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KBS Topcoats: UV Stable Paint for Bare Metal, RustSeal and Truck Beds

A topcoat is the UV stable finish coat that goes over bare metal, primer or RustSeal and keeps its color and gloss in the sun. KBS BlackTop is a 1K urethane black chassis paint rated to 500°F, KBS MAXX is a 2K polyurethane that passes 2,000 hours of salt spray over RustSeal, and KBS Top Coater comes in 17 colors.

Which Topcoat Do I Need?

Pick by the job, the color you want and how you plan to apply it.

KBS topcoats by job
Your jobChooseWhat you get
Black frames, axles, trailers and trim in the sunBlackTop1K urethane in Gloss, OEM Satin or Flat Black; liquid rated to 500°F
Equipment, fleet or marine color, or a custom color matchKBS MAXX2K polyurethane, mixed 3 to 1, about 450 sq. ft. per gallon at 2 mils
Touch-ups, small parts and OEM tractor colors from a canKBS Top Coater 1K Aerosol30+ colors, up to 38 sq. ft. per 16 oz can, no primer or spray gun
Color by the quart or gallon with nothing to mixKBS Top Coater1K, 17 colors in gloss or matte, up to 700 sq. ft. per gallon in one coat
Worn bedliner, bumpers and fender flaresKBS Bed RenuTextured black aerosol, up to 30 sq. ft. per 15 oz can
Truck beds, trailer decks and rocker panelsKBS Bed LinerTextured satin black; one gallon coats a full 8 ft bed in 2 coats

Still deciding? Topcoat guide | Need a clear coat? | Ask an expert

Watch: KBS Top Coater or BlackTop, which 1K topcoat to use
BlackTop
BlackTop
KBS BlackTop is a single stage, moisture-cured 1K urethane chassis paint that seals frames, trailers, and suspension parts in a permanent, UV stable black finish without a separate clear coat. BlackTop applies by brush, roller, or spray gun over RustSeal, clean bare metal, primed, or previously painted surfaces, and comes in Gloss, OEM Satin, and Flat Black in sizes from aerosol to 5 gallon. BlackTop resists heat to 500F, holds 5H pencil hardness, and passes 2,000 hours of B117 salt spray when applied over two coats of RustSeal.
$27.00
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KBS MAXX
KBS MAXX
KBS MAXX is a two-component (2K), low VOC, single-stage polyurethane topcoat that delivers permanent UV stability, direct-to-metal (DTM) adhesion on ferrous metals and aluminum, and up to 2,000-hour salt spray resistance (ASTM B117) when applied over RustSeal. No primer or additives are required. Apply by brush, roller, or sprayer for automotive, fleet, agricultural, marine, and heavy industrial applications.
$68.00
(30)
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KBS Top Coater 1K Aerosol
KBS Top Coater 1K Aerosol
KBS Top Coater 1K Aerosol is a high-solids, single-component aerosol topcoat that finishes bare metal and RustSeal-coated metal in one product, with no primer, hardener, or spray gun required. A 16oz can covers up to 38 sq. ft. and a 12oz can covers up to 30 sq. ft. in a single coat, at least twice the coverage of a conventional spray can. The formula is 100% UV stable, resists fuels, oils, and road salts, withstands 300F, and comes in 30+ colors including John Deere, Case, Ford, IHC, Caterpillar, and Allis Chalmers OEM matches.
$24.00
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KBS Top Coater
KBS Top Coater
KBS Top Coater is a single component (1K), 100% UV stable top coat paint that bonds directly to bare steel and aluminum without a primer. KBS Top Coater is available in quart, gallon and 5 gallon sizes across 17 colors in gloss and matte finishes, and a gallon covers up to 700 sq. ft. in a single coat. KBS Top Coater brushes, rolls or sprays on without running or sagging, resists chemicals, and withstands temperatures up to 300 degrees F.
$54.00
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Camo Aerosol 4 Pack - KBS Top Coater
Camo Aerosol 4 Pack - KBS Top Coater
KBS Top Coater Camo 4 Pack is a single-component (1K) aerosol camouflage spray paint kit for metal, wood, and previously painted surfaces, with four cans in Flat Black, Green, Desert Tan, and Brown. The high-solids formula gives at least twice the coverage of conventional spray paints without running or sagging, and the cured finish withstands continuous temperatures up to 300°F. Each color is dry to the touch in about 30 minutes, so you can lay down the next color the same day.
$75.00
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Chrome Spray Paint - KBS Top Coater 1K Aerosol
Chrome Spray Paint - KBS Top Coater 1K Aerosol
KBS Top Coater Chrome Spray Paint is a superior spray paint formulated for maximum coverage and professional looking metallic results. KBS Top Coater Chrome Spray Paint is an ideal exterior paint to refresh a chrome surface or create a chrome look on a surface. KBS Top Coater Chrome Spray Paint is a very high solids paint does not run or sag, and gives at least twice the coverage of conventional spray paints.
$26.00
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KBS Bed Renu
KBS Bed Renu
KBS Bed Renu is a spray can bed liner coating that restores worn truck bedliner and recoats bumpers, fender flares, and running boards with a textured, UV-stable black finish. One 15 oz. aerosol can covers up to 30 sq. ft., recoats in 1 to 2 hours, and reaches full cure in about 48 hours, with no spray gun, compressor, or mixing required. KBS Bed Renu resists staining from harsh chemicals and stays flexible, so it will not crack, bubble, or peel.
$17.00
(5)
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KBS Bed Liner - Gallon
KBS Bed Liner - Gallon
KBS Bed Liner is a polyurethane protective coating that rolls, brushes, or sprays onto truck beds, trailers, and equipment to seal them against corrosion, abrasion, and impact. One gallon covers up to 250 square feet and cures to a tough, flexible, textured satin black finish that resists UV, chips, and chemicals while adding traction. KBS Bed Liner bonds to metal, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, concrete, asphalt, rubber, and most hard plastics including PVC, and can be painted once fully cured after 72 hours.
$100.00
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KBS Top Coater 1K Galvanized 12oz Aerosol
KBS Top Coater 1K Galvanized 12oz Aerosol
KBS Top Coater Galvanized Aerosol is a high-solids cold galvanizing spray that applies in minutes from a 12 oz. aerosol can with no mixing and no spray gun required. One can covers up to 30 square feet per coat, more than twice the coverage of conventional aerosol spray paints, with a full cure in 24 hours. Apply directly to clean bare metal for fast standalone protection, or use it as the finish coat over KBS RustSeal for a complete two-stage rust protection system.
$24.00
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What Else Do You Need to Apply a Topcoat?

Topcoat buyers most often add a mixing cup, a pour spout and the Hurricane Paint Mixer. Thin BlackTop and KBS Top Coater with KBS #1 Thinner or xylene, never lacquer thinner, and brush KBS topcoats with a poly bristle brush, not natural bristle.

KBS Paint Mixing Cup

Measures KBS MAXX at 3 parts base to 1 part activator, and holds only the paint you plan to use so the rest stays sealed in the can. Mix only what you can apply in 30 minutes.

Shop Mixing Cups

KBS Paint Spout

Pours topcoat without drips and keeps the can groove clean, so the lid seals tight between coats. Fits pint, quart and gallon cans and is reusable up to 25 times.

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Hurricane Paint Mixer

Stirs paint from a drill so pigment that settled in the can mixes back in evenly before you brush, roll or spray. Run it slow so no air gets whipped in. Made in the USA.

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Topcoat Alone or Over RustSeal?

A KBS topcoat over the KBS 3-Step System outlasts the same topcoat alone, and the biggest difference is salt spray life: BlackTop and KBS MAXX each pass 1,000 hours of ASTM B117 on their own and 2,000 hours over RustSeal. RustSeal needs that topcoat in return, because RustSeal on its own is not UV stable.

A KBS topcoat alone compared with the same topcoat over RustSeal
FeatureTopcoat aloneTopcoat over RustSeal
BlackTop salt spray (ASTM B117)1,000 hours at 4 to 5 mils2,000 hours over 2 coats of RustSeal
KBS MAXX salt spray (ASTM B117)1,000 hours, 2 coats at 3 to 4 mils2,000 hours, 5 to 6 mils total
Rusted metalNot for rust; the rust has to be treated firstRustBlast, then RustSeal seals the rust in place
StepsKBS Klean, then the topcoatKBS Klean, RustBlast, RustSeal, then the topcoat
When to topcoatOnce the cleaned metal is dry3 to 8 hours after RustSeal, with no sanding

On bare, rust-free mild steel where a shorter service life is acceptable, cleaning with KBS Klean and applying BlackTop directly is a valid, lower-cost choice. Once rust is present, RustBlast and RustSeal are not optional.

Topcoat Resources

Topcoat Video Guides

Apply Top Coater Aerosol
BlackTop Chassis Coating
Paint an Axle Housing
Paint Aluminum Wheels Black
Paint a Toolbox with Top Coater
Bed Liner on an Old Tailgate
All Top Coater and BlackTop Videos → | All Bed Liner Videos →

Topcoat Learning Center

What Is Top Coat Paint? BlackTop, KBS Top Coater and KBS MAXX Compared

How the three KBS topcoats differ, and which one fits black chassis work, color work and equipment.

Read the Guide →

How to Paint an Axle Housing the Right Way

Prep, RustSeal and a UV stable topcoat for an axle housing finish that will not peel or rust.

Read the Guide →

How to Paint Aluminum Wheels Black So the Finish Lasts

Prep and topcoat steps for a black aluminum wheel finish that holds up.

Read the Guide →

Topcoat Questions

The right topcoat depends on the color, the surface and how much sun and salt it will see. BlackTop covers black chassis and trim, KBS MAXX covers color work that has to last, and KBS Top Coater covers color from a can or a gallon with nothing to mix. The answers below cover what buyers ask most before they order.

Yes, with a direct to metal topcoat. BlackTop, KBS MAXX and KBS Top Coater all bond to clean bare steel with no primer, and KBS MAXX and KBS Top Coater bond to aluminum too. Degrease first with KBS Klean and let the metal dry. If the metal is rusted, treat it with RustBlast and RustSeal first, then topcoat within 3 to 8 hours.

For metal that lives outdoors, a UV stable urethane topcoat over a rust preventive base. BlackTop is a 1K moisture-cured urethane and KBS MAXX is a 2K polyurethane, and both pass 2,000 hours of ASTM B117 salt spray over two coats of RustSeal. KBS Top Coater is a 1K topcoat in 17 colors that brushes, rolls or sprays.

For a clear over cured paint, DiamondFinish Clear (1K) or KBS MAXX Clear (2K); both are UV stable and will not yellow. A KBS topcoat does not need one, because BlackTop and KBS MAXX are single stage finishes. Never put a clear over RustSeal: RustSeal needs an opaque, UV stable topcoat.

DiamondFinish Clear, a 1K urethane that goes direct to bare steel and aluminum with no primer and covers 400 sq. ft. per gallon at 2 mils. KBS MAXX Clear is the 2K option in High Gloss, Satin or Flat. Choose a clear when you want the metal to show through, and a topcoat on this page when you want color. See all KBS clear coats.

A 1K topcoat cures on its own, and a 2K topcoat cures after you mix in an activator. BlackTop and KBS Top Coater are 1K: open the can and apply. KBS MAXX is 2K: mix 3 parts base to 1 part MAXX Activator and mix only what you can apply in 30 minutes. KBS MAXX resists fuels, oils, acids and hydraulic fluids.

No. BlackTop and KBS MAXX are single stage topcoats, with color and gloss in one product and no separate clear coat. KBS Top Coater is 100% UV stable and goes on as the finish coat. A clear is optional, never required.

Apply BlackTop, KBS Top Coater, KBS MAXX or KBS Bed Renu directly over RustSeal that is 3 to 8 hours old, with no sanding. Outside that window, let RustSeal cure 24 hours, scuff it with 320 grit, then clean and dry the surface before you topcoat.

In one coat, a gallon of BlackTop covers about 400 sq. ft. and KBS MAXX about 450 at 2 mils, and a gallon of KBS Top Coater covers up to 700. Top Coater aerosols cover up to 30 sq. ft. per 12 oz can and 38 per 16 oz can. One gallon of KBS Bed Liner coats a full 8 ft truck bed in 2 coats. Expect up to 50% less on rough or sandblasted metal.

Liquid BlackTop is rated to 500°F and the BlackTop aerosol to 300°F. KBS Top Coater and KBS MAXX are rated to 300°F, and KBS Top Coater handles engine compartments and parts near, but not connected to, the exhaust. For headers, manifolds and exhaust, use a KBS engine and exhaust paint.

KBS Top Coater comes in 17 colors in gloss and matte, and the KBS Top Coater 1K Aerosol in 30+ colors, including OEM tractor and equipment matches. BlackTop comes in Gloss, OEM Satin and Flat Black. KBS MAXX comes in standard colors and can be custom matched with a 7 gallon minimum and about 4 weeks lead time. Request a free color sample before you order.

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