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If you’re looking to stop corrosion without sanding or grinding for hours on end, rust converter is a great option. To determine which ones truly deliver, we tested five popular rust converters on a variety of metal surfaces, evaluating ease of application, coverage, and overall results. These products are especially useful for DIYers working on cars, outdoor furniture, tools, or fencing—anywhere spots of rust tend to creep in.
Unlike traditional rust removers that strip away corrosion with harsh chemicals or abrasives, rust converters chemically transform rust into a stable, paintable surface. That means they do triple duty: halting rust, preventing new corrosion, and priming the metal for a fresh coat of paint. This makes a quality rust converter an efficient all-in-one solution for both restoration and protection.
Of all the products we tested, Corroseal’s rust converter stood out the most. Its water-based formula is nontoxic, noncorrosive, and easy to apply, making it a reliable choice for homeowners who want professional-level results with minimal hassle.
In this guide, we’ll highlight our top-tested picks, explaining how each one performed so you can confidently choose the best rust converter, as well as share what to look for when shopping.
Rust Converters Comparison
| Product | Type | Application | Available sizes |
| Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter/Primer | Water-based | Brush, roll, or spray | 1 quart, 1 gallon, 5 gallon |
| FDC Rust Converter Ultra Rust Repair | Water-based | Brush, roll, or spray | 1 gallon |
| Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer Spray | Oil-based | Spray | 10.25 ounces |
| Rust Kutter Rust Converter | Acid-based | Brush, roll, or spray | 1-quart spray bottle, 1 gallon |
| Gemplers Rust Converter | Water-based | Brush, roll, or spray | 1 quart, 1 gallon, 5 gallons |
Best Overall
Photo: Amazon
What We Like
- Water-based, nontoxic, and eco-friendly formula
- Converts and primes metal in one step
- Visible results within 10 to 15 minutes
- Works on automotive, marine, and household projects
What We Don’t Like
- Requires cleanup after drying
- Thick consistency can be messy to apply
Product Specs
- Type: Water-based
- Application: Brush, roll, or spray
- Available sizes: 1 quart, 1 gallon, 5 gallon
Corroseal’s water-based rust converter is an industrial-strength formula designed to paint, prime, and convert rust in a single step. In testing, its thick white liquid went on smoothly and began turning black within minutes—a clear sign it was working. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the surface had transformed to a solid black finish, leaving clean metal underneath.
This product is especially appealing for DIYers because it saves time by both neutralizing rust and priming metal surfaces for paint. It’s also eco-friendly when compared to sandblasting or using harsh chemical removers. While the results were impressive, the application did require some additional cleanup once the converter dried, so patience is key.
Overall, this formulation offers reliable rust protection and restoration, making it a top choice for everything from automotive parts to outdoor furniture and marine equipment.
What our tester says: “It was interesting to watch Corroseal go to work so quickly on our rusty metal sheet. The rust disappeared and left a smooth black surface, primed and ready to go.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Corroseal rust converter at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
More Rust Converters Worth Your Money
While Corroseal is our top recommendation, it wasn’t the only product that impressed us during testing. Several other rust converters proved to be reliable solutions for restoring and protecting metal surfaces. Some offered nearly identical performance to Corroseal with only minor differences in application or cleanup, while others stood out for their convenience, speed, or budget-friendly price. Together, this range of options allows shoppers to choose the product that best matches their project needs, whether that’s an eco-friendly formula, a quick spray-and-go fix, or a heavy-duty liquid treatment. Each of the following picks earned our trust by demonstrating real results in testing, and they’re well worth considering as alternatives to the best overall rust converter.
How We Tested the Best Rust Converters
| Products tested | 5 |
| Time spent testing | 1 month |
| Tests performed | 3 |
| Price range | $10 to $65 |
To find the most effective products, we researched more than 20 rust converters and narrowed the list to five top contenders for hands-on testing. Each product was applied to three equally rusted metal samples, following the manufacturer’s directions for preparation and use. We observed application style, consistency, and drying time, then monitored results as the rust transformed and cured.
To evaluate durability, we painted over treated pieces (where appropriate) and subjected them to a homemade rust-inducing solution of hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and salt, leaving the samples outdoors for a month before retesting. We also dropped the treated pieces to see how well their finishes would hold up. Throughout the process, we assessed performance, ease of application, value, and eco-friendliness. Combining these tests with extensive product research and years of experience covering home-improvement products allowed us to confidently recommend the best rust converter options available.
| Product | Application | Durability | Value | ||
| Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter/Primer | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | ||
| FDC Rust Converter Ultra Rust Repair | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | ||
| Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer Spray | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | ||
| Rust Kutter Rust Converter | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | ||
| Gemplers Rust Converter | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
FAQs
Although you now know more about choosing the best rust converter, you might still be looking for more information on how to use it. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding rust converters.
Removing rust completely is the best option, but it can be laborious. That’s why rust converters are a popular alternative: they work quickly and they’re easy to use.
The primary ingredient in most rust converters is tannic acid, a chemical that converts the red color of iron oxides to a dark color while simultaneously making the surface more stable.
Some rust converters are designed to be sanded down after they dry, while others create a smooth surface that doesn’t need to be sanded. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific product for the best results.
Absolutely! A good rust converter chemically stabilizes corrosion, creating a solid, paintable surface that prevents more rust and extends the metal’s lifespan.
Yes, in fact, most rust converter products require rust to be present to actually work.
Yes, once fully cured. Most rust converters double as primers, allowing you to paint smoothly on top and achieve long-lasting protection.
Drying and curing times can vary. Most solutions require at least 20 minutes before painting or further handling, and some need as much as 24 hours.
Meet the Tester
Paul Rankin is a product tester and writer specializing in DIY and home-improvement tools. He aims to write straightforward reviews with a focus on hands-on performance and durability.
Additional research provided by James Fitzgerald.
