The 7 Best Chassis & Truck Frame Paint – 2021 (Reviews & Guide)

best chassis truck frame paint

IN THIS GUIDE

What’s the best chassis and truck frame paint?

Here’s the deal:

We know you’re looking for a chassis and truck frame paint that will beautify your truck, eliminate the rust, and keep it free from rusting in the future.

Or, you’ve got a brand new truck that you want to keep looking shiny, new, and free from rust and corrosion.

Whatever your situation, we’ve done a lot of research to determine the best paint for renewing, refreshing, and most importantly, protecting the underbody of your truck from rust.

After-all, we know rust and corrosion will quickly eat away at the metal, rusting, and corroding it, which will reduce integrity.

Not only that, your truck won’t be looking good if there’s rust falling off as you drive down the road.

And you know what?

Not all chassis paint is created equal.

If you’re aware of and concerned about VOC compliance, we’ve included a couple of paint products that have low VOCs.

Fewer toxins are just better, all around, for the environment and your health. But take note that not all paint products have low VOCs.

Or, maybe you’re looking for the simplest and fastest way to get to the end of your paint job?

Well, some of these paint products state that you need to apply just the paint.

Ya, that’s a beautiful idea.

Well, read the instructions closely because the one coat does it all approach sounds great, but even the paint manufacturers strongly suggest doing proper prep work (yes, cleaning, sanding etc…) and some even suggest a bottom coat be applied.

Which chassis paint will work best to prevent rust and corrosion on your truck?


At A Glance: The Top 7 Chassis & Truck Frame Paint

CHASSIS & TRUCK FRAME PAINTSPECIFICATIONS

Magnet Paint Co Chassis Saver – Satin Black – MPC-UCP970-04 (Quarts)
Coverage: 350-400 SQ. FT/gallon
Bottom Coat Req’d: No
Top Coat Req’d: No
VOC Compliant: Yes
Lead-Free: Yes
UV Protection: No
POR-15 45401 Rust Preventive CoatingCoverage: 384 Sq. Ft. per gallon
Bottom Coat Req’d: Yes, Metal-Ready rust remover
Top Coat Req’d: Yes
VOC Compliant: Low
Lead-Free: Yes
UV Protection: No
RUST BULLET AutomotiveCoverage: 400 Sq. Ft. per gallon
Bottom Coat Req’d: Yes, Metal-Ready rust remover
Top Coat Req’d: Yes
VOC Compliant: No
Lead-Free: Yes
UV Protection: Yes
POR-15 45901 Top CoatCoverage: 350 Sq. Ft. per gallon
Bottom Coat Req’d: No
Top Coat Req’d: No
VOC Compliant: No (but available with Rust Bullet Low VOC product)
Lead-Free: Yes
UV Protection: Yes
KBS Coatings 4501 Coverage: 400Sq. Ft. per gallon
Bottom Coat Req’d: No
Top Coat Req’d: No
VOC Compliant: Yes
Lead-Free: Yes
UV Protection: No
Rust Bullet BlackShell Coverage: 350 – 400Sq. Ft. per gallon
Bottom Coat Req’d: No
Top Coat Req’d: No
VOC Compliant: No
Lead-Free: Yes
UV Protection: Yes
KBS Coatings 8501Coverage: 400Sq. Ft. per gallon
Bottom Coat Req’d: No
Top Coat Req’d: No but recommended that you apply RustSeal first
VOC Compliant: Yes
Lead-Free: Yes
UV Protection: Yes
*Always refer to manufacturer specifications and instructions for details

Magnet Paint Co Chassis Saver – Satin Black – MPC-UCP970-04 (Quarts)

  • Coverage: 350-400 SQ. FT/gallon
  • Man. Part #: UCP970-04
  • Bottom Coat Req’d: No
  • Top Coat Req’d: No
  • VOC Compliant: Yes
  • Lead-Free: Yes

This chassis saver paint, manufactured by Magnet Paint has been around for over 10 years and according to Magnet, more than 250 townships, public works departments use it on their snow and ice removal equipment, highway and off-road vehicles. This in itself speaks for the quality of Magnet Paint Chassis Saver

Chassis Saver will bond to rusty metal to form a rock hard yet flexible, non-porous finish that won’t crack, chip, flake, or peel. And it works this way by isolating metal from oxygen and moisture, preventing rust.

Because this chassis paint is not affected by other substances such as diesel fuel, gasoline, road salt, oils, corrosives, battery acids etc.. it’s a great paint to apply on all underbodies and engine compartment surfaces. And you can use it on frames, floorboards, engine compartments, trunk areas, under fenders and bumpers. 

You’ll get great coverage out of a gallon of this paint but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for prepping the paint area so you can be sure you get the best finish. 

Something else to keep in mind is that over time, the color will fade from black to charcoal gray but the rust stopping and corrosion resistance will never degrade. If you don’t want the color to change, apply a product with an opaque finish on top.

What We Like

  • Minimal preparation with wire brush
  • Can be applied to all underparts of a vehicle
  • Great rust preventer
  • Unaffected by other substances such as oil, salt, gasoline, diesel fuel

What We Don’t Like

  • You need to apply a primer first
  • Strong fumes so you’ll want to wear a mask

POR-15 45401 Rust Preventive Coating

  • Coverage: 384 Sq. Ft. per gallon
  • Man. Part #: 45401
  • Bottom Coat Req’d: Yes, Metal-Ready rust remover
  • Top Coat Req’d: Yes, to prevent break-down of Por-15 rust prevention
  • VOC Compliant: Low
  • Lead-Free: Yes
  • UV Protection: No

What We Like

  • A moisture-free environment is not required for it to dry and adhere
  • Can apply other paints on top, including lacquer-based paints
  • Waterproof
  • Abrasion chemical, stain and impact resistant

What We Don’t Like

  • Recommended that you apply Metal-Ready by Por-15 first to remove rust particles and prep for Por-15 Rust Preventative
  • Strong fumes so you’ll want to wear a mask and apply in a well-ventilated space
  • On the more expensive end

Por-15’s Rust Preventative technology is different from other manufacturers of chassis rust prevention paint, because it cures better and faster when moisture is present. 

Most paint dries with evaporation (and won’t dry easily when exposed to moisture) so Por-15’s technology is unique because it’s been developed to work with moisture.

When it chemically bonds to rusted metal, it forms a rock-hard, non-porous coating that doesn’t crack, chip or peel. So, although it can be applied directly to the rust, the manufacturer does suggest that you prep the surface with their Metal-Ready product which will remove some of the rust but will also leave a surface that is better for adhesion.

And you don’t need to worry about whether it will stand up in heat because it’s heat resistant up to 450 F or 232 C, and it’ll adapt with the expansion and shrinkage  of surfaces and remain flexible when applied to automotive springs and suspension.

And although this coating does amazing in extreme heat, it doesn’t tolerate UV rays over extended periods of time so if your painted surface is going to see the sun on a regular basis, it’s recommended that you apply a top coat.

RUST BULLET Automotive

  • Coverage: 400 Sq. Ft. per gallon
  • Bottom Coat Req’d: Yes, Metal-Ready rust remover
  • Top Coat Req’d: Yes, to prevent break-down of Por-15 rust prevention
  • VOC Compliant: No (but available with Rust Bullet Low VOC product)
  • Lead-Free: Yes
  • UV Protection: Yes

What We Like

  • Bottom coat not required
  • Top coat not required
  • Easy preparation
  • UV protection
  • Water proof, chemical resistant, Impact & chip resistant

What We Don’t Like:

  • Requires 2 coats
  • Must apply 2nd coat within 6 hours or wait 24 hours, scuff and then apply

Summary:

The great thing about applying Rust Bullet Automotive is that it doesn’t need a bottom coat or a top coat to adhere and maintain it’s rust protection qualities.

But you’ll need to ensure that all loose rust and paint, moisture, dirt, oil etc are removed before applying it. If you’ve already had a coat of paint on the surface previously, then give the paint a good scuff because the Rust Bullet will adhere better to the rusted surface or bare metal.

The great thing about Rust Bullet is that it permanently stops rust and corrosion by penetrating the surface and drying out the rusted areas.

So what this means is that you’re dehydrating the rusted areas which then become one with the coating and creating a strong barrier that will also prevent rust and corrosion from happening.

If you’ve never used protective paint before and you’re lucky enough to not have any rust forming, then go ahead and apply Rust Bullet and then you won’t need to worry about rust or corrosion

POR-15 45901 Top Coat

  • Coverage: 350 Sq. Ft. per gallon
  • Bottom Coat Req’d: No, but apply POR-15 Rust Preventive first for permanent barrier to corrosion
  • Top Coat Req’d: No
  • VOC Compliant: No (but available with Rust Bullet Low VOC product)
  • Lead-Free: Yes
  • UV Protection: Yes

What We Like

  • Bottom coat not required
  • Topcoat not required
  • Easy preparation
  • UV protection
  • Waterproof, chemical resistant, impact & chip resistant

What We Don’t Like:

  • Works best with Metal-Ready applied first
  • On the more expensive end

Summary:

Por-15’s technology is different from other manufacturers of chassis rust prevention paint because it cures better and faster when moisture is present. 

Most paints dry with evaporation (and won’t dry easily when exposed to moisture) so Por-15’s technology is unique in this manner.

When it chemically bonds to rusted metal, it forms a rock-hard, non-porous coating that doesn’t crack, chip or peel. So, although it can be applied directly to the rust, the manufacturer does suggest that you prep the surface with their Metal-Ready product which will remove some of the rust but will also leave a surface that is better for adhesion.

And you don’t need to worry about whether it will stand up in heat because it’s heat resistant up to 450 F or 232 C, and it’ll adapt with the expansion and shrinkage  of surfaces and remain flexible when applied to automotive springs and suspension.

And although this coating does amazing in extreme heat, it doesn’t tolerate UV rays over extended periods of time so if your painted surface is going to see the sun on a regular basis, it’s recommended that you apply a topcoat.

Rust protection qualities will break down with regular exposure to UV rays so a topcoat is recommended for surfaces exposed often to UV rays.

KBS Coatings 4501 

  • Coverage: 400 Sq. Ft. per gallon
  • Bottom Coat Req’d: No
  • Top Coat Req’d: No
  • VOC Compliant: Yes
  • Lead-Free: Yes
  • UV Protection: No

What We Like

  • Flexible product, allows expansion and contraction
  • Combines with atmospheric moisture to cure
  • Repels fuels, oils, most acids
  • Does not crack, flake or peel

What We Don’t Like:

Does not have UV protection

Very expensive – most expensive on our list

Summary

If you’re looking for a product that will not only work well on your vehicles to prevent rust and corrosion but you would like to apply it on other surfaces such as equipment or farm machinery, then KBS Rust Seal is a great option.

It’s a fantastic choice for surfaces that get hot, up to 600 F (316 C) but remember that although it can take the heat, it can’t take the UV rays which will cause color and sheen to fade. 

Too much sun means your paint job may not be as shiny or bright as it originally was but the rust protective properties will not degrade so you won’t need to worry about rust and corrosion forming.

But the good news is, if you’re using it on an area that’s not exposed to UV rays, you won’t need a top coat because the KBS Rust Seal has a great looking finish! For those areas that see the sun often, be sure to apply an opaque topcoat to protect the finish.

Feel free to apply KBS Rust Seal a ton of different surfaces, knowing that it will withstand the elements and prevent rust and corrosion for a long time. Roll it, brush it or spray it – your choice – just follow the directions to be sure that you apply it the right way so it does its job and looks good.

Rust Bullet BlackShell 

  • Coverage: 350400 Sq. Ft. per gallon
  • Bottom Coat Req’d: No
  • Top Coat Req’d: No but recommended that you apply RustSeal first
  • VOC Compliant: No
  • Lead-Free: Yes
  • UV Protection: Yes

What We Like

  • Can be used as a stand-alone product or can be applied as a topcoat over Rust Bullet Industrial or Rust Bullet Automotive products
  • Tough surface finish, scratch and chip resistant
  • Can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed

What We Don’t Like

  • Minimum 2 coats required if being used as a stand alone product

Summary:

Consumers talk about how a little bit goes a long way so consider the dimensions you need to cover along with whether you need 1 or 2 coats and then grab a quart or a gallon of Rust Bullet Blackshell

As with most paints that offer rust protection, be sure that you wear protective gloves, a mask and apply in a well ventilated space.

KBS Coatings 8501

  • Coverage: 400 Sq. Ft. per gallon
  • Bottom Coat Req’d: No
  • Top Coat Req’d: No but recommended that you apply RustSeal first
  • VOC Compliant: Yes
  • Lead-Free: Yes
  • UV Protection: Yes

What We Like

  • Flexible coating which expands & contracts
  • High temperature resistance, 500 F for non-aerosol, 300F for aerosol
  • Apply with a brush or sprayer
  • Can be applied on previously sealed surfaces

What We Don’t Like:

  • Highly recommended that you apply RustSeal first in order to get the best rust and UV ray protection

Summary

BlackTop, another product by KBS, is sure to do a great job protecting your vehicle chassis and just about any other metal product that you want to put it on! 

Think about putting it on your coil springs because the KBS Blackcoat is flexible enough that it won’t crack on those surfaces that have rounded edges or need to move around in order to work. And it handles the heat up to 500 F so there’s no need to sweat about brushing it on surfaces that heat up!


8 Reasons Why You Need Chassis & Truck Frame Paint

#1 – Prevent Rust and Corrosion

The number one reason for using chassis paint is to prevent rust and corrosion. The chassis, including the frame, exhaust, and bed are all prone to rust. And the wheel wells and fenders are also spots that tend to rust. For those vehicles that are driven in environments where there tends to be a lot of snow, ice and rain, there is definitely a higher probability of rust, particularly if salt is used on the roads. 

#2 – Longevity

There’s no doubt that you want to drive your vehicle for a long time. If you don’t protect the chassis and the other parts of your truck that tend to rust, then you have a much higher chance of the rust and corrosion eating away at the metal and affecting the integrity. Parts and pieces can break off, lowering the integrity of the vehicle. or at least shortening their lifetime. 

#3 – Maintain Safety

Rust and corrosion can cause metal parts of your vehicle to break or snap off, reducing the safety for passengers.

#4 – Minimize Damage and Maintain Integrity During an Accident

There are 2 types of rust: surface rust and structural rust. Surface rust can happen from small dents and chips and is not something to be too concerned but they should be repaired. Structural rust is more serious and happens when rust forms beneath the car, on the chassis, wheel wells, and fenders. When this happens, the integrity of the vehicle can be reduced which means that you and your passengers may not be as safe in an accident, had the rust not occurred. 

#5 – Improve Resale Value

The resale value of a used car is largely dependent on its condition. If the chassis or frame is rusted, the resale value will be lowered. Not only that, but it will be less saleable because most people don’t want to buy a vehicle that has significant rust, especially on the underbody. Investing a bit of sweat labor to paint the chassis will help you in the long run.

#6 – Protect Other Parts of Your Vehicle

Rust can spread from the chassis to other parts of a vehicle such as the gas tank and the driveshaft which means your rusty underbody has just become a much bigger problem. After all, if the rust spreads to your gas tank, then a gas can leak. Or if the rust spreads to the driveshaft, problems with control and turning can happen. 

#7 – Multi-purpose

Chassis and truck frame paint’s primary purpose is to prevent rust which means you can use this paint on any other metal that is prone to rust. 

#8 – Save Money

Using a chassis and truck frame paint can save you money in the long run because you’ll prevent more serious damage from occurring as a result of rust and corrosion.


8 Things To Look For In A Good Chassis Frame Paint

#1 – Price

The paint on our list varies in price but this is a key consideration. Determine your budget and then consider the remaining key points.

#2 – Waterborne or Solvent Paint

There are 2 primary types of chassis paint, solvent and water-based.

Water-Based paint is better for the environment because it uses less toxic chemicals, which lowers VOC emissions which results in a healthier environment, there’s less clear coat needed, and it gives a more vivid and cleaner hue than solvent based paint.

Solvent-based paint contains higher amounts of toxins that stay in the environment well after the painting has been completed. But there are low-VOC solvent-based paints as well.

Here are 5 key differences between waterborne and solvent-based paints:

Drying time – solvent-based paints have a faster drying time

Cost – solvent based paint is usually less expensive than water based paint

Quality – waterborne paint is usually more expensive and takes longer to dry but provides better coverage with brighter color quality

Fewer paint coats – Waterborne paint requires less clearcoat to even out surfaces

VOC levels – waterborne paint has few to no VOCs making it a healthier paint option

#3 – Qualities

Do you live in an area that gets a lot of sun throughout the year? Are you applying the paint to an area of your truck that is regularly exposed to the sun? Then consider buying paint with UV protection. Does your area experience a lot of humidity? Look for paint that works well over time in a humid environment. Concerned about paint fumes? Buy a paint that is water-based or a solvent-based paint that has low VOCs. 

#4 – Single stage paint vs 2 stage paint

A single-stage paint is a single step paint that doesn’t require a clear coat. 2-stage paint requires a clear coat. The clear coat is a protective coating that provides more shine to the base color. If applying the paint to the underbody of your truck, you may not feel the need for a clear coat but be sure to read the paint instructions so you understand the manufacturer’s instructions.

#5 – VOC compliance

According to the EPA, exposure to VOCs can cause nose and throat discomfort, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and other illnesses.

#6 – Bond formation

When choosing paint, it’s important to consider the adhesion qualities so you can be sure that your paint job won’t fade away. Adhesion happens through adsorption, chemical, and mechanical interlocking. Without getting too scientific, just know that the durability and performance of paint depends on two properties: cohesion and adhesion. 

#7 – Quantity

Before buying your paint, measure the surface area you want to cover to get an idea of how much paint you need. Typically, chassis paint goes a long way but some of these paints have a short shelf life so it would be unfortunate if you buy so much that the paint can sits around half full and is then unusable down the road. Most paint manufacturers make the paint in at least a 1 gallon and 1-quart size, and sometimes in a pint.

#8 – Brand

There are some well respected, tried and true paint manufacturers such as KBS, Rust Bullet, POR 15, and Magnet Paint. We have paint from all of these manufacturers on our list. Given that you’re trying to protect one of your most expensive investments from rust and corrosion (or maybe you’re correcting an existing rust problem), it’s likely a good idea to choose a paint that’s known to do a good job. If you’re not too concerned about using a well-known brand, that’s okay because as with many products on the market, there is likely some paint from lesser-known companies that will also work well. Just be sure to do your homework.


How To Paint a Truck Chassis Frame in 9 Steps

STEP #1 – Buy the necessary supplies and tools

Measure or try to get a fairly accurate idea for the surface area to be covered and then buy the appropriate amount of paint. The paint manufacturer will provide you with their coverage guidelines. You’ll also need to buy sandpaper to prep the surface, a base coat and an overcoat, depending on the paint you choose. Don’t forget a brush or a spray gun, depending on your preferred method of applying the paint and of course, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your paint is solvent-based, you will need a good quality mask/respirator to protect yourself from the fumes along with eye protection and preferably a face shield. It’s also recommended that you wear gloves and work clothes that cover exposed skin so that you avoid getting this hard to remove paint on your skin. For waterborne paint, there’s less concern about fumes because of the low VOCs but you might want to wear a mask regardless.

STEP #2 – Clean & degrease

It’s always recommended that you refer to the manufacturer’s instructions but it’s typically suggested that you clean the surface before applying the base coat or paint. Ensure that all dirt, oil and grime has been removed.

STEP #3 – Remove scaling

Once the chassis has dried, remove all rust remnants. There are several different tools that can be used including sandpaper, an electric sander and you can even use a hammer by lightly hitting the rusted areas so that the rust falls off. A scraper will also do the job quite easily.

STEP #4 – Grind the rust

For this step, you may want to wear an air filter mask to prevent the rust particles from getting in your lungs and eye protection to protect your eyes. Using an air sander, sand the surface. An 80 grit is a good starting point. Continue smoothing the surface and increase the sandpaper grit as you go along. As you continue to sand, increase the sandpaper grit to a 220 grit and move up from there until you have a smooth surface. If you can’t remove rust from some spots with the sander, try using a wire brush.

STEP #5 – Apply a rust converter

When you apply a rust converter, it changes the oxidation of the rusted surface and turns it into a protective coating. This means that the surface will be protected from the rust recurring and eating the surface from under your new paint job. It’s recommended that you continue to wear latex gloves and apply the rust converter in a space that is well ventilated. Remember that you only need to apply the rust converter to the spots that are rusted. 

STEP #6 – Degrease & clean

Wipe down the surface and use a grease remover to get any remaining grease and dust.  If you don’t have a grease remover, mineral spirits or denatured alcohol will work. 

STEP #7 – Tape to prevent overspray

Apply tape and/or paper to the areas that you don’t want painted. 

STEP #8 – Apply paint

Before applying chassis paint, ensure that you’ve read the manufacturer’s instructions so you understand their recommended best practices. It’s also important to know the type of environment that the manufacturer recommends during the application period. Does it need to be warm or cool? Does the paint adhere better in a humid environment or does it need to be dry?  And before applying the 2nd coat, ensure that you read the instructions to know how much time to leave between coats. Some require a short period of time while other paints need longer.

STEP #9 – Apply rust prevention

If you’re driving an older truck, you may want to apply a rust preventative coat as an additional, protective coat. Again, check the manufacturer instructions before doing this but it’s another preventative measure.


FAQs For Truck & Chassis Paint

Can I use acetone to prep for paint?

Yes, you can use acetone to prep the surface before applying the paint. It will do a good job at removing grease, oil, rust or dirt. If you can’t remove all rust with the acetone, use a rust remover.

Will rust spread if kept dry?

According to Sciencing.com, rust does not spread through contact like a biological infection. Instead, the process of iron oxidation occurs independently based on the conditions surrounding a particular piece of metal. This means that if one part of the piece is exposed to water, oxygen, and electrolytes but the rest of the piece is kept clean and dry, the protected metal will not rust at the rate of the wet metal.

How long does vehicle undercoating take to dry?

On average, undercoating dries to the touch in 30 minutes and is fully dry in 24 hours but we recommend that you read the manufacturer’s instructions to understand their guidelines.

How long does it take chassis paint to dry?

How long it takes chassis paint to dry depends on the paint and the environment. Is it a humid environment? If so, it may take paint longer to dry. Is it a warm or cool environment? It’s best to read the manufacturer’s instructions but as an example, Magnet Paint Chassis Saver dries as follows: Dry Time at 75°F (24°C): To touch: 3 to 4 hours, Tack free: 5 to 6 hours, Mar free: 6 to 10 hours, Full cure: 24 to 48 hours Time to Recoat: 3 hrs minimum / 24 hrs maximum. For films cured over 24 hours, scuff sanding is required using 400 grit sandpaper to promote adhesion.

What is soda blasting?

Soda blasting uses sodium bicarbonate to remove paint, grease and stains from steel, aluminum, wood, sheet metal and many other surfaces. The soda blaster uses sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) instead of sand which is also commonly used in a sand blaster to remove stains. The benefit of using soda blasting is that the sodium bicarbonate is environmentally safe, relatively affordable and washes away easily with water. If you have a sand blaster, you should be able to use it for soda blasting.


The Bottom Line – Best Chassis & Truck Frame Paint

What’s the best chassis and truck frame paint?

The list we’ve compiled includes paint that has low VOCs. Not all have low VOCs.

Some recommend a bottom coat.

Some recommend a top coat.

Be sure that you read the steps above that explain the best way to prep for painting and then for applying the paint.

Most importantly, read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Obviously, they know their product best.

If you’re looking for a well-respected chassis paint at a very good price point, Magnet Paint Co Chassis Saver – Satin Black – MPC-UCP970-04 (Quarts) is a good option.