BlackTop Application Directions and Technical Data

Printer Friendly BlackTop Instructional Videos BlackTop FAQs Prime First with RustSeal Paint Spraying Guidelines Search the KBS Support Desk For Answers to your Questions Search the KBS Support Forum For Answers to your Questions Order BlackTop

BlackTop is a single stage, moisture cured 1K urethane applied directly over clean bare metal, primed, or previously painted surfaces. Clean with KBS Klean, then brush or spray one to two covering coats at 2 mils each between 55 and 82°F. Recoat before 24 hours and allow 48 hours for full cure.

To achieve expert results, please take the time to carefully read and understand the following directions before you begin your restoration project. Check our BlackTop FAQs for answers to common questions, or if you have any remaining questions or concerns, please contact us for technical assistance.

Surface Preparation:

Apply BlackTop to clean and dry surfaces. If needed, use KBS Klean to remove all surface contaminants. (NOTE: Avoid solvent-based cleaners which leave invisible residues that can affect the adhesion of BlackTop.)

If the ultimate in rust protection is desired for your application, prime or seal with RustSeal first.

To topcoat freshly painted RustSeal surfaces (between 3 to 8 hours old), apply BlackTop directly as no other prep is required. For all other painted surfaces, lightly sand with 320 grit paper then clean and dry surface. Alternatively, you can also apply a light dust coat of Fusion Self-Etch Primer by aerosol or brush. You are ready to topcoat with BlackTop once Fusion is dry.

Mixing & Storage:

Do not shake can. Do not whip. Take the time to stir contents thoroughly making sure all components of the coating are well-dispersed. Use of a mechanical mixer (KBS Hurricane Paint Mixer or similar mixing blade attached to drill) is highly recommended. Effective mixing includes repeatedly touching bottom of can and lifting to disperse any settled pigments and/or matting agents. Placing paint can upside down for a short time before opening and mixing will aid with proper mixing.

Keep lid on container when not in use. Do not paint directly out of can. Dispense a working amount of BlackTop into a separate container (steel or glass is best) and seal can immediately. Unused paint should NEVER be put back into the can as it will shorten its shelf life and cause pressure build-up possibly popping the lid. Keep can groove free of paint by using a scoop or KBS Paint Spout. Use painters plastic (or something similar) between the lid and the top of the can to stop metal to metal contact as BlackTop is extremely strong and tough and can permanently seal the lid. Always store in cool, dry place.

Storing Opened BlackTop

If storing for a period of time, hold can lid and plastic wrap (described above) closely above can and spray KBS Paint Saver towards side of the can to avoid splashing. Spray KBS Paint Saver 2 seconds for quarts or less and 4 seconds for gallons. KBS Paint Saver prevents oxygen and moisture damage and extends storage times of BlackTop. Always store BlackTop in a cool, dry place.

BlackTop Application (Non-Aerosol):

Ideal BlackTop application temps are 55 to 82°F. For best end results, use only in moderate to dry atmospheric conditions i.e. 70% humidity or lower. Apply BlackTop to prepared surfaces by brush or spray equipment. BlackTop is self-leveling and brush marks will flow out unless adverse environmental conditions such as elevated heat and humidity exist. Under these circumstances, BlackTop will cure too quickly leaving visible brush marks. To remedy, thin BlackTop about 5 to 10% to slow cure time and enhance its self-leveling properties. Use KBS #1 Thinner or xylene only. Never use lacquer thinner.

Apply one or two covering coats (2 mils or 30um thickness) for general automotive applications. For marine or industrial applications, apply a minimum of two covering coats.

Brushing Technique

NOTE: When brushing BlackTop, do not overwork the brush as this can cause the BlackTop to cure too quickly possibly leaving visible brush marks. It is best to brush an area with BlackTop and move on immediately versus brushing an area over and over again. If you brush over an area over and over again forcing the solvents out, you run the risk of the brush marks not flowing out as well they are designed to flow out.

Applying the Satin Sheen of BlackTop

BlackTop is heavily pigmented. It is critically important to get all of the matting agents mixed back into suspension using a mechanical mixer attached to a drill (like the KBS Hurricane Paint Mixer) or at least a paint stir stick. Effective stirring includes repeatedly touching bottom of can and lifting to disperse any settled pigments and/or matting agents. Be sure to also apply BlackTop in THIN COATS ONLY to allow for a nice matte finish and if a more matte finish is desired, you can reduce BlackTop 20% with KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene to produce a more matte finish.

BlackTop Spray Application:

Thinning is not generally required, but if needed, 5 to 10% is normally adequate. Use KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene only which are compatible slow evaporating solvents. Do not reduce BlackTop with lacquer thinner. After thinning and stirring well, strain with 100 micron filter. Use an air line dryer filter to remove any moisture from the air line. Also remember to clean your spray gun immediately after using BlackTop. You can find more information on spraying BlackTop in our Paint Spraying Guidelines.

BlackTop Aerosol Application:

Apply BlackTop to prepared surfaces as described above. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND EYEWEAR when using BlackTop. Always use a NIOSH/MSHA approved air supplied respirator. Spray at room temperature 60 to 78°F (20 to 26°C). Use only in moderate to dry atmospheric conditions i.e. 70% humidity or lower.

Shake can for at least one minute after listening for rattle or mixing ball. During application, shake intermittently for approximately 10 seconds at 1 to 2 minute intervals. Press valve all the way down. Do not extend finger beyond the valve. Hold container about 6 to 8 inches from surface to be sprayed. Do not cover with continuous spray. Move back and forth, releasing sprayhead after stroke. Overlap each stroke.

IMPORTANT: After use, invert can and spray for 4 seconds to clean valve.

NOTE: If spray button becomes clogged, pull off and clean with KBS #1 Thinner. DO NOT stick pins or wire into can opening. Replace spray button firmly with valve opening pointing away from you.

Recoating, Dry Time & Full Cure:

RECOATING: Re-coating can be done once the first or consecutive coat of BlackTop is dry-to-touch and does not leave a fingerprint and prior to 24 hours. If you go more than 24 hours, it is best to lightly scuff the previous cured coat of BlackTop with 320 grit or a green scotch-brite pad. Do not apply additional coats before the prior coat has dried to the touch and does not leave a fingerprint.

FULL CURE: Full cure for BlackTop is 48 hours and is a function of time, temperature, and film build.

Clean Up:

KBS #1 Thinner is ideal for immediate clean up including cleaning your spray gun. BlackTop must be cleaned up before it dries. It cannot be removed by any solvent once it is cured. Always wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact and temporary staining. If skin contact accidentally occurs, immediately remove with KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner followed by soap and water. If BlackTop should stain your skin, only the course of time will remove it.

Technical Data:

Frequently Asked Questions About BlackTop

Instructional & How-To Videos