KBS MAXX – 2K Polyurethane Topcoat for Automotive, Marine & Industrial Use

KBS MAXX mixes at a 3:1 ratio by volume — 3 parts color base to 1 part activator. Pot life is less than 4 hours at 70°F, but for best results mix only what you can apply within 30–60 minutes. A paint mixer attached to a variable-speed drill is the recommended method for thorough incorporation. See the KBS MAXX Directions for complete mixing and application instructions.

No primer is required for DTM applications. KBS MAXX has outstanding direct-to-metal (DTM) adhesion on ferrous metals and aluminum — no additives or primers needed. For surfaces with existing rust, the recommended system is KBS Klean + RustBlast + RustSeal, then topcoat with KBS MAXX. This complete system achieves a 2,000-hour ASTM B117 salt spray rating.

KBS MAXX bonds directly to ferrous metals and aluminum without primers. It also adheres to fiberglass and composite surfaces with proper surface preparation — sand lightly to scuff the surface, clean thoroughly, and apply KBS MAXX for a durable, UV-stable finish. This makes it a popular choice for fiberglass boat hulls, topsides, panels, and gelcoat refinishing. It can also be applied over cured RustSeal and other compatible primer systems. Application markets include automotive bodies, motorcycle frames, fleet and commercial vehicles, agricultural and construction equipment, marine topsides, fiberglass boats and composite structures, woodwork, tools, doors, and aerospace components.

Yes — all three methods work well. KBS MAXX has excellent flow and self-leveling properties; brush marks level out as it dries. For spray application, it is compatible with conventional, HVLP, air-assisted airless, and airless spray equipment. See the Paint Spraying Guidelines for recommended tip sizes, pressure settings, and reduction ratios.

At 70°F: touch dry in 30 minutes | thorough dry in 1–2 hours | hard dry in 3–4 hours. KBS MAXX is polishable after 24 hours. Cooler temperatures or higher humidity will extend dry times. Infrared or forced-air curing will significantly reduce cure times in production environments.

Yes — KBS MAXX is permanently UV stable. Unlike RustSeal, which is not recommended as a UV-exposed final finish, KBS MAXX is specifically formulated to resist UV degradation. Color and gloss are retained with prolonged direct sunlight exposure, making it the ideal topcoat over RustSeal for any surface visible to sunlight — automotive exteriors, marine topsides, agricultural equipment, and outdoor structures.

At 2 mils DFT per coat: Quart = ~110 sq. ft.  |  Gallon = ~450 sq. ft.  |  5 Gallons = ~2,250 sq. ft.

Plan for up to 50% less coverage on bare wood, rough, or sandblasted surfaces. Material losses during mixing and application will also vary and should be taken into account when estimating.

KBS MAXX withstands continuous dry heat up to 300–400°F, making it suitable for engine compartments, tractor hoods, agricultural and construction equipment, and other moderate-heat applications. For exhaust systems and components exceeding 400°F, see KBS XTC High-Temperature Coating.

Yes — and this is the recommended system for maximum performance. RustSeal provides the permanent rust-stopping, moisture-barrier primer coat; KBS MAXX provides the UV-stable, high-gloss topcoat. Q-Steel panels primed with two coats of RustSeal and topcoated with KBS MAXX at 5–6 mils total DFT achieve a 2,000-hour salt spray rating (ASTM B117) — double the rating of KBS MAXX alone. Complete system kits are available.

Yes. KBS MAXX is available in 25+ standard colors. Custom color matching is available with a 7-gallon minimum order. To verify a color before ordering, request a free color sample — samples are available for all standard colors.