KBS Coatings: Professional-Grade Rust Prevention, Sealers & Coatings
KBS Coatings is an American paint manufacturer based in Valparaiso, Indiana, producing professional-grade rust prevention coatings, fuel tank sealers, high-temperature engine coatings, clear coats, and surface preparation products for automotive, marine, industrial, and DIY applications. The core KBS product line includes RustSeal, DiamondFinish Clear, Motor Coater, XTC, Tank Sealer, KBS MAXX, KBS Klean, KBS Strip, and RustBlast. Every product is manufactured in the USA and backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
KBS Coatings products are built around the KBS 3-Step System — a proven sequence of Klean, Blast, and Seal that prepares and protects bare metal better than single-product approaches. Individual products can also be used standalone depending on the project. Browse by category below to find the right coating for your application.
Every KBS Coatings product is made in the USA and designed to outlast the competition. Satisfaction guaranteed!
What KBS Coatings Makes
- Rust Prevention & Sealers
- Stop rust permanently on bare metal, painted surfaces, and rusted substrates. RustSeal is the flagship product — a single-component, moisture-cured coating that seals out air and moisture without primers or topcoats. Also available as the Frame Coater Kit and Motorcycle Frame Coater Kit.
- Surface Preparation
- KBS Klean is Step 1 of the KBS 3-Step System — it cleans and degreases bare metal so RustBlast and RustSeal can do their jobs properly. KBS Strip is a separate paint and coating stripper used when existing paint must be removed first. RustBlast (Step 2) then removes rust at the chemical level and etches the metal for maximum adhesion.
- Fuel Tank Sealers
- Tank Sealer is a fuel-resistant sealer for steel motorcycle, automotive, and small-equipment gas tanks. It stops rust, seals pinholes, and is compatible with modern ethanol-blended fuels. The Cycle Tank Sealer Kit includes everything needed from clean to seal in one package.
- High-Temperature Coatings
- Motor Coater is a heat-resistant engine coating for blocks, valve covers, and exhaust manifolds. Xtreme Temperature Coating (XTC) handles even higher heat, covering exhaust headers and pipes exposed to extreme temperatures. Both are available in multiple engine-correct colors.
- Topcoats & Clear Coats
- DiamondFinish Clear is a high-gloss, UV-resistant clear coat that can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed over any substrate. KBS MAXX is a direct-to-metal urethane topcoat available in a full range of colors — ideal as a final coat over RustSeal on frames and equipment.
- Specialty Coatings
- BlackTop restores and protects asphalt and driveway surfaces. KBS Bed Liner provides truck bed and cargo area protection with a textured, abrasion-resistant finish. The Ultimate System Sampler lets new customers try the full KBS 3-Step System before committing to a full project.
Why Professionals Choose KBS Coatings
- Made in the USA: Every product is manufactured at KBS Coatings' facility in Valparaiso, Indiana — not outsourced or rebranded.
- Moisture-Cure Technology: RustSeal and other KBS coatings cure using atmospheric humidity, giving them superior adhesion and flexibility compared to solvent-based alternatives.
- No Primer Required: Most KBS coatings bond directly to properly prepared metal without a separate primer coat, reducing labor and material cost.
- Fuel & Chemical Resistance: Tank Sealer and other products are formulated to resist gasoline, diesel, ethanol blends, and common shop chemicals — not just water.
- Brushable, Rollable, or Sprayable: Most KBS coatings can be applied by brush or roller, making professional results achievable without spray equipment.
- System Compatibility: KBS products are engineered to work together in sequence. Klean with KBS Klean, blast rust with RustBlast, then seal with RustSeal or topcoat with KBS MAXX.
- Same-Day Shipping: Orders placed before the daily cutoff ship the same day from Valparaiso, Indiana.
- Expert Technical Support: KBS Coatings provides free technical support by phone, email, and online support desk — staffed by people who actually use the products.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: Every KBS Coatings product is backed by a satisfaction guarantee. If it doesn't perform as described, KBS stands behind it.
The KBS 3-Step System: Klean, Blast, Seal
The KBS 3-Step System is KBS Coatings' proven method for permanently stopping rust on bare or corroded metal surfaces. Each step prepares the surface for the next, producing a result that no single product can match on its own.
- Step 1 — KBS Klean
- Cleans and degreases the metal surface, removing oil, grease, and contaminants so RustBlast can work directly on the bare metal. Proper cleaning at this stage is what separates a coating that lasts from one that peels. Learn more about KBS Klean →
- Step 2 — RustBlast
- Phosphoric acid-based rust remover that dissolves rust at the chemical level and converts iron oxide into a stable, inert compound. Also etches bare metal for maximum adhesion. Learn more about RustBlast →
- Step 3 — RustSeal
- Moisture-cured rust preventive coating that seals the prepared surface permanently against air, moisture, and further oxidation. No topcoat required for non-cosmetic applications. Learn more about RustSeal →
Shop by Application
- Automotive & Truck
- Frame and chassis rust prevention, engine coating, clear coat, bed liner, and undercarriage protection. Top products: RustSeal, Motor Coater, DiamondFinish Clear, KBS MAXX, KBS Bed Liner, Frame Coater Kit.
- Motorcycle & Powersports
- Tank sealing, frame coating, high-temp exhaust pipe coatings, and engine restoration. Top products: Tank Sealer, Cycle Tank Sealer Kit, RustSeal, XTC, Motor Coater.
- Marine
- Bilge coating, below-waterline rust prevention, hull clear coats, and metal protection in saltwater and freshwater environments. Top products: RustSeal, DiamondFinish Clear, KBS MAXX.
- Industrial & Equipment
- Heavy machinery, trailers, farm equipment, and shop tools. KBS coatings handle harsh environments where standard paint fails quickly. Top products: RustSeal, KBS MAXX, KBS Strip, RustBlast.
- Restoration & Custom Build
- Classic car restoration, hot rod builds, vintage motorcycle projects, and custom fabrication. Top products: KBS Strip, RustBlast, RustSeal, DiamondFinish Clear, Motor Coater, XTC.
- Property & Outdoor
- Driveway sealing and blacktop restoration. Top product: BlackTop. Also suitable for outdoor metal structures, gates, fencing, and trailers using RustSeal or KBS MAXX.
Support & Technical Resources
KBS Coatings Learning Center & How-To Guides
How to Use the KBS 3-Step System on a Truck Frame
Step-by-step guide covering surface prep, rust removal, and RustSeal application on automotive frames and chassis components.
Read Article →How to Seal a Motorcycle Gas Tank
Everything you need to know about stopping rust and sealing leaks in a steel motorcycle fuel tank using KBS Tank Sealer.
Read Article →How to Paint a Motorcycle Engine with Motor Coater
Covers prep, application, and heat-cure steps for coating an engine block, valve cover, or exhaust manifold with Motor Coater.
Read Article →How to Paint Plastic Parts with KBS Products
Which KBS coatings adhere to plastic, and how to properly prep plastic surfaces for a durable finish.
Read Article →DiamondFinish Clear: Complete Application Guide
Surface prep, application by brush/roll/spray, thin coats vs. flood coats, and top tips for a glass-smooth finish with DiamondFinish Clear.
Read More →Rust Protection for Truck Frames: What Actually Works
Compares oil-based sprays, rubberized undercoating, and RustSeal on long-term truck frame protection — with real-world results.
Read Article →Frequently Asked Questions About KBS Coatings Products
Find answers to the most common questions about KBS Coatings products, applications, and ordering — or contact our technical team for project-specific advice.
KBS Coatings makes professional-grade rust prevention coatings, fuel tank sealers, high-temperature coatings, clear coats, and surface preparation products. The core product line includes: RustSeal (rust preventive coating), DiamondFinish Clear (high-gloss clear coat), Motor Coater (engine coating), XTC / Xtreme Temperature Coating (exhaust and high-heat coating), Tank Sealer (fuel tank sealer), KBS MAXX (direct-to-metal urethane topcoat), KBS Strip (paint and coating stripper), RustBlast (rust remover and metal etch), and BlackTop (asphalt and driveway sealer). Kits including the Frame Coater Kit, Cycle Tank Sealer Kit, and Motorcycle Frame Coater Kit bundle the 3-Step System for specific applications. All products are manufactured in Valparaiso, Indiana, USA.
The KBS 3-Step System is a three-product rust prevention and coating process also known as Klean, Blast, and Seal. Step 1 is KBS Klean, which cleans and degreases the metal surface so subsequent products can bond properly. Step 2 is RustBlast, a phosphoric acid formula that dissolves rust and etches bare metal for adhesion. Step 3 is RustSeal, a moisture-cured rust preventive coating that permanently seals out air and moisture. Each step prepares the surface for the next, producing a long-lasting result that no single product achieves on its own. The system is available individually or as the Frame Coater Kit (for automotive frames), Cycle Tank Sealer Kit (for motorcycle fuel tanks), or Motorcycle Frame Coater Kit (for smaller chassis).
RustSeal is a single-component, moisture-cured rust preventive coating that forms an impermeable barrier over bare and rusted metal. Unlike conventional rust paints that merely cover rust, RustSeal actually seals the surface against air and moisture — the two ingredients rust needs to form. It bonds tenaciously to properly prepared metal and does not require a primer or topcoat for most non-cosmetic applications. RustSeal can be applied by brush, roller, or spray, and is used on frames, chassis, undercarriages, equipment, trailers, and any metal surface where permanent rust prevention is the goal. It is Step 3 (Seal) in the KBS 3-Step System, used after KBS Klean (Step 1) and RustBlast (Step 2).
DiamondFinish Clear is a high-gloss, UV-resistant clear coat used as a protective and cosmetic topcoat over paint, bare metal, chrome, fiberglass, wood, and many other substrates. It self-levels to a glass-smooth finish and can be applied by brush, foam roller, or spray gun — making professional results achievable without spray equipment. DiamondFinish Clear is used in automotive restoration, marine applications (above the waterline), custom builds, furniture, and anywhere a durable, high-gloss clear finish is needed. It is chemical-resistant and does not yellow over time like many solvent-based clears.
Motor Coater is formulated for high-heat surfaces like engine blocks, valve covers, intake manifolds, and exhaust manifolds that reach temperatures in the range of typical internal combustion engine operation. Xtreme Temperature Coating (XTC) is rated for higher continuous heat and is designed for exhaust headers, pipes, and other surfaces exposed to the most extreme heat. Refer to the individual product direction sheets for specific temperature ratings, as these vary by color. Both coatings are available in multiple colors and require a heat-cure cycle after initial air dry for maximum durability. For exact temperature specs, see the XTC Directions PDF or contact KBS technical support.
Yes. KBS Tank Sealer is compatible with gasoline, diesel, and ethanol-blended fuels including E10, E15, and E85. It is used to seal rusted, pitted, or pinhole-leaking steel motorcycle, automotive, and small-equipment fuel tanks. The sealer flows into pits and seams, cures to a hard, fuel-resistant film, and stops leaks and rust from the inside out. KBS Tank Sealer is not recommended for aluminum or plastic tanks — it is specifically formulated for steel tanks. For motorcycle tank sealing, the Cycle Tank Sealer Kit includes Tank Sealer along with KBS Klean and RustBlast for a complete inside-out treatment.
KBS Strip removes latex paint, oil-based paint, epoxy coatings, urethane coatings, powder coat, and most other paint and coating types from metal surfaces. It is a standalone paint stripper used when existing coatings must be removed before starting the KBS 3-Step System. KBS Strip is safe on steel, iron, and aluminum, and can be applied by brush or used as a dip. It is not formulated for wood or plastic surfaces. After stripping, the metal should be cleaned with KBS Klean (Step 1), then treated with RustBlast (Step 2) before applying RustSeal. See the KBS Strip Directions for full dwell times and safety information.
Yes. Orders placed before the daily shipping cutoff ship the same day from KBS Coatings' facility in Valparaiso, Indiana. Shipping is available throughout the continental United States. For questions about current cutoff times, shipping options, or order status, use the shipment tracking page or contact KBS Coatings directly.
For truck frame rust prevention, KBS recommends the full 3-Step System (Klean, Blast, Seal): KBS Klean to clean and degrease the metal surface, RustBlast to chemically remove rust and etch the bare metal, and RustSeal as the final protective coating. The Frame Coater Kit bundles all three products in the right quantities for a standard truck frame at a discounted kit price. For a cosmetic topcoat over RustSeal, KBS MAXX is available in a full range of chassis colors. RustSeal alone is appropriate when the frame will not be visible or when cost and time are the primary drivers — it provides excellent rust prevention without a topcoat.
All KBS Coatings products are manufactured in Valparaiso, Indiana, USA. KBS Coatings is a small American paint manufacturer — products are formulated and produced domestically, not outsourced or relabeled from overseas suppliers. Buying KBS Coatings supports American manufacturing and gives customers direct access to the technical team that actually makes the products.
