What Is the KBS System Sampler Kit?
The KBS System Sampler Kit is a trial-size version of the KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System that cleans, etches, and permanently coats up to 12.5 square feet of bare or rusted metal with two coats of RustSeal. It includes 8oz each of KBS Klean, RustBlast, and RustSeal in any of 10 colors, plus nitrile gloves, two brushes, a stir stick, and full instructions, so a first-time user can test the full system on a small project before committing to a larger kit.
12.5 sq ft
Coverage, 2 Coats
2-6 hrs
RustSeal Recoat Window
10 Colors
RustSeal Options
600°F
RustSeal Heat Resistance
KBS Coatings' 3-Step System of RustSeal (a rust preventive coating), KBS Klean (an industrial-strength water-based cleaner and degreaser), and RustBlast (a metal etch and rust remover) is built around one idea: surface prep determines whether any coating bonds. KBS Klean strips oils and contamination, RustBlast etches the cleaned metal and leaves a zinc phosphate profile, and RustSeal chemically bonds to that prepared surface to form a permanent, moisture-resistant finish that will not crack, chip, or peel.
Because RustSeal is moisture-cured, it is made even stronger by continued exposure to moisture rather than weakened by it. RustSeal also resists acids, alkalis, salts, abrasive materials, fertilizers, coal dust, solvents, oils, and other refined petroleum products, which is why the same system scales up from this sampler to full frame and chassis kits without changing chemistry.
Test the KBS 3-Step System on a real project before you commit to a bigger kit. Satisfaction guaranteed!
RustSeal Durability and Flexibility Demonstration
The System Sampler Kit includes 8oz of KBS Klean, 8oz of RustBlast, and 8oz of RustSeal in any of 10 colors, plus black nitrile gloves, two brushes, a stir stick, and complete step-by-step instructions. Every component of the full 3-Step System is represented at trial size, so nothing about the process changes when a customer moves up to a larger kit.
- 8oz KBS Klean: an industrial-strength water-based cleaner and degreaser that strips oils, grease, and contamination before etching.
- 8oz RustBlast: a metal etch and rust remover that etches clean metal and leaves a zinc phosphate profile for RustSeal to bond to.
- 8oz RustSeal (any color): a moisture-cured rust preventive coating available in 10 colors, enough for two coats over 12.5 sq. ft.
- Black nitrile gloves: protect skin from RustBlast and RustSeal during prep and application.
- Two brushes: sized for the small test area this kit is meant to cover.
- Stir stick: for proper mixing before each application, since RustSeal settles in the can.
- Complete and detailed instructions: step-by-step directions for all three products, so no separate directions page is required to get started.
The System Sampler Kit is the only way to try KBS Klean, RustBlast, and RustSeal together at trial size before buying a full-size kit. RustSeal has a high surface tolerance and can be applied directly over treated rust, cures to a single-component film with high solids content, and is available in the widest range of non-porous colors KBS offers.
- High surface tolerance: works across many different application types without special surface conditions.
- Applies directly over treated rust: tight rust does not need to be removed down to bare metal first.
- Single-component formula: no mixing a hardener or catalyst before use.
- High solids content: ideal for equipment and machinery that need a thick, protective film.
- Widest array of non-porous colors: 10 RustSeal colors available in this kit.
- Moisture-cured: combines with atmospheric moisture to cure, and gets stronger with continued moisture exposure.
- Excellent surface penetration and adhesion: bonds into the pores of prepped metal rather than sitting on top of it.
- Forms a permanent, non-porous barrier: blocks moisture and oxygen, the two drivers of corrosion.
- Mold and mildew resistant: stays intact in damp environments like bilges, crawl spaces, and undercarriages.
RustSeal resists high abrasion and a wide range of chemicals including fuels, oils, most acids and alkalis, and graffiti, and it will not crack, flake, or peel once cured. It withstands continuous temperatures up to 600°F (316°C), applies by brush, roll, or spray, and is compatible with all paint systems, VOC compliant, and lead-free.
- Chemical Resistance
- Repels fuels, oils, most acids and alkalis, and graffiti. Compatible with all paint systems.
- Heat Resistance
- Withstands continuous temperatures up to 600°F (316°C).
- Application Methods
- Brush, roll, or spray, with superior flow and self-leveling that lets brush marks flow out.
- Compliance
- VOC compliant and lead-free, with flexibility that allows expansion and contraction without cracking.
The System Sampler Kit's 12.5 sq. ft. coverage is enough to test the full 3-Step System on a real automotive, marine, industrial, or household project before scaling up. RustSeal is rated for use on almost every metal part of a vehicle except the exhaust, along with marine, industrial, and household applications.
- Automotive
- Chassis, floor pans, wheel wells, fenders, trunks, engines, suspension parts, axles, roof drains, springs, and doors: almost every part on a car except the exhaust.
- Marine
- Engine rooms, hulls, masts, bilges, heat exchangers, decks, chain lockers, pumps, fuel tanks, and boat trailers.
- Industrial
- Heavy transport, steam pipes, sealing concrete, air conditioning repair, fiberglass repair, rebar coating, steel roofing, and fuel or waste-water treatment tanks.
- Household
- Hand rails, support beams, lawn equipment, garage floors, pipe work, appliances, and lead-based paint encapsulation.
Can RustSeal Be Applied Over Existing Rust or Paint?
RustSeal bonds directly to tightly rusted, sandblasted, or otherwise abraded bare metal, and tight surface rust does not need to be removed first, only loose scale and oil. Over sound, well-adhered paint, RustSeal bonds after a light scuff sanding, but loose or flaking paint must be removed first since a failing paint layer takes the coating with it.
One System Sampler Kit covers 12.5 sq. ft. with two coats of RustSeal, the minimum coverage KBS recommends for general applications. RustSeal is applied at an ideal temperature of 55 to 82°F, and each coat is dry-to-touch and ready to recoat in 2 to 6 hours depending on temperature and humidity.
| Kit Size | Typical Coverage |
|---|
| System Sampler Kit | 12.5 sq. ft. (2 coats) |
| Frame Coater Kit | 50 sq. ft. (2 coats) |
Recoat window: 2 to 6 hours depending on temperature and humidity. If more than 8 hours pass, wait a full 24 hours and lightly scuff the cured coat with a 320-grit scotch-brite pad before recoating.
Pro Tip: Apply a minimum of 2 thin covering coats (2 mils each) for general use, or 3 thin coats for marine or industrial applications. Thin, even coats flow out and self-level better than one thick coat.
The System Sampler Kit differs from buying KBS Klean, RustBlast, and RustSeal individually in that the sampler bundles all three at trial size for less than buying three separate small containers, while individual purchases let a buyer pick different sizes or colors for each product.
| | System Sampler Kit | Buying Separately |
|---|
| All 3 products included | Yes, 8oz each, one SKU to order | Yes, but ordered as 3 separate line items |
| Bundle savings | $27.00 (13% off $31.00 retail) | No bundle discount |
| Accessories included | Gloves, 2 brushes, stir stick, instructions | Purchased separately or not at all |
| Coverage | 12.5 sq. ft. with 2 coats, fixed | Depends on sizes chosen |
| Best for | First-time users testing the system | Repeat customers who need a specific size mix |
Buying separately is the better choice for a repeat customer who already knows the system works and needs a specific size of just one product, such as a gallon of RustSeal alone; the sampler is built for someone deciding whether the system is right for their project.
Once the sampler confirms the 3-Step System works for your metal and your color choice, the same process scales up on a larger kit with no change in steps.
- Step 1 — KBS Klean
- Clean and degrease the surface before etching.
- Step 2 — RustBlast
- Etch the cleaned metal and leave a bonding profile for RustSeal.
- Step 3 — RustSeal
- Apply a minimum of 2 thin coats to seal and protect the surface long-term.
Shop the Frame Coater Kit (50 Sq. Ft.)
RustSeal Directions & TDS
Full step-by-step application directions, spray settings, and technical data for RustSeal.
Read Article →
The KBS 3-Step System Guide
How KBS Klean, RustBlast, and RustSeal work together, and why the sequence matters.
Read Article →
How to Avoid Common RustSeal Mistakes
The most common application errors on a first RustSeal project, and how to fix or avoid them.
Read Article →
RustSeal Color Selection Guide
Which of the 10 non-porous RustSeal colors fits your project, and what "non-porous" means for the finish.
Read Article →
RustSeal Chemical Resistance Guide
Which fuels, oils, acids, and solvents RustSeal is rated to resist once fully cured.
Read Article →
RustSeal How-To Videos
Real project walkthroughs, including a Ford flathead restoration, using the full 3-Step System.
Read Article →
Have questions before you buy? Find answers to the most common System Sampler Kit questions below — or
order the System Sampler Kit now and get it shipped same day.
The System Sampler Kit is a trial-size version of the full KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System: 8oz each of KBS Klean, RustBlast, and RustSeal, plus gloves, brushes, a stir stick, and instructions. It is the only way to try all three products together before buying a larger kit, and it covers 12.5 sq. ft. with two coats.
RustSeal in this kit bonds to bare or rusted steel, cast iron, aluminum, and fiberglass, and is used on automotive, marine, industrial, and household projects. It applies directly over tightly adhered rust without needing to sandblast down to bare metal first.
The System Sampler Kit is sized for testing the system on a small area, roughly 12.5 sq. ft. with two coats, not for a full frame or chassis. For a full-size project such as a car or truck frame, the Frame Coater Kit covers up to 50 sq. ft. with the same three products at larger sizes.
RustSeal is dry-to-touch and ready to recoat in 2 to 6 hours depending on temperature and humidity. If more than 8 hours pass between coats, wait a full 24 hours and lightly scuff the cured coat with a 320-grit scotch-brite pad before applying the next coat.
All three products in the kit apply best between 55 and 82°F. RustSeal is moisture-cured, so avoid applying it in rainy or highly humid conditions where the surface cannot stay dry; humid conditions shorten cure time and low humidity lengthens it.
Clean the surface with diluted KBS Klean, rinse and dry, then apply RustBlast full-strength and keep it wet for 10 minutes to 2 hours depending on rust severity, then rinse and dry again. Stir RustSeal thoroughly and apply a minimum of 2 thin coats (2 mils each) by brush, roller, or spray.
Always wear protective gloves and safety glasses, and work in a well-ventilated area with all three products. If spraying RustSeal, wear a NIOSH/MSHA-approved organic vapor particulate respirator, since RustSeal cannot be removed with a solvent once it has cured.
KBS Klean and RustBlast rinse away with water. RustSeal must be cleaned up with KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner before it dries, since it cannot be removed by any solvent once cured. Clean brushes or spray equipment immediately after each use.
One System Sampler Kit covers 12.5 sq. ft. with a minimum of two coats of RustSeal, which is the standard coverage KBS recommends for general applications. Marine or industrial projects need a third coat, which reduces the effective coverage area.
If the sampler confirms RustSeal is right for your project, the Frame Coater Kit contains the same 3-Step System sized for up to 50 sq. ft., such as a full car or truck frame. For a UV-exposed final finish, top RustSeal with BlackTop or KBS Top Coater.
Sam Memmolo demonstrates the KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention System, the same three products included in this kit, coating a rusty frame.
