Rust can be an irritation for anyone working with metals, especially when working on vehicles. Por 15 Metal Ready can be the first thing that comes to mind when dealing with rusty surfaces, yet the solution is a little more expensive than many alternatives.
In addition, there’s the question of whether you can get it from your local automotive paint store, as it isn’t one of those products available everywhere. Because of this, it is good to know if there is a suitable POR-15 alternative.
In our guide, you can learn more about things such as Rustoleum vs. POR 15 or any other solutions that are just as effective. By the end, you’ll know more about what you can use to do the whole frame of a vehicle to stop rust from appearing. (Learn How Much Weight Can A Ceiling Joist Hold)
Can You Use Por-15 Without Metal Prep?
It is possible to use the stuff on rusty surfaces without metal prep, but it is best to do this first to have a good base on what to work on.
You can use phosphoric acid and a scuff pad to protect the entire body of a vehicle once it is stripped down to the bare metal.
Phosphoric acid is good stuff and will get rid of any rust. You can then prime the body with epoxy and paint it following your single phosphoric acid treatment, preventing rust for 12-months or more.
It’s important to remember not to allow the phosphoric acid to dry on the car before applying it.
Let the solution sit on the metal for the time specified by the solution, and then you can wipe it dry.
Be sure to be in a well-ventilated area and use eye and skin protection when using phosphoric acid.
What Is Por-15 Equivalent?
These chemical substances are specifically developed to work with rust and loosen when they come into touch with it in the metal.
They break down rust on metal surfaces by reacting with it. So if you have acid-free ones, they will do a better job of removing rust from metal surfaces.
What matters most is how things work in the future. You can’t just go around removing rust as needed. So choose something that will pick you from future rust.
One thing to note is that if the surface to be treated is oily; it may need you to use a degreaser before using any POR-15 metal prep alternative.
Why Choose an Alternative?
Metal Prep Por 15 is the best as it removes all traces of rust from the rusted metal surface.
That solution is fantastic for metal automotive parts. As a result, mechanics do not hesitate. However, we, as ordinary consumers, must consider it. We can not consume a gallon of the good stuff whenever we want.
Here’s a breakdown of what a Por-15 metal prep alternative will offer:
Alternatives Are Cost-Effective
Although the POR-15 rust remover is the best, people prefer less expensive solutions based on task size. (Read Cleaning Battery Terminals Without Disconnecting)
If you choose between two solutions that perform equally, you will almost certainly choose the less expensive option.
When you’re trying to choose an alternative, many can give the originals a run for their money as they offer the same results.
Availability
Many people can’t find Por 15 in their local garages, so that it might be out of your reach.
Furthermore, some scalpers buy in quantity to make a profit, making it difficult for garage owners to find.
If you need a gallon of Por 15 Metal Ready, shipping to your location may be more expensive.
Is There Anything Better Than Por-15?
POR-15 isn’t the only product suitable to treat rusted surfaces. Here are some alternatives you can find. Note that even these may require the use of a degreaser before application.
1. Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer Spray
Many match Por-15 vs. Rustoleum Rust Reformer Spray. Rust-Oleum is a popular Por 15 Metal Ready alternative and offers the most size options, so there’s little chance you’ll overspend.
You can apply this black rust reformer spray from your paint gun, a real discussion starter, as other alternatives aren’t sprays.
This form makes it easier to apply to rusty metal surfaces. Rust-Oleum works differently as when you spray it on rust, it is black, and this black coating offers your paint an even coating.
The coating can also prevent any further rusting, according to the manufacturers.
Being an oil-based formula, the application is easy when you spray your rusted surface, although
it will take around an hour to dry.
It takes a day to paint it and let it dry, so it would be the following day when you can paint your rusty surfaces.
This, in most cases, eliminates the need for sanding unless your flakes of rust are too large and would prevent a smooth surface.
It is better to avoid directly spraying over the rust and remove the overlying rust using a brush.
2. Evapo-Rust Rust Remover
Then a gallon of Evapo-Rust rust remover. This one is more common for removing rust from blades and cleavers. It also removes rust from automotive metal surfaces.
It’s biodegradable, and you can stay wearing gloves, but it’s preferable to be safe.
A gallon may be too much for some.
It has some disadvantages compared to the top spray can. First, it’s water-based, unlike our top oil-based rust reformer.
Biodegradability is their major selling point; otherwise, nothing special about it.
This removes rust in minutes, they promise. It works as directed, but you must moisten the surface. (Read Coolant Reservoir Empty But Radiator Full)
This one only prevents rust for a few weeks. That’s not impressive. Extra items are needed to make the layer permanent.
After employing this solution, dousing the metal with a rust block makes the coating permanent. Over 3 months, we saw no signs of further rusting.
The odor is also a common issue with these substances. This astonished us as it doesn’t include VOCs, solvents, or acids; thus, it’s odorless.
Many people also report that these solutions damage plastic or PVC components. However, we didn’t detect other materials getting damaged after use in testing.
Another use for Evapo-rust Rust’s remover is they claim it de-rusts up to 300 lbs. of steel.
3. Henkel Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver
Henkel’s Naval Jelly is third, and from the name, you won’t think it’s a rust remover.
Something about this attracted our attention, which is the low price. The bottles can be found smaller than large gallon containers, so you naturally pay a small amount in comparison.
This requires removing loose rust scales first using a wire brush or sandpaper before the rest of the surface can be painted.
A first spray can also require a brush. This one can go. They say we can apply liberally. True
This solution requires cleansing first, so before applying, wipe the metal surface dry before it
is painted.
The steel can take longer to prep, so you can see what the cost is cheaper. Once you’ve applied, you need to wait nearly two hours before you rinse and dry the surfaces.
You need to wear gloves as it’s not biodegradable, and they can irritate or burn the skin.
There is also a warning that you shouldn’t apply the solution more than five times to plated surfaces.
It works by dissolving rust and can do on many items. However, it takes a lot more effort, so stick to one that is a little more but helps cut down on preparing time.
4. SEM 69504 Rust Mort
The final alternative is aggressive, and it won’t take repeat coats on the rusted surface. Three coats deliver excellent effects, and all you have to do is brush it on like paint.
Before applying, it is advisable to use a metal brush to remove scaly rust.
You may overuse it, believing it is ineffective. But three coats are more than enough to offer a long life on most surfaces.
5. Rust Bullet ProPlus
Rust Bullet products are more eco-friendly than other products, where they emit less, which makes them more sustainable.
The products lack heavy metals, zinc, chromates, and other compounds.
Rust Bullet provides asset and environmental protection.
ProPlus outperforms POR15 in many areas, and the rust inhibitor gives you double the paint quality for less price
It takes no surface prep, and the UV-resistant paints can cover rusted and clean metal where it won’t fade or crack.
Depending on substrate porosity and texture, one gallon covers 300 square feet per coat, although a two-coat treatment is necessary and highly recommended.
What Is POR-15 Metal Prep Made Of?
POR15’s Metal Ready contains Octylphenoxy Polyethanol Ethanol Triphenol Methane, Zinc Phosphate, and Phosphoric Acid, according to the MSDS sheet.
When using any product containing Phosphoric & Muriatic acids and probably Zinc phosphate in place of metal ready, you need to take precautions for eyes, skin, and breathing.
Phosphoric acid dissolves the rust, followed by an epoxy primer and topcoat.
How to Apply Rust Removers
- Wire wheel everything to remove the loose rust, dust, and paint.
- Degrease your frame well and degrease a second time using Marine Clean. Don’t allow the Marine Clean to dry on the surface; rinse it off with water.
- Allow it to dry completely before applying the Metal Prep as directed, keeping the surfaces wet for about 30 minutes; do not allow it to dry before rinsing with the water spray bottle.
- Allow one medium-thick coat of POR-15 to dry completely.
You can add a chassis saver if you want a tough finish against flash rust. You can find chassis saver outlasts other body parts if you apply at least five layers of chassis saver, but you can’t argue with the results.
Any phosphoric acid solution or product should work just fine on floor pans before applying POR-15 or one of the alternatives.
Master Series Silver is a better choice as the primer coat can go over rusty areas or bare, clean metal areas.
It can be top-coated as it withstands salt spray and elements better than POR as this needs a rough surface to bond whereas this primer can stick to any surface as long as it’s been degreased with Marine Clean.
