance which becomes suitable for painting and priming.

The reason why this rust primer converter is so popular is because of its versatility. You can use this rust converter in different items such as any metal tools. Boats, trucks frame paint, campers, bikes, cars, metal railings, metal or steel doors, rebar, etc. It doesn’t matter which thing it is, with this ToolBoat rust converter you will be able to convert rust from everything easily.

With this rust removing solution you don’t have to be worried about harming the metal you will be using this solution on, it is completely safe to use. It is super easy to apply as well since you can choose any applying method, this solution can be sprayed, rolled, and brushed.

But before you start applying the solution, make sure you pick a brush and remove all the loosen rust or paints, if there are any. And then soak the metal part and leave it to dry for 24 hours, this will be very effective.

Like the previous one, this one is also the best budget rust primer. You get 1 gallon of this solution within a low price and with 1 gallon you can cover around 500 square feet. Moving on, with a lot of good, there is something the people didn’t like about this very solution.

After applying to remove this solution is a little hard. And then, it is smelly which might irritate the user. That being said, it does its job pretty nicely which is converting the rust and that is exactly why this TotalBoat rust primer is here.

Check Latest Price

5. Krylon K06903907 Rust Protector Primers – Best Rust Protector Primer

Well, this rust primer is a bit different from the others we have reviewed earlier. Compared to those, this Krylon Rust Protector is more versatile and that is why a lot of people have gone for this primer. The best thing about this rust protector primer is, it is a two in one thing. With this Krylon rust protector spray, you get priming and paint as well.

This makes this Krylon K06903907 very satisfying, you don’t need to do the painting after priming it. It is like hitting two targets in a single shot.

Since it is painted as well, you might be worried about the color. Different people want different colors. Is there any option of choosing a color in this Krylon K06903907? Obviously, there is, this primer comes in 30 different colors so that people can choose their preferred color. Not only that color, but this primer also comes in different finishes as well.

You get to choose from three different finishes, matte finishes, gloss, and semi-gloss. You get the color you like, rusts convert nicely and you get the finish you want as well, what else do you need?

Moving on, there is one more thing that users loved very much, the drying time. There are paints and primers which takes long to get dried properly, that is something that won’t happen in the case of this Krylon K06903907.

This primer and paint get dried very faster. 10 minutes after applying the solution it will get dried fully. Since it dries faster, fingerprints, dirt, dust, other particles cannot damage the process.

As you can see, this is a spray can solution that means you have to spray it, spraying is more convenient that brushing and rolling. When spraying there wouldn’t be any kind of drip marks. If you are looking for a quick solution to rust, this Krylon K06903907 protector would be a great choice.

Check Latest Price

6. Rust-Oleum 7769502 Protective Enamel Paint Stops Rust – Best Protective Enamel Paint

Do you have some metal pieces that are highly rusty? Tried different solutions but didn’t work? Taking off stubborn rusts from metal isn’t an easy task for sure. However, if you are looking for a solution that can fight heavy rust, take a look at this Rust-Oleum 7769520. If this didn’t get you rid of the stubborn rust, then no other solution would be able to take that off.

This solution is extremely strong and it easily converts even the stubborn rusts pretty easily. And on top of that, this rust converter is highly safe to use at home.

The reason why this solution is extremely effective is that once applied this solution goes deep inside the rust layers and then turns all the rusts into a black enamel. There are a bunch of solutions that starts peeling off after applying, but this solution will be stuck on the surface since it forms a strong bond. Plus, after applying the solution when it dries, the surface gives it pretty nicely. Highly suitable for further paints and coats.

Not only converting rust, but this Rust-Oleum solution also works as a protector as well, it can make the metal corrosion-resistant. A very common problem that people faces when they apply rust converting solution or paint or primer, is the dripping. But fortunately, this Rust-Oleum 7769520 will save from that hassle.

There won’t be any kind of dripping, the solution is very consistent. Moreover, the solution is not so thick so it wouldn’t be a hassle to apply it over. And then again, this solution is not so thin that it will drip everywhere easily.

Take a brush and apply this solution with that, the process will become very easy. This primer comes with features that are really satisfying. That being said, there is something that is little upsetting, this solution takes time to get dried. You might need to wait for a couple of days to get the primer dried completely. And only then you can apply the paint.

Check Latest Price

7. Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658 10.25-Ounce Rust Reformer Spray – Best Rust Reformer Spray

Another rust remover from the brand Rust-Oleum. This one is also a spray and does its job of rust reforming very well. In fact, this one is one of the best rust reforming sprays available in the market now.

It is a highly versatile spray, you can use it is in both indoor and outdoor. Not only that, if you have metal items that are extremely rusty and the rusts are not getting away, but you can also try this Rust-Oleum on that. According to the users, this rust reformer can fight and win against the stubborn rusts.

This rust reformer spray is an oil-based formula and you can use this reformer spray on metal items only. Not only it reforms the rusts but it can give your metal items a great coating that will save the metal from future rust or corrosion.

One highly satisfying thing about this reformer spray is the drying time. There are a lot of reformer solutions that take even days to get dried completely, and you wait for days to paint over that.

But fortunately, this Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658 dries way too faster, within 15-minutes after applying the solution will get dried fully, and will give you a surface that will be suitable for further painting.

Except for great rust reforming spray, this Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658 is an excellent primer as well. The quantity of this spray is 10.25 ounce and with it, you can easily cover around 20 square feet.

Check Latest Price

8. Permatex 81849-12PK Rust Treatment – Best Automotive Rusty Metal Primer

Ending the list with the best automotive rusty metal primer. If you are looking for a handy solution to rust then you might love this Permatex 81843-12 rust treatment spray. It is a 10.25 oz spray can container which can be carried easily to anywhere.

This spray is best for people who do automotive works. Plus, this is a great suit for car owners as well. The manufacturer has especially developed this spray treatment for working best with the body filler and fiberglass. And it does work pretty good in converting rust.

You can spray this rust converter and you can use the brush as well. Since this solution has formic acid, it is not much toxic and you don’t have to do much maintenance as well. That being said, if you have extreme rust then this one might not be very beneficial for you but for small rust spots, this works incredibly.

Like most rust converter solutions, this doesn’t take much time to show the result. Immediately after applying the solution, the rust would start turning into the inert form. The surface will start to look black and that is the coating which will save the item from further rusts.

After you see the black surface, that is ready for painting. However, if you want the result of rust convert then make sure the surrounding temperature is around 10 to 30 degrees Celsius or 50 to 86 F.

In this temperature, this solution works the best. Overall, for vehicle owners, this Permatex 81849-12PK is an excellent choice without any doubt. And lastly, except automotive items, this solution can be used in tanks, fences, and similar things.

Check Latest Price

How to Choose the Best Primer for Rusted Metal?

Rusts are very common and apart from the primers, there are other methods as well such as sanding, wire brushing, etc. that can get the metal rid of rust. But in primer, there are also different types. which works differently. Not only types, but there are also some other factors as well which people need to know so that they would end up choosing the right one for them.

However, below we have discussed all those factors that need to be considered right before purchasing a primer. Go through the entire guide and you won’t be far from your suitable metal primer.

Purpose

As we mentioned before, there are two types of primers, one is for treating a rusted metal and another is for protecting a new metal from rust. Now, which one do you need? Do you have metal equipment that is already rusty? Then there is no point in sanding or brushing hard when you can treat it better with primer.

So, in that case, you would go for a treatment primer. On the other hand, if you have new metal equipment and you don’t want it to get rusty, then you should go for a protective primer which gives a coating on the metal that prevents rust.

Durability

The gorgeous look of the bottle doesn’t mean it is durable. By saying durability, we mean how long the protective anti-rust coating lasts on the metal surface, so this is obviously about a protective primer. There are coatings which wear off very fast and easily, these kinds are the last thing you would want. So how would you know which one will last long and which not? There is nothing much you can trust except the user’s review.

If you head over to the review section you will see hundreds of users are saying how the thing works, good or bad, and some other stuff as well. So yeah, this is the best you can do!

Appearance

When you use primer on rusty metal, after drying that takes color and texture as well. So if you have the plan to paint the metal thing after using primer make sure you use a coating before. Because the texture will make the paint look bad, apply the coating, make the surface smooth and then paint, it will look good.

Drying time

There are some rust removers that effectively fight against rust but after applying they take really long to get dried. And you have to wait for that to dry of you want to paint over that. The waiting takes around a couple of days. But there are some rust converters in the market which are quicker. They get dried 10 to 30 minutes after applying, don’t you think they would be best? If it comes down to effectiveness, they are effective.

Versatility

We have a lot of metal items, household items, automotive tools or items, fences, doors, etc. There is different rust primer for different items. Some primer comes with harmful chemicals which cannot be used in the household items, those are suitable for outdoor items. And there are some primers in the market which are suitable for almost all the rusty items. You can use them on household items to automotive tools. And they will be beneficial in the long run.

Safety

Some rusted metal primers consist of chemical that is dangerous for humans. Those chemicals can harm the skin badly that why you need to be extremely careful when spraying or using those primers. That being said, you will find primers in the market which are not harmful at all, don’t you think going for them would be a wise decision?

Once primers without rough chemicals weren’t that effective in removing rust, but as time evolves, people have the way to make effective primers without rough and dangerous chemicals. So go for a primer that is not harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Top Rated Primer for Rusted Metal

Q1. What is the best primer for rusted metal? 
Answer: There are a bunch of primers which works incredible for rusted metal. All of them are working pretty, users are pretty satisfied. However, if you want a few names we would say, the Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter and the Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover would be the best choice for everyone.

Q2. What does primer do for rusted metal?
Answer: A metal primer is a product, it is a liquid solution and it is applied to the rusty metal. When the solution is applied on the rusty metal, that removes the rust or converts the rust into an inert substance which becomes suitable for painting. And when you use a rust converter solution on the rust, that not only converts the rust into a smooth surface but also makes a protective coating that gives the metal future protection from the rust and corrosion.

Q3. Can I paint a rusty metal? 
Answer: If you want, you can but that is not appropriate. When you paint over rusty metal, the rust will remove the paint with time. And since the surface is not flat, the paint would look horrible.

So the best thing you can do before painting over a rusted metal brushes the rusty area to take off any loose dirt or rust. And then pick a rust converter, apply that on the rusty area.

After applying the converter on the rust, you should get a good surface and that’s where you should paint. The paint will be long-lasting and the converted surface will give the metal protection from further rust and corrosions.

Q4. Does primer stop rust?
Answer: Primers do have some properties that have the ability to fight rust but most of the time they don’t work if applied on a metal which is already rusty. If you want to use a primer to get rid of rust them make sure to choose a rusty metal primer, that should work fine.

Conclusion 
Time to wrap up! These are 10 best primers for rusted metal you will find in the market right now. According to the users, they work pretty well but you need to know how to use them. In order to get the best out of them, you must apply them appropriately. So before you start applying the primer, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instruction.