Rust Proofing Paint (like POR15)

[Richard D.]

Saw an interesting post regarding using a rust proofing paint like POR-15 that recommended strongly against using it.

Since I was considering using a paint with similar claims (Magnet Paints Chassis Saver - cheaper than POR15) to treat parts of my frame this winter, I was wondering if anyone else out there has similar feeling about using a paint like this on the chassis, and if anyone had ever tried the Magnet Paint product, and how that worked out for them.

By the way, my car is a 68, and the frame is in relatively good condition, with surface rust and a bit of scaling.

Thanks,

Rich

[Chuck S.]

Re: Rust Proofing Paint (like POR15)

Richard, I have recently responded to a similar question re POR15 on frame painting. If that was your question, and you are looking for additional experience, I apologize for repeating my opinions un-necessarily.

For a judged car, even one being returned to near-original condition, there are some good applications and some bad applications for POR15. First off, I wouldn't use it ANYWHERE it would be visible for reasons already posted: it's extremely hard to remove (if necessary) and it is not ultra-violet light resistant (translation: expect degradation over time if not top coated with another paint). Epoxy primers on bare or phosphated steel, top coated with acrylic urethane (properly flattened), will provide an original appearing frame finish with tough, superior corrosion protection without the liabilities of POR15.

There are, however, some excellent applications for POR15 where it is hidden from view (and light)...for example, the INSIDE of the frame, inside of the radiator support, inside of bird cage sills, and the inside of the windshield frame in particular. These areas are highly susceptible to rust, and need all the corrosion protection you can provide.

The best restoration technique is to completely remove any sign of rust by blasting to white metal. In areas hidden from view, such as those above, there may be pre-existing rust that CAN'T BE REMOVED by any method. In those areas, when the metal is structurally sound, use of POR15 with its rust-arresting/rust-inhibiting claims makes a lot of sense to me.

Regarding "Magnet Paint", I haven't used it, but it raises the question of why consider using a product whose primary claim was "like POR15, but cheaper". My humble opinion is FORGET CHEAPER. I would be putting this stuff where "cheaper" would seem really irrelevent if it didn't perform as advertised. POR15 is just not that expensive, and they invented the stuff originally.

[Richard D.]

Re: Rust Proofing Paint (like POR15)

Thanks Chuck, good thoughts on using it selectively in non visable areas.

Think I'll follow your advise on that.

As far as the Magnet Paint goes, for all I know it may be better than POR15, so that's why I asked. You're right, the cost differential is not that important, or signifcantly different for that matter.

Regards,

Rich

[Don H.]

Re: Rust Proofing Paint (like POR15)

Rich,

I used POR about ten years ago when restoring a very rusty AAR Cuda (I know, what was I thinking) and I was not satisfied at all with it. They claimed I didn't use it right but I followed the instructions. My humble opinion is it is too expensive for what you get. Don H.

[Richard D.]

Re: Rust Proofing Paint (like POR15)

Thanks Don for the advise.

I just received a catalog from Magic Paint, and this type of paint is pretty challanging to use after looking at the tech info and application info on it.

Needs 2 -3 coats that need to be done within 3 -5 hours of each other, otherwise you need to scuff the surface for adhesion, can't reclose the container as it will go "bad", stuff like that.

I assume it's pretty much the same for the POR15.

I think I will use some for the areas that look real bad and are in tough rust areas like the window supports, and use regular paint to top coat and put on the other cleaned up areas (rust removed and primed) just for some added protection insurance.

Regards,

Rich