Top Rust Converter Brands for Superior Protection

When dealing with metal surfaces that have succumbed to the damaging effects of rust, choosing the right rust converter can make a significant difference in restoration projects. In today's market, several top-tier brands have risen to prominence due to their efficacy in converting rust into a protective coating. These products not only save time and effort but also extend the life of your metal assets. To help you navigate through the options, we've compiled a list of the best brands for rust converters that stand out for their performance and reliability. Read on to discover which products make the cut and how they can serve your specific needs.

Illustration of rust converter

Best brands of rust converter in 2025

Rust-Oleum

Rust-Oleum, a renowned brand in the rust remover market, is distinguished for its effective rust conversion products, such as the Rust Reformer, which transforms rusted metal into a paintable surface without the need for sanding down to bare metal. This product is part of the Stops Rust brand, known for its high-quality coatings. The global rust remover market, in which Rust-Oleum is a key player, is expected to grow significantly, with the Asia Pacific region accounting for around 39.42% of the market share in 2022. The market is driven by increasing demand from end-use industries like automotive and construction, contributing to a projected CAGR of 4.4% to 5.28% during the forecast period. Rust-Oleum's products are favored for their ease of use and effectiveness in converting rust into a stable, paintable surface.

Corroseal

Corroseal is a leading brand in the rust remover market, known for its industrial-strength rust converter and primer that chemically converts rust into a stable, inert substance called magnetite. This water-based, non-corrosive product is highly effective in various applications, including marine, household, automotive, and industrial settings. It is easy to apply and clean up, and it provides long-lasting protection without the need for topcoating. Corroseal's product is part of a market expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2023 to 2033, driven by increasing demand from end-use industries like construction and automotive. For more information about this innovative rust converter and primer, visit the Corroseal product page.

POR-15

POR-15 is a renowned brand in the rust remover market, celebrated for its high-performance rust preventive coatings that have revolutionized rust protection since 1978. Their moisture-cure rust preventive undercoating technology forms an impenetrable barrier against water, chemicals, salt, and other corrosive contaminants. POR-15 products are widely used on vehicles, heavy-duty equipment, and structures globally, including antique cars, DIY classic cars, and professional automotive restorations. The brand's coatings are known for their extreme resistance to scuffing and burnishing, and they are body shop safe and made in the USA. With its unique curing process that utilizes moisture to dry faster, POR-15 offers a permanent rust repair solution that is practically indestructible.

Permatex

Permatex is a renowned brand in the rust remover market, known for its effective and fast-acting rust conversion products. The Permatex Rust Treatment, for instance, provides a one-step treatment that encapsulates old rust and prevents new rust, with a black polymer coating that acts as an excellent protective primer. In market analyses, Permatex products have been compared favorably against other brands, such as POR-15 and Rust-oleum, in terms of rust resistance and durability. The global rust remover market, which includes Permatex products, is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.28% from 2023 to 2032, with the Asia Pacific region holding a significant market share of 39.42% in 2022. Permatex's products are widely used in automotive and industrial applications, reflecting the brand's strong presence in the market.

Loctite

Loctite is a leading brand in the production of rust converters, offering products like the Loctite SF 754 Extend Rust Treatment, a fast-drying, milky-white rust treatment designed to stop rust, protect surfaces from further corrosion, and act as a primer for finish coats. This product is suitable for exterior exposure without a topcoat in mild environments and can be applied by brush, roller, or spray. Loctite's rust neutralizers, such as the Extend Rust Neutralizer, dry in minutes and form a tough polymer coating ready for primer and paint. The global rust remover market, which includes Loctite products, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2031, reaching a value of USD 799.1 Mn by 2031. Loctite's products are widely used in industries and by consumers, particularly in regions like North America, which dominates the global rust remover market with a 34.6% share in 2024.

FDC

The FDC Rust Converter Ultra stands out as one of the best producers of rust converters, offering excellent coverage of up to 500 square feet per gallon, significantly outperforming other products that typically cover only 200 to 250 square feet. It is compatible with a variety of metal surfaces, including railings, tools, automobiles, machinery, and boats. The product dries quickly in 20 minutes and is fully cured in 2 days, making it efficient for various applications. Despite requiring two coats, its affordability and broad applicability make it a top choice. It is available in 1-gallon bottles and can be applied using a brush, roller, or pump sprayer. For detailed insights and comparisons, check out this rust converter guide.

Evapo-Rust

Evapo-Rust is a leading brand in the rust remover market, renowned for its non-acid, non-toxic, and biodegradable rust removal products. Acquired by CRC Industries in April 2021, Evapo-Rust strengthens CRC's global leadership in corrosion protection and coatings. This brand is widely used by the US military and industrial companies for its effective and safe rust removal capabilities, with products sold in 48 countries and over 40,000 retail stores. Evapo-Rust products are known for their high efficacy, requiring no scrubbing and being reusable, making them a preferred choice in various industries. The brand's products have also been recognized with awards, such as R&D Magazine's 'Top 100 Inventions of the Year' award. Read more about the acquisition on the CRC Industries' blog.

WD-40

WD-40 is a leading brand in the rust removal market, known for its effective and safe products. The WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak, for example, quickly dissolves rust without using caustic chemicals or harsh acids, making it ideal for various applications including auto restoration, farm equipment, and antique restoration. In 2024, WD-40 Company anticipates sales between $570 and $600 million, reflecting strong growth, with the WD-40 Multi-Use Product and WD-40 Specialist segments contributing significantly to their revenue. The company's products are widely used, with the EIMEA region accounting for 36.84% of total maintenance product revenues and the Asia-Pacific region showing a 13.07% year-over-year revenue growth for WD-40 Specialist products. WD-40's commitment to quality and safety has made it a preferred choice in the industry.

Henkel

Henkel, through its Loctite brand, is a leading producer of rust converters, offering products like Loctite Extend Rust Treatment, which stops rust by converting it to a tough polymer surface ready for primer and paint. This product is ideal for various applications, including iron railings, patio furniture, and gardening equipment. Henkel's rust remover market presence is significant, with the top 10 players in the rust remover market, including Henkel, accounting for a substantial share of the market in 2019. The rust remover market, forecast to reach $556 million by 2025, highlights the importance of such products in preventing corrosion. Loctite Extend Rust Treatment is a fast-drying, milky-white latex coating that acts as a primer for finish coats.

Gempler's

Gempler's is a notable brand in the rust converter market, known for its effective rust conversion products that chemically turn rust into an inert compound, providing long-lasting protection. Their rust converters are ideal for large surfaces and porous areas, eliminating the need for sandblasting or heavy scraping. Although Gempler's rust converter did not rank as the top performer in some tests, it still offered a satisfactory finish and protection against rust. The product is applied through brushing or spraying, followed by a good top coat for enhanced durability. Gempler's rust converters are a preferred choice for those seeking a convenient and efficient rust removal solution.