KBS Top Coater is applied in three steps: clean the surface with KBS Klean, stir the paint thoroughly, then brush, roll or spray one or two thin covering coats. Apply between 55 and 82°F and recoat after 8 hours and before 7 days. Full cure takes 4 to 7 days of air dry, or sooner with force drying.

KBS Top Coater Application at a Glance

55 to 82°F
Ideal Temp Range
1 to 2 coats
Thin Covering Coats
8 hrs to 7 days
Recoat Window
4 to 7 days
Full Cure
ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES. ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA. Please heed all labeled warning and caution notices on all products. When spraying KBS Top Coater, always use a NIOSH/MSHA approved fresh air supplied respirator.

To achieve expert results, please take the time to carefully read and understand the following directions before you begin your restoration project. These directions are meant to be general guidelines only and do not cover every application or environmental situation. If you have remaining questions or concerns, please contact us for technical assistance.

Product Description:

KBS Top Coater is a superior coating formulated to be brushed on offering maximum coverage and professional looking results. KBS Top Coater is an ideal top coat paint for RustSeal when the area will be consistently exposed to sunlight. KBS Top Coater is also a direct to metal exterior grade coating that adheres extremely well to steel and aluminum surfaces. KBS Top Coater is a very high solids paint that does not run or sag and is extremely durable!

Theoretical Coverage:

Note: As a general rule for most applications, 2 coats are usually ideal.

A quart of KBS Top Coater should coat up to 175 sq. ft. with 1 coat coverage and 90 sq. ft. with 2 coat coverage.

A gallon of KBS Top Coater should coat up to 700 sq. ft. with 1 coat coverage and 350 sq. ft. with 2 coat coverage.

Material losses during mixing and application will vary and must be taken into consideration. Expect up to 50% less coverage on bare wood, rough or sandblasted surfaces.

Surface Preparation:

FOR THE BEST END RESULTS, apply KBS Top Coater to clean and dry surfaces that have been permanently sealed with RustSeal. If needed, use KBS Klean to remove all surface contaminants. (Avoid solvent-based cleaners which leave invisible residues that can affect the adhesion of KBS Top Coater.)

To topcoat freshly painted RustSeal surfaces (between 3 and 8 hours old), apply KBS Top Coater directly as no other prep is required. For all other applications, lightly sand/scuff with 320 grit paper then clean and dry surface before applying KBS Top Coater.

Stirring KBS Top Coater:

Proper stirring of KBS Top Coater is very important for the best uniform sheen and finish. Stir KBS Top Coater thoroughly for several minutes to obtain even color mixture. Effective stirring 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 stirring will aid with proper mixing. An upside down can may also be gently shaken prior to stirring. Avoid violent or excessive shaking motions which can introduce air bubbles and adversely affect the finish. Do not substitute shaking for stirring. For the best end results, continue to stir often during the course of painting.

KBS Top Coater Brush or Roll Application:

Always work in a well ventilated area and wear protective eyewear. Wear gloves to avoid skin contact and temporary staining. The ideal application temperature range is 55 to 82°F (13 to 28°C).

Apply KBS Top Coater to clean, dry and prepped surfaces using a natural bristle brush or 3/8" woven roller with phenolic core. KBS Top Coater has excellent self-leveling characteristics. Brush marks will flow out nicely. If desired, you can thin 10% with KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene.

A single full coat of KBS Top Coater can cover completely with full color depth. If desired, a second coat may be applied after 8 hours and before 7 days. As with most paints, two thin coats are better than one heavy coat.

Spraying KBS Top Coater:

FOR BEST END RESULTS, apply KBS Top Coater to prepared surfaces as described previously. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND EYEWEAR when applying KBS Top Coater. Always use a NIOSH/MSHA approved fresh air supplied respirator.

For best results, spray at room temperature 55 to 82°F. Use only in moderate to dry atmospheric conditions i.e. 70% humidity or lower. Do not apply if the surface temperature is less than 5°F above the dew point.

Spray Equipment
Air Pressure
Fluid Pressure / Atomizing Air
Cap and Tip
Conventional Electrostatic
40 to 60 psi
As required for proper atomization
Cap: Medium to Heavy Visc.
Tip: 1.8 to 3.0mm
Conventional Spray
40 to 60 psi
As required for proper atomization
Cap: Medium to Heavy Visc.
Tip: 1.8 to 3.0mm
HVLP Spray
30 to 40 psi
As required for proper atomization
Cap: Medium to Heavy Visc.
Tip: 1.8 to 3.0mm
Air Assisted Airless
15:1 ratio pump or larger @ 100 to 120 psi
Atomizing Air: Adjust as needed
Cap: Medium to Heavy Visc.
Tip: 0.019"
Airless
1500 to 2500 psi
Not applicable
Tip: 0.019"

Thin 10 to 20% as required. Use only KBS #1 Thinner (VOC Exempt) or Xylene. Apply thin coats and not heavy coats. If paint runs or sags, paint is being applied too heavily or spray gun is too close to surface. Apply at least one or two thin covering coats. Recoating can be done after 8 hours and before 7 days.

Need a spray gun? Shop the KBS HVLP Spray Gun, and see our Paint Spraying Guidelines for setup and technique.

Recoating, Dry Time & Full Cure:

A second coat of KBS Top Coater may be applied after 8 hours and before 7 days, whether brushed, rolled or sprayed.

Full Cure is a function of time, temperature and film thickness. Full cure typically takes 4 to 7 days of air dry. Full cure can be achieved sooner with force drying. Maximum force dry temperature of 180°F after a flash time of 15 minutes minimum.

Storage:

If storing for a period of time, hold can lid and some plastic wrap 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 paint damage and extends storage times of KBS Top Coater.

Clean Up:

Use KBS #1 Thinner or mineral spirits for immediate clean up including your spray gun. IMPORTANT: Always wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact. If skin contact accidentally occurs, remove with KBS #1 Thinner or mineral spirits followed by soap and water.

Technical Data:

Characteristics
KBS Top Coater (All Colors)
Generic Type
Single component (1K), high solids, exterior grade direct to metal top coat
Color
17 colors: 11 gloss and 6 matte
Finish
Gloss or Matte, depending on color
VOC
Sprayable VOC (using KBS #1 Thinner): less than 240 g/l
Theoretical Coverage
Quart: up to 175 sq. ft. (1 coat), 90 sq. ft. (2 coats)
Gallon: up to 700 sq. ft. (1 coat), 350 sq. ft. (2 coats)
Application Temperature
55 to 82°F (13 to 28°C), 70% humidity or lower, surface at least 5°F above the dew point
Thinning
Brush or roll: 10% if desired
Spray: 10 to 20% as required
KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene only
Recoat Window
After 8 hours and before 7 days
Full Cure
4 to 7 days air dry; force dry at 180°F maximum after a 15 minute minimum flash
Temperature Resistance
Up to 300°F
Clean Up
KBS #1 Thinner or mineral spirits

Frequently Asked Questions About KBS Top Coater

Not with KBS Top Coater on clean, bare steel or aluminum. KBS Top Coater is a direct to metal exterior grade coating that adheres extremely well to steel and aluminum surfaces. On rusted or pitted metal, seal the surface with RustSeal first for the best end results, then apply KBS Top Coater over it.
Apply the second coat after 8 hours and before 7 days. This recoat window is the same for brush, roll and spray application. Two thin coats are better than one heavy coat.
Yes. When RustSeal is between 3 and 8 hours old, apply KBS Top Coater directly with no other prep. For all other surfaces, lightly sand or scuff with 320 grit paper, then clean and dry the surface before applying KBS Top Coater.
Yes. Full cure typically takes 4 to 7 days of air dry, and force drying gets there sooner. Allow a flash time of at least 15 minutes, and do not exceed a force dry temperature of 180 degrees F.
Stir it. Stir thoroughly for several minutes, repeatedly touching the bottom of the can and lifting to disperse settled pigments and matting agents, and keep stirring often while you paint. An upside down can may be gently shaken before stirring, but violent shaking introduces air bubbles that affect the finish. Do not substitute shaking for stirring.
If the paint runs or sags, it is being applied too heavily or the spray gun is too close to the surface. Apply thin coats rather than heavy coats, building up one or two thin covering coats.
Conventional and conventional electrostatic guns run 40 to 60 psi with a 1.8 to 3.0mm tip. HVLP runs 30 to 40 psi with the same 1.8 to 3.0mm tip. Airless runs 1500 to 2500 psi with a 0.019 inch tip. Thin 10 to 20% as required with KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene.
Hold the can lid and some plastic wrap closely above the can and spray KBS Paint Saver toward the side of the can, 2 seconds for quarts or less and 4 seconds for gallons, then seal the can. KBS Paint Saver prevents paint damage and extends storage times.

Still have questions about KBS Top Coater? Our technical team is ready to help.

Get Instant Answers from the KBS Support Desk Contact Us for Technical Assistance

Instructional & How-To Videos

Restoring and Painting a Primed Toolbox with KBS Top Coater
How to Brush or Roll KBS Coatings
Order KBS Top Coater: UV Stable Color That Bonds Direct to Metal
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