The best rustproofing paints in the UK 2023

Over time, metal objects tend to oxidize and without proper treatment, they can wear out quickly. Anti-rust paint is one of the best alternatives to completely eliminate rust and give a new look to our gates, fences or metal furniture. Through this guide, we will help you find the best anti-rust paint.

Rubson Frameto Stop-Rust 1
8/10

Best value for money

Rubson Frameto Stop-Rust

The best rustproofing paint in 2021

If you are looking for a versatile paint, Rubson Frameto Rust Stop meets all your requirements. It can be used as a primer, a rust inhibitor and a finish, making the task much easier.

17,44 £ on Amazon

This all-in-one paint offers your metals maximum protection against rust. With its elasticity, it benefits from a very high mechanical resistance that effectively protects it from shocks and scratches. Moreover, it is not affected by sunlight or bad weather and thus contributes to increase the longevity of all your metals.

In terms of rendering, this Rubson Frameto rustproofing product gives the surface a beautiful black appearance. No risk of the paint coming off! Moreover, it keeps its shine for a long time despite the passing years. You can use a simple brush for the application. This product can also be used on structures such as metal garden furniture, gates or fences.

Hammerite Direct Over Black Satin Rust 2
7/10

Best value for money

Hammerite Direct Over Black Satin Rust

The best entry-level rustproofing paint

To best protect your garden furniture and grills against rust, this paint is certainly the most appropriate. They will benefit from a reinforced protection that can last up to 8 years.

15,12 £ on Manomano

Benefiting from a unique formula, this paint preserves your ferrous and non-ferrous metals from the impacts of rust. Moreover, it shows an increased resistance to the vagaries of the weather. Very practical, it not only provides long-lasting protection to your metals, but also contributes to their embellishment.

In terms of application, Hammerite has done everything possible to make its product easy to use. Indeed, it does not require an undercoat and can be applied directly on the surface. There's no need to wait for long minutes, because the drying time is reduced to a minimum. In the end, you get a beautiful satin finish!

Dulux Valentine iron bri 3
8/10

Best value for money

Dulux Valentine iron bri

The best high-end rustproofing paint

Efficiency guaranteed for up to 10 years! That's what Dulux Iron Bri paint from Valentine offers you. It combines all the characteristics to protect your various metal supports in the long term.

96,80 £ on Manomano

This paint incorporates proven anti-rust agents in its composition. These agents act quickly to prevent rust from spreading on the surface of your metals installed outside. In addition, this product provides a protective film that allows it to resist UV and other atmospheric aggressions.

The application of this paint does not pose any problem. You can therefore apply it directly on the rust. In addition to the comfort of use, there is no need to worry about dripping. Thanks to its glossy glycero formula, this paint is able to deliver a very nice rendering with an impeccable finish.

Wo-We Peinture Fer Metal W900 4
8/10

Excellent

Wo-We Peinture Fer Metal W900

An effective and versatile rustproofing paint

A good all-purpose alternative! Serving as both an undercoat and a finish, this paint makes the user's job much easier. It is recommended for the protection of all your interior surfaces!

79,92 £ on Amazon
Buying guide • November 2023

Best rustproof paint

Any specific needs?

The best rustproofing paint in 2021

The best entry-level rustproofing paint

The best high-end rustproofing paint

An effective and versatile rustproofing paint

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best rustproofing paints

Top Inexpensive Top of the line Excellent
Rubson Frameto Stop-Rust 5
8/10
Hammerite Direct Over Black Satin Rust 6
7/10
Dulux Valentine iron bri 7
8/10
Wo-We Peinture Fer Metal W900 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Rubson Frameto Stop-Rust
Hammerite Direct Over Black Satin Rust
Dulux Valentine iron bri
Wo-We Peinture Fer Metal W900
If you are looking for a versatile paint, Rubson Frameto Rust Stop meets all your requirements. It can be used as a primer, a rust inhibitor and a finish, making the task much easier.
To best protect your garden furniture and grills against rust, this paint is certainly the most appropriate. They will benefit from a reinforced protection that can last up to 8 years.
Efficiency guaranteed for up to 10 years! That's what Dulux Iron Bri paint from Valentine offers you. It combines all the characteristics to protect your various metal supports in the long term.
A good all-purpose alternative! Serving as both an undercoat and a finish, this paint makes the user's job much easier. It is recommended for the protection of all your interior surfaces!
Packaging
1 L
0.75 L
0.5 L
5 L
Shade
Black plain
Black satin finish
Light grey
Charcoal Gray
Nature
Glycero
Glycero
Glycero
Acrylic
Application
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor
Outdoors
Interior/Exterior
Drying time
24 hours
4 hours
24 hours (between coats)
24 hours (between coats)

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Buying guide - rustproof paint

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How to choose your rustproof paint

Metals are known for their great resistance, but on the other hand, they do not stand up well to prolonged exposure to humidity, hence the interest of anti-rust paints. It is therefore useful to know the basic criteria for choosing the right anti-rust paint to use on a metal surface.

#1 - Coverage

Not all paints have the same coverage. In most cases, one or even two coats are sufficient to ensure proper coverage. This may also depend on the manufacturer's recommendations. Once dry, the paint should be able to retain its shine and fill in any small crevices in the rusted surface.

#2 - Ease of use

Whether you use a brush or a sprayer, the application of the paint should not be complicated. The paint must be smooth and free of spills.

If you want the paint to last as long as possible, be sure to properly prepare the surface you are going to paint. And especially if the work is located outside!

#3 - Location of application

This is a very important criterion before purchasing a rustproof paint. In case the paint application will be done outside, first of all think about checking that the ambient temperature is neither too high nor too low. To ensure optimal paint fixation, the appropriate temperature can vary between 10 and 30°C.

For indoor applications, check the type of volatile substances listed on the can. And don't forget to ensure proper ventilation of the room!

#4 - Openness

One of the things to consider when choosing a rustproof paint is the opening system since there is nothing more frustrating than a paint can that is difficult to open. To make it easier to open, some cans come with a notch system to make it easier to place a screwdriver, for example.

A little advice: make sure you mix well before using the paint. If you've opted for a spray can, you'll need to shake it several times first.

#5 - Renderings

Like conventional paints, rustproofing paints can come in a variety of finishes. Many colors are also available. Matte paints offer less outdoor resistance when compared to glossy paints. Also, depending on your preferences, you can easily find paints on the market that produce effects that change the appearance of the metal.

What is a rustproofing paint and how to apply it on iron?

As the name suggests, the purpose of a rustproofing paint is to provide any metal surface with effective protection against moisture. In other words, in the long term, it is intended to prevent rust from forming.

Therefore, by applying it to metals, they will benefit from a longer life span. This is very practical, especially for metals located outside homes and which are regularly exposed to various weather conditions.

We can distinguish 2 types of anti-rust paint:

  • The so-called "curative" paints are used for the treatment and the reappearance of rust,
  • The "preventive" paints have the mission to avoid its formation.

It is important to know that there are several paints designed to prevent rust from forming. We can mention for example the marine paint which is used for boats, the anti-rust iron paint or the anti-corrosion spray.

Steps to apply anti-rust paint correctly

  • The first thing to do is to remove the rust with a wire brush, then you can use a cloth with a little White Spirit for dusting.
  • The next step is to apply an anti-rust primer with a brush. This will completely remove all traces of rust.
  • The last step is the application of the paint itself! This must be done in 2 coats and you must wait until the first coat is dry before starting the second.

For the application, use different brushes, especially for the parts that are a little difficult to access. Spray cans are more convenient, but they have one major drawback: spills. To ensure a clean, crisp job, there's no better way than with brushes!

The different types of rustproofing paints

There are 3 types of anti-rust paints depending on your needs in terms of rendering, ease of use or efficiency.

Rust preventive paint stripper

Rustproofing paint has the advantage of effectively penetrating materials to remove the various layers of paint or varnish that are present. It does not risk damaging the materials, whether they are metals or wood, even if they are fragile. Moreover, it is not composed of materials or elements that could represent a serious danger to the user.

Even if it does not constitute a major risk for the user, it is always necessary to be cautious by putting on protections like gloves or glasses for example. And it should also be remembered that most paint strippers are more or less flammable.

Rust preventive primer

In addition to providing effective protection against rust, rustproofing primer provides the link between the substrate on one side and the final paint on the other. It gives the finishing paint the ability to better bond to the substrate. Thanks to it, the finish is smoother and once the drying is done, we can easily obtain the desired aspect (glossy, satin or mat).

The anti-rust primer can only be used as an undercoat. In this case, it must be complemented by a finishing paint for optimal effectiveness. In the long term, and if used alone, this type of paint does not provide lasting protection against the harmful effects of rust and corrosion. A final paint must therefore be added to ensure the longevity of the support.

Universal rust preventive paint

Universal anti-rust paint has many strong points starting with its ability to adhere to all types of supports. It is also characterized by its important covering power and this greatly facilitates the task for the user. Other advantages: the cleaning of the tools does not pose any particular problem and the user can do it by using only water.

Of course, this type of paint is more expensive and its application requires a lot of preparation beforehand so that it holds well. You also have to apply a thicker coat, which means you have to buy a lot of paint.

Water-based or solvent-based anti-rust paint?

Water-based anti-rust paint

Waterborne rustproofing paint is appreciated for the fact that it does not contain any particularly toxic products. Secondly, it does not give off unpleasant odors, which is a major advantage over solvent-based paint. It is also very practical, as a single coat can sometimes be sufficient. Finally, the tools used for painting can be easily cleaned by hand with a little water.

On the downside, waterborne rustproofing paint is much more fragile. Therefore, it is more vulnerable to scratches and less resistant to shocks unlike solvent-based rustproofing paint. In terms of application, it requires favorable weather conditions, i.e. the drier the weather, the more effective the result will be.

Rustproof paint, solvent phase

Solvent-based rustproofing paint has a number of advantages. First, compared to waterborne rustproofing paint, it is very resistant to scratching and impact. It is because of this mechanical resistance that it is more solicited for exterior paints. In addition to this characteristic, it does not require much effort in cleaning.

One of the big disadvantages of solvent-based rustproofing paint is the strong odor it emits. Indeed, it can be very unpleasant for people in the vicinity. Apart from that, this kind of product can contain polluting elements that have negative impacts not only on health, but also on the environment.

Verdict

Both solvent-based and water-based rustproofing paint are interesting. On the other hand, if the work is very exposed and therefore likely to be scratched, for example, it is wiser to turn to solvent-based rustproofing paint because of its greater resistance. But you will have to be prepared to put up with a strong smell!

Why buy anti-rust paint?

To effectively treat rust

Is your gate under attack by rust? Don't panic, you can still remedy the situation by using a curative anti-rust paint. To do this, simply apply it to the oxidized area and you will stop the oxidation process. However, to be effective, it is important to prepare the surface well beforehand.

To prevent rust from appearing

You have just acquired new metals and you want to prevent rust from appearing? It's simple, you can use preventive anti-rust paint. This paint will prevent rust from forming, even if all conditions are met (humidity, air) for the oxidation process to start. As a result, your metals will benefit from a durability over several years.

To protect the body of your car

If a small part of your vehicle's body is attacked by rust, it will not take long for it to spread. To prevent this from happening, there is only one solution: apply anti-rust paint! This way, the oxidation will not spread over the entire surface of the bodywork.

To protect your woodwork

It may seem a little surprising, but anti-rust paint can also effectively protect wood. Outside, wood is subject to climatic conditions (wind, rain, heat, humidity) that can quickly deteriorate it. By applying a coat of anti-rust paint, you will considerably extend the life of your wood, because it will be better protected!

For the aesthetic side

As everyone knows, anti-rust paints can be available in several colors. Therefore, they are both capable of offering protection to metals and woods and allow you to beautify the exterior of your home. And since there are anti-rust paints dedicated to interior surfaces, the whole decoration of your rooms will benefit from it.

The best brands of rustproofing paints

In our opinion, the best brands of rustproofing paints in 2022 are :

Oellers
Hammerite
Owatrol
Rubson
Valentine

Oellers has its origins in Germany. It has 70 years of experience in the production of paints. Since its beginnings, this brand has always put quality at the center of its concerns. It is therefore no coincidence that it is today among the best and is considered one of the world's references in the field of paint.

Within the Akzobel group, this brand specializes in metal maintenance. With its rich experience, it suggests several product lines. The anti-rust paints that the brand offers on the market have a unique formula to give the best possible protection against rust. They incorporate an innovative technology that allows them to provide protection for up to 12 years. Finally, these paints do not require an undercoat.

The Owatrol brand develops solutions for your wood and metal works. Whether for maintenance or decoration, Owatrol products can accompany the user through all stages of the work to be done. The brand's objective is to offer its customers products that are very easy to use. Thus, everyone can use them from the small handyman to professionals and big beginners.

Founded in 1957, the Rubson brand is part of the Henkel group and specializes in designing products to improve the waterproofing of homes. But later, it began to diversify its products. What really sets Rubson apart is its constant quest for quality. The paints developed by the brand are nowadays of great efficiency.

In the beginning, it was dedicated to the manufacture of paints for carriages. It was not until 1934 that the brand became French. Nowadays, Valentine paints are distinguished by their great covering power. They are also known to be environmentally friendly.

What is the price for a rustproof paint

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
10 £ to 20 £
Mid-range
20 £ to 50 £
High-end
more than 50 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Prepare the surface to be treated

Before applying a rustproofing paint, it is essential to properly prepare the surface to be treated. If the surface is rusty, remove the loose particles by brushing the surface with a wire brush. If the surface is already painted, take a chemical paint remover and apply it to the surface. Wait about 2 hours before painting the surface.

Consider the weather conditions for an exterior paint job

To ensure an effective application of the anti-rust paint, you must respect specific weather conditions. Indeed, if the weather is scorching or too cold, the paint will have a lot of trouble to fix properly. Therefore, the most appropriate temperature when it comes to applying this kind of paint should be between 10 and 30 °C.

Apply a second coat for added protection

Outside, metal supports are more exposed to different weather conditions. For this reason, a single coat of anti-rust paint may not be enough to provide lasting protection. It is therefore strongly recommended to apply a second coat to reinforce this protection. This is the only way to extend the life of your metal structures.

Choose an all-in-one rustproofing paint

Painting is a time-consuming activity. This task is also tiring for one person. In order to save time and energy unnecessarily, it is best to focus on all-in-one rustproofing paints. For example, you can easily find products that can be used as a primer, rust inhibitor and finish at the same time. It's more convenient than using 3 different products!

Apply a primer before the rustproofing paint

After you've prepared the surface, it's essential to apply a primer before any application of rustproofing paint. Why is this? Simply because the surface you are going to paint is not yet uniform. It is the role of the primer to make it uniform and clean to receive the paint. It also helps to make the surface more adherent.

FAQ

How to dilute a rustproofing paint?

To facilitate theapplication of a rustproof paint, it is advisable to dilute the first coat with White Spirit or by using CR 10 universal thinner from 10 to 15%. If it is a water-based paint, you can dilute it with 5% water. Finally, you should know that for an industrial anti-rust paint, it is advisable to add 10% of thinner ST-661.

What brush to use for a rustproofing paint?

Depending on your needs and the type of anti-rust paint you have purchased, there are several brushes with more or less thicknesses. For large surfaces, choose flat brushes as they have a high absorption capacity. If you are doing work that requires precision, round brushes are best. You can also find brushes designed to easily paint hard-to-reach areas.

When to do a rustproofing treatment?

There are a few conditions that must be met in order for rustproofing paint to penetrate easily and set effectively. Among these conditions, there is the temperature which must be on average 15°C if the application is done outside. The ideal season is therefore autumn! Above all, do not wait to act. You must treat as soon as the first signs of rust appear.

How does a rustproofing paint work?

When the iron is in contact with water for a long time, an electrochemical process is triggered. Gradually, the iron goes into an oxidized state and as time passes, corrosion becomes inevitable. By integrating anti-rust elements, the paint is able to stop this process. As a result, the surface of the metal is no longer attacked by corrosion.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. How to choose your iron paint and anti-rust paint?, leroymerlin.fr
  2. Advantages and disadvantages of anti-rust paint: features application tips effectiveness and price, cac-france.fr
  3. Reviews on 12 special iron anti-rust paints, systemed.fr
  4. Buying advice: choosing the right anti-rust paint, autoaubaine.com
  5. How to maintain iron, conseil.manomano.fr
  6. Anti-Rust Coatings For Steel, metrosteel.com.au
  7. 7 Tips for Painting Over Rust, familyhandyman.com
  8. What are different types of anti-rust anti corrosion coatings?, performance-painting.com
  9. How commercial spray painting stops rust, aptspraypainting.com.au
  10. 6 Things to Know Before You Paint Over Rust, bobvila.com
  11. Leroy Merlin rustproofing paint at the best price | Leroy ..., leroymerlin.fr
  12. Amazon.co.uk : Rustproofing Paint, amazon.co.uk
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  14. Rustproofing paint, metal & iron paint for the ..., bricodepot.fr
  15. Rustproofing paint or ... - Metaltop paint, metaltop.fr
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  17. Buying tips for rustproofing paint, systemed.fr
  18. Rustproofing iron paints, anti-corrosion, treatment and ..., v33.fr
  19. Rustproofing - Wikipedia, fr.wikipedia.org
  20. Rustproofing finish paint COMBICOLOR - quality ..., champion-direct.com
  21. Rustproofing paint : info, application, price - Ooreka, peinture.ooreka.fr
  22. Metal and rustproofing paint - ManoMano, manomano.fr
  23. Amazon.co.uk : rustproofing iron paint, amazon.co.uk
  24. Rustproofing paint : choice and application, expert-peinture.fr
  25. Rustproofing products - Peintures Julien, peinturesjulien.fr
  26. Rustproofing paint for metals on PeintureDeFrance.fr ..., peinturedefrance.fr
  27. Rustproofing paint : how to use it well ? Our advice, bricoleurpro.ouest-france.fr
  28. rustol.info, rustol.info
  29. Rustproofing paint - Floor & wall coating on Rue du ..., rueducommerce.fr
  30. Rustproofing paint - Peinturevoiture.fr, peinturevoiture.fr
  31. Antirouille - Peintures spécialisées - Peintures ..., patrickmorin.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Rubson Frameto Stop-Rust 9
Rubson Frameto Stop-Rust
Hammerite Direct Over Black Satin Rust 10
Hammerite Direct Over Black Satin Rust
Dulux Valentine iron bri 11
Dulux Valentine iron bri
Wo-We Peinture Fer Metal W900 12
Wo-We Peinture Fer Metal W900

Lecteurs

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