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| Paint FAQ |
| Q | Aren’t all paints basically the same? | | A | No they are not. Different types of paints perform different functions. Some have better moisture resistance, some have better color and gloss retention, etc. |
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| Q | Can I apply a clear coating over Stops Rust Metallics? | | A | Yes. Use Stops Rust Crystal Clear 7701, Painter’s Touch 1901 Gloss Clear, or Painter’s Touch 1902 Matte Clear. |
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| Q | Do you still make Wood Saver Trim paints? | | A | No, we do not. Wood Saver Trim paint was discontinued several years ago and we do not have a replacement product like it. |
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| Q | My can of oil based paint seems a little thick. Can I thin it? | | A | Yes. For brush/roller as well s as spray gun applications acetone can be used for thinning. Mineral spirits can be used for clean up only due to clean air regulations. |
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| Q | What are the differences between the Professional paints and the Stops Rust paints? | | A | Both product lines offer the same protection and durability you have come to expect from Rust-Oleum. Professional dries in 15 minutes. |
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| Q | How do I thin water-based acrylic paint? | | A | Thin water-based acrylic paint with water. |
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| Q | What is the difference between the Stops Rust paints and the Farm Equipment paints? | | A | Both products offer rust preventive and weather resistant qualities. The Farm Equipment colors are designed to offer visual color matches to popular farm equipment colors. |
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| Q | Which product has the best resistance to gasoline? | | A | Only EPOXYShield Garage Floor Paint has gasoline resistance. |
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| Q | Why do I have to wait before applying a second coat? | | A | Observing the proper dry times between coats helps prevent wrinkling, which happens when paint folds, lifts or crinkles. |
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| Q | Why should I use a primer? | | A | Primer provides added protection by preparing the surface for a smoother finish coat and improves adhesion of the top coat. Additionally, Stop Rust Clean Metal Primers, Rusty Metal Primers and Auto Primers help prevent surface rusting. |
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| Q | What type of brush should I use if both oil- and water-based paints are being applied? | | A | Nylon and polyester blend paint brushes work well in both oil- and water-based paints. |
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| Q | How should I care for my brush so that it maintains its performance level use after use? | | A | Clean it immediately after use with paint thinner or kerosene for bristle brushes, soap and water for nylon/polyester brushes. Use a brush comb to clean and straighten the bristles. Don’t soak your brush for extended periods of time or it may lose its shape. If possible, store your brush by hanging it and don’t store a brush on its tips. |
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| Q | When purchasing paint, I’ve been asked if I want flat, high-gloss, satin or even an eggshell finish. What do these terms mean and does it really make any difference what kind of finish I have? | | A | These terms refer to the sheen or gloss level of the paint and, yes, it does make a difference which one you use. The sheen or gloss level simply means the degree of light reflectance of the paint. The terms you mention are ones that various manufacturers use to describe the shininess of their products. Your local independent paint retailer can recommend the type of gloss you need for your particular paint project. |
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| Q | Should certain brushes be used with certain paints? | | A | Generally, there are two types of paint brushes: those made of natural-hair bristles and those made with synthetic materials (usually nylon or polyester). Natural bristle brushes are preferred for use with solvent-based (oil- or alkyd-based) paints, especially for enamel or finish work. Natural bristles are hollow and can absorb the water contained in a latex paint, causing them to swell and become soft and limp (like your own hair when it’s wet).
Most synthetic brushes work well with both latex and solvent-based paints, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations on the brush. Some of the solvents used in solvent-based paints can break down the composition of a synthetic bristle. Once again, check the label.
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| Q | Is an expensive brush really that much better than a cheap one? | | A | High-quality or more expensive brushes have distinct advantages over the cheaper ones. First of all, a high-quality brush will finish the job more quickly. This is because a top-quality brush has the ability to "hold" more paint in reservoir, which means you will spend less time "painting the can" than applying the paint to the surface.
Also, a top-quality brush will have a tapered end, which means there are shorter bristles on the outside and longer bristles in the center. Tapered bristles give the painter more control over where and how much paint goes onto the surface.
A top-quality brush will also not shed bristles like a cheaper brush, because of how firmly the bristles are seated in the ferrule (the metal band that attaches the bristles to the handle).
The quality of a brush is also determined by the material used as plugs (space plugs inside the ferrule that bond the bristles in the ferrule, add taper to the bristles, and finally create "wells" in the center of the bristles to hold paint) in the ferrule.
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| Surface FAQ |
| Q | Can I use high heat paint on the inside of the grill? | | A | No — just on the outside of the grill. The product does not have flame resistance and is not USDA accepted for surfaces that may come in contact with food. |
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| Q | Can I use Rust-Oleum paints for a swimming pool? | | A | No. These products are not suitable for continuous water immersion. |
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| Q | Can I use Rust-Oleum paints for bathtubs or sinks? | | A | Our Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit renews ceramic tile and porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, cast iron and steel tubs and sinks. |
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| Q | Can I use Rusty Metal Primer and Clean Metal Primer on my car? | | A | Stops Rust Auto Primer is formulated for use with automotive touch up paints. Rusty Metal and Clean Metal Primers should only be used if top coated with Rust-Oleum paint. |
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| Q | Can I use Rusty Metal Primer on clean metal? | | A | No. The fish oil that is in the primer needs to penetrate into rust to seal out air and moisture. If there is no rust, the oil will rise to the surface making adhesion of the finish coat difficult. |
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| Q | Can your products be applied to fiberglass? | | A | Yes. If providing a profile (roughing the surface) can be achieved, it is possible to paint fiberglass. However, if the substrate flexes a lot, the product may lose adhesion and crack off. |
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| Q | Can I use your paint on wood? | | A | Yes. We recommend using Painter’s Touch brush products, which are water-based acrylics. Although our Stops Rust brand products are designed for metal, they will adhere and protect properly prepared wood. |
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| Q | Can aerosol paints be applied to galvanized metal? | | A | Yes, if Aluminum Primer is used as a base coat and allowed to dry for 24 hours before applying aerosols. Most all of our spray paints are oil-based enamels. If applied directly to galvanized metal without the primer, the oil in the paint will react. |
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| Q | Do you have paints for boats? | | A | Yes. We make a line of marine coatings. |
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| Q | Do you have paints for use on plastics? | | A | Yes. Rust-Oleum makes a specialty primer and paint specifically for plastic. |
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| Q | Do you make a paint that can be used inside a fireplace? | | A | No. We do not offer a product that has flame resistance. |
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| Q | Do you make a paint that can be used on a stove top? | | A | No. We do not offer a product appropriate for use on stove tops. |
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| Q | Which product should I use to paint galvanized steel? | | A | Use a water-based acrylic, including products offered in the Painter’s Touch and American Accents product lines. You may also use Aluminum Primer. |
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| Q | What product should I use to paint my cement yard statues? | | A | Use a water-based acrylic, including products offered in the Painter’s Touch and American Accents product lines. Due to the porousness and roughness of cement surfaces, it is best to prime the surface before painting. |
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| Q | Can your products be applied to aluminum? | | A | Yes, providing a profile (roughing the surface) can be achieved, any of our products are suitable for aluminum. The water-based acrylic Painter’s Touch brush products are our best recommendation. You can also use Aluminum Primer. |
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| Q | Can I use the Specialty High Temperature paints to paint my stove? | | A | No. We do not offer a product for this application for the following reasons:
- The high-temperature products are not flame-resistant, so they aren’t appropriate for use around gas stove burners. Whether gas or electric, the temperatures those areas reach usually exceed the acceptable levels.
- High-temperature products develop a very low luster not conducive to high-maintenance wash-down areas, such as stoves.
- We do not recommend using spray paint inside your home.
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| Q | How can I create an anti-slip surface? | | A | An anti-slip surface can be created by adding a fine aggregate to the mix before application. Rust-Oleum offers an anti-slip additive, product number 200504 that can be used. |
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| Q | What types of plastic can be painted with Specialty Paints For Plastic? | | A | We recommend using it on polypropylene, polystyrene, resin, PVC, fiberglass and hard vinyl plastics such as chairs, tables and planters. Tip: Some plastics made of polyethylene, such as Little Tykes children’s products, are manufactured in a way that may hinder maximum paint adhesion. Test paint in a hidden area first according to directions on the can. |
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| Garage Floor Coating FAQ |
| Q | Can garage floor coatings coat my pool deck, patio, sidewalk, carport, or driveway? | | A | No, the garage floor coatings are for interior use only. |
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| Q | Are the coatings slippery? | | A | No, the coatings are not slippery when wet. However, if you desire an additional level of protection against slipping, you may add an anti-slip coating. |
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| Q | Can I get more chips for EPOXYShield Garage Floor Coating or EPOXYShield Basement Floor Coating? | | A | Yes. You may purchase additional decorative chips and add to your coating. |
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| Q | Will I be able to coat and/or apply the decorative chips to the vertical surfaces in my garage (e.g., sidewall)? | | A | Sidewalls and stemwalls can be painted to match the floor, but decorative chips cannot be applied to the vertical surface. |
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| Q | If my garage has windows, will the coating fade? | | A | No, only direct UV exposure will cause the coating to fade. |
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| Q | What are the decorative chips made of? | | A | Vinyl. |
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| Q | Do I have to repair the cracks in my concrete? | | A | Yes. Crack repair is important to the integrity and longevity of the coating. |
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| Q | What are the dry times on the garage floor coatings? | | A | Dry times are as follows:
- To Walk - 12-16 hours
- To Move Items - 24-48 hours
- 3 days
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| Q | How do I clean my garage floor coating if I stain it? | | A | Stains wipe up with any cleaner degreaser. |
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| Q | Can I power wash my garage floor coating to clean it? | | A | Yes. Power washing will not damage the integrity of the floor. |
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| Q | Can tire marks be wiped off of the garage floor coating? | | A | Yes. |
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| Q | Will hot tires driving across the floor cause the garage floor coating to separate from the floor? | | A | No. |
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