Plastic Tank Sealer Application — At a Glance

55°–82°F
Ideal Temp Range
96 Hours
Full Cure Time
Single Coat
Pour, Coat & Drain
3-Step System
Klean → Fusion SEP → Seal
ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES. ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA. Please heed all warnings and caution notices on all KBS products.

Gold Standard Tank Sealer is a superior, single-component, ready-to-use sealer specifically formulated for coating the inside of new or repairable plastic tanks. This single-coat application cures into a tough, fuel-impervious seal that stops fuel vapor “weeping” and protects the tank from the effects of alcohol-blended fuels.

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.

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Considerations Before You Begin

It is important to verify the condition of your plastic tank before you start. Make sure the tank does not have any holes or cracks in it. If your tank does have holes or cracks, patch those first before starting the process.

For exterior patching of holes or cracks, use KBS NuMetal Epoxy Putty or KBS Patch. Clean the outside of the tank using KBS Klean. Let it dry. Scuff up the area to be patched with 320 grit sandpaper then follow NuMetal or KBS Patch application instructions. (NOTE: Allow NuMetal or KBS Patch to cure for 12 hours before proceeding with sealing the inside of the tank.)

FOR BEST RESULTS, PLEASE BE PATIENT DURING EACH STEP OF THE PROCEDURE. DO NOT RUSH!

Step #1 - KBS Klean — Cleaning the Tank

Drain fuel from the tank. Proper fuel tank sealing also requires that the tank be removed from the vehicle. Remove any fittings such as floats, sending units and filters.

Seal all openings with high quality duct tape, pieces of rubber covering the hole secured by high quality duct tape, or cork-like stoppers secured by high quality duct tape.

Using a 1:1 dilution ratio, mix KBS Klean with hot water and pour mixture into the tank. Let the tank soak but always rotate it at intervals to ensure KBS Klean covers all surfaces.

Empty the tank capturing the KBS Klean, strain the KBS Klean solution, and repeat as often as necessary. Remember — the cleaner the tank, the stronger the adhesion of the Fusion SEP and Tank Sealer.

After a thorough cleaning, rinse generously with water until the solution runs clear. Drain tank and let dry.

REMEMBER: THE TANK MUST BE BONE DRY BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE NEXT STEP.

TIP: Your tank cannot be too clean. Please spend the time required on this step.

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Step #2 - Fusion SEP — Primer Etch the Tank

Open Fusion SEP and stir thoroughly. Touch bottom and lift when stirring to raise and disperse any settled pigment. DO NOT SHAKE the can.

Carefully pour the entire contents of the Fusion SEP can into the tank and slowly rotate and roll the tank until all sides are evenly coated. Patiently work with Fusion SEP for up to 15 minutes.

Once all inside surfaces of the tank are evenly coated, immediately drain out the excess Fusion SEP back into its can. Fusion SEP is designed to function correctly as a thin film on the inside surface of the tank. The old saying “more is better” certainly does not apply here. Dispose of any drained Fusion SEP properly in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

REMEMBER: DO NOT ALLOW FUSION SEP TO PUDDLE.
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Step #3 - Tank Sealer — Sealing the Tank

It is recommended to seal your tank within 10 days of cleaning and prepping it. When ready, open Tank Sealer and stir the can thoroughly. Touch bottom and lift when stirring to raise and disperse any settled silver pigment. DO NOT WHIP OR SHAKE can as this will introduce air, create bubbles in the Sealer and adversely affect the sealing process.

Carefully pour the entire contents of the can into the tank and slowly rotate and roll the tank until all sides are evenly coated. Patiently work with sealer for up to 30 minutes. Please note that our Tank Sealer is formulated for use as a single thin coat application so make sure you take the time to thoroughly coat the entire tank extremely well, paying particular attention to leaky weld seams and pinholes for optimal coverage and seal.

IMPORTANT: After a thorough coating inside of the tank, patiently DRAIN ALL EXCESS SEALER from the tank until it no longer drips sealer. Additionally, to avoid puddling and pooling of excess sealer inside the tank, rotate the tank side to side every 5 minutes. If the design of the tank makes complete draining difficult, rotate the tank frequently into different positions during this time to help minimize excess accumulation in any single area. Foaming and bubbling are signs of excessive Sealer accumulation and gas entrapment due to ineffective drainage. In some cases, this may cause the Sealer to not adhere properly and eventually break loose. Be aware that if this situation should occur, the only recourse is to strip the tank and repeat the process.

Immediately use any left-over Sealer for exterior painting and patching to reinforce repair of pinholes and weld seams.

Cured Sealer cannot be removed by any solvent. When the job is complete, place the drained Sealer in the can with the lid off and let it harden. Drained Sealer cannot be saved and re-used as it has been exposed to atmospheric conditions and will cure and harden in the can. (WARNING: Do not put the lid on the can before curing is complete as pressure may build within the can and pop the lid. Dispose of any hardened Sealer properly in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.)

Allow the tank to air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. IMPORTANT: DO NOT PLACE TANK IN DIRECT SUN OR NEAR DIRECT HEAT. Heating the tank will not allow sealer to cure quicker and may in fact hinder adhesion. Allow 96 hours for maximum cure. Always test for leaks by filling with water before re-filling with fuel.

IMPORTANT: It is also very critical to methodically coat the entire plastic tank completely and thoroughly with the Tank Sealer. If any part of the plastic surface should accidentally be left exposed or unsealed, these unprotected areas will be very susceptible to deterioration by alcohol-blended fuels. After coating the tank, remember to drain well to avoid pooling and puddles.

IMPORTANT: ALLOW AT LEAST 96 HOURS BEFORE ADDING FUEL TO THE NEWLY SEALED TANK.
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Clean Up

Use KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner for immediate clean up. Always wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact. If skin contact occurs, remove immediately with KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner followed by soap and water.

Frequently Asked Questions — KBS Plastic Tank Sealer

Have a question about sealing your plastic tank? Find the most common answers below, or order your Tank Sealer Kit and get started today.

Fusion SEP is a primer etch specifically formulated for plastic tank interiors. It prepares the plastic surface to accept the Tank Sealer by creating the ideal adhesion bond between the plastic and the coating.

After coating all interior surfaces, drain the excess Fusion SEP immediately — it is designed to work as a thin film only. Do not allow it to puddle. The “more is better” approach does not apply here.

Allow 96 hours for maximum cure before refilling with fuel. Always test for leaks by filling the tank with water first before adding gasoline.

Do not place the tank in direct sunlight or near a heat source to speed up curing — this can hinder adhesion rather than help it. Allow the tank to air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct sun and heat.

Repair all holes or cracks before starting the sealing process. Use KBS NuMetal Epoxy Putty or KBS Patch for exterior repairs. Clean the outside of the tank with KBS Klean first, let it dry, then scuff the repair area with 320 grit sandpaper before applying.

Allow NuMetal or KBS Patch to cure for 12 hours before proceeding with the interior sealing process.

Yes. Proper tank sealing requires removing the tank from the vehicle so you can rotate and roll it during each step, and fully drain the excess sealer from all sides. You will also need to remove all fittings — floats, sending units, and filters — and seal all openings with high-quality duct tape before beginning Step #1.

Tank Sealer is a single-coat application. Pour the entire contents of the can into the tank, then rotate and roll for up to 30 minutes to coat all interior surfaces evenly. Pay particular attention to weld seams and pinholes.

After thorough coating, drain all excess sealer completely until it no longer drips. Rotate the tank side to side every 5 minutes to prevent pooling. Foaming or bubbling is a warning sign of excessive accumulation — drain thoroughly or the sealer may fail to adhere and eventually break loose.

The ideal application temperature is 55°–82°F (13°–28°C). Apply only in moderate to dry atmospheric conditions — avoid sealing in rainy or humid weather. Always allow the tank and all products to reach room temperature before beginning.

Yes — provided the entire interior is fully sealed. Any uncoated area left on the plastic surface will be susceptible to deterioration by alcohol-blended fuels. It is therefore critical to coat the complete interior thoroughly and drain well to avoid any pooling or uneven coverage.

Drain all excess sealer until it stops dripping, then rotate the tank side to side every 5 minutes to prevent accumulation. If the tank design makes complete draining difficult, rotate it into different positions frequently to minimize buildup in any single area.

WARNING: Foaming and bubbling inside the tank are signs of excessive sealer buildup and gas entrapment. If not corrected, the sealer may fail to cure or adhere properly and could eventually break loose — requiring you to strip the tank and repeat the entire process.

No. Drained Tank Sealer cannot be saved and re-used. Once it has been exposed to atmospheric conditions it will cure and harden in the can. Place drained sealer in the open can with the lid off and let it harden completely before disposal.

Do not replace the lid before curing is complete — pressure can build inside the can and pop the lid. Dispose of any hardened sealer properly in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Use KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner for immediate cleanup of tools and any accidental spills. Tank Sealer cannot be removed by any solvent once cured, so act quickly before the product dries.

Always wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact. If skin contact occurs, remove immediately with KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner followed by soap and water.

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