POR-15
Questions and Answers
LOTS
OF PRODUCTS CLAIM TO STOP RUST; SOME ARE PAINTS, SOME ARE CONVERSION
PRODUCTS, SOME ARE RUST TREATMENTS. NONE OF THEM SEEM TO REALLY STOP
RUST PERMANENTLY. WHY IS POR-15 DIFFERENT, AND WHY SHOULD I BELIEVE
IT WILL WORK ANY BETTER?
Rust
is caused by moisture coming in contact with metal, which causes a
chemical action called oxidation. All paints provide a measure of
protection for a while, but since they are eventually softened and
weakened by moisture, it is only a matter of time before moisture
penetrates
the painted surface and attacks the metal below. All of the so-called
rust preventive paints on the market (except POR-15) are weakened by
exposure to moisture. POR-15 is strengthened by exposure to moisture.
Notice the hardness of the POR-15 coating. It doesn’t chip,
crack, or peel like ordinary paints do, and its hardness will
resist
the wear and tear of every day life. Rust conversion products claim
to change the chemical nature of rust and convert it to a more stable
element that won’t rust again. History of the failure of these
products is well documented; most simply don’t work for more
than a few months at best, and they are subject to the same chipping
and cracking that occurs with ordinary rust coatings. POR-15 works
because it chemically bonds to rusted metal and forms
a
rock-hard, non-porous coating that won’t crack, chip, or peel.
It keeps moisture away from metal with a coating that is strengthened
by continued exposure to moisture.
IS
IT BETTER TO BRUSH OR SPRAY POR-15?
Most
people brush it on due to its leveling characteristics however it may
also be sprayed. Proper equipment and organic vapor particulate
respirators for solvents are essential for spraying.
HOW
DO I THIN POR-15 IF I WANT TO SPRAY IT?
You
should use POR-15 Solvent for thinning. Some lacquer thinners will
work, but many will not. Keep lacquer thinner handy for clean-up. Do
not thin POR-15 more than 5%.
CAN
I PAINT OVER POR-15 WITH OTHER PAINTS?
Absolutely,
POR-15 will accept all paints including lacquer-based paints. Either
POR-15 Self -Etching Primer or Tie-coat Primer are the best primers
to use before topcoating POR-15. Be sure to read our directions and
tip sheets thoroughly regarding topcoating before using POR-15.
CAN
I USE BODY FILLER OR PUTTY WITH POR-15?
Yes.
First paint both sides of the rusted area with POR-15; then use body
filler or putty as soon as the POR-15 is dry to the touch. For best
results and adhesion use our StraightLine or RestoGrip body fillers
over POR-15.
HOW
LONG DOES IT TAKE POR-15 TO DRY?
That
depends on the ambient humidity (surrounding area). The more humid
the area, the faster the drying time, which usually varies from 2 to
5 hours.
IS
IT DANGEROUS TO GET POR-15 ON MY HANDS?
No,
but if you do, remove it at once with solvent or lacquer thinner. If
POR-15 dries on your skin, nothing will take it off, and you will
“wear” it for 3 or 4 days until natural oils and fl aking
skin remove it.
ARE
THE POR-15 VAPORS DANGEROUS TO MY HEALTH?
Yes.
That’s why you must always paint in a well-ventilated area and
keep your nose away from the paint container. POR-15 is not dangerous
if you follow our simple directions.
WHAT
IS THE BEST SURFACE ON WHICH TO PAINT POR-15?
POR-15
likes rusted surfaces best. Seasoned metal and sandblasted metal are
also good. POR-15 does not adhere well to smooth, shiny surfaces, but
will adhere well with the use of Marine Clean and Metal Ready preps.
WHAT
IS THE “PROPER PREPARATION”?
If
you are sandblasting, blow off the lose dust and apply directly over
the surface. On all other bare metal or rusted surfaces use the
Marine Clean and Metal Ready preps for proper adhesion. Metal Ready
It is a rust remover that leaves a zinc phosphate coating on base
metal, the perfect pre-primer for POR-15. Areas that have been
previously painted should be cleaned with Marine Clean and then
lightly scuffed with 400 grit sandpaper. Keep in mind when POR-15 is
applied over another coating it will not prevent against rust long
term but will serve as a durable, moisture resistant coating. NOTE:
New steel is coated with a protective oil finish at the mill. This
finish must be removed before using POR-15.
WHICH
POR-15 FORMULA (GLOSS BLACK, SEMI GLOSS BLACK, SILVER, GRAY or CLEAR)
SHOULD I USE?
Silver
contains metal filler and should be used in badly rusted, pitted
areas. It will fi ll in holes better than black or clear. Black is
generally used on frames, underside of fenders, etc. because that’s
the usual color there. Clear renders the smoothest finish and is
often used as a preprimer on exterior surfaces. Gray is great on
concrete floors, bilges and storage areas.
MUST
I PAINT OVER POR-15 TO MAKE IT LAST?
No,
but POR-15 has an ultra-violet sensitivity and must be topcoated if
continually exposed to sunlight. Once topcoated, POR-15 will remain
effective for many years.
WILL
THE SUN DESTROY MY POR-15 COATING IF I DON’T TOPCOAT IT?
No,
your POR-15 protection will remain, but the sun will change its
appearance cosmetically. That’s why we recommend you topcoat
it.
CAN
I APPLY POR-15 OVER OTHER PAINTS?
Yes,
but you will lose the important benefits of POR-15. You must remember
that ordinary paints are weakened by exposure to moisture. POR-15
can’t stop rust if it isn’t in direct contact with the
base metal.
CAN
POR-15 BE USED WITH FIBERGLASS?
Absolutely.
POR-15 is fully compatible with fiberglass and can be used to repair
cracks in gelcoat. It will adhere better than polyester resin and has
greater strength. Use also with fiberglass cloth to make super-strong
surfaces in rusted-out areas.
WHAT
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY CAN I APPLY POR-15 IN ?
POR-15
should be applied in temperatures of 50-90°F
degrees (10-38°C)
and humidity under 80% | 
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