Can I use Rust Bullet Color Shell or Clear Shot directly over rust?

Can I use Rust Bullet Color Shell or Clear Shot directly over rust?

I am intending to use one of the Rust Bullet Color Shells or Clear Shot, can I skip the Standard or Automotive Formula coats?

If you have existing rust, we strongly advise you apply Rust Bullet Standard Formula or Rust Bullet Automotive Formula as a first step, even if you intend to apply Rust Bullet Clear Shot or Rust Bullet Color Shell. When it comes to paint, proper preparation is everything, and a rusty surface can only be properly prepared by using the Standard or Automotive Formulas as a base coat. Clear Shot and Color Shell provide stand-alone protection for iron and steel, but they are not sufficient when rust is present. Furthermore, a base coat of Rust Bullet Standard Formula or Rust Bullet Automotive Formula paired with a top coat of Clear Shot or ColorShell will always provide the ultimate protective coating on clean, bare or rusty metal.

In order to bond properly with rusty metal, the first coat of Rust Bullet needs to completely penetrate the rust to the base metal underneath. A second coat is then required to seal the first coat completely, ensuring protection against future rust. Only the Standard and Automotive Formulas are able to do this. The Color Shells and Clear Shot are formulated to be excellent top coats, but they do need the Standard or Automotive Formulas underneath when rust is present.

See our full selection of Rust Bullet products.