Best Rust Converter & Remover: Options for Corrosion Protection
Keep your vehicle corrosion-free with these top rust converters and removers.

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If you’ve ever faced years of rust and corrosion on metal parts, you know just how annoying it is to remove — and how damaging it can be. Rust may seem like a simple fact of life, but once it appears, it only keeps growing. Over time, rust can literally eat away at metal, leaving behind holes, and damaging the appearance of different components and tools. It weakens and destroys wherever it’s present, meaning you can’t let rust continue to grow. You’ll wind up with deterioration that you just can’t fix. And when your car is involved, rust is an even bigger concern.
Unfortunately, rust isn’t easy to get rid of once it forms. However, there are solutions, like rust converters and removers. With a rust converter and remover, you can apply a chemical that actually takes oxidation — or rust — and makes it disappear. These products can even offer protection against future rust and corrosion, as they literally “convert” rust into a new, surface-protecting material. If you’re hoping to get rid of rust and keep your car and its metal parts, we’ve got the best rust converters and removers you’ll want to consider.

Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter
- Corroseal is easy to use, non-flammable, and can be cleaned up with soap and water
- Requires only one coat to get results and protects from future rust
- Corroseal is more expensive than some other options
- Doesn’t come in a spray
- Requires light prep work
Rust-Oleum Automotive 10.25-Ounce Rust Reformer Spray
- Packaged in an easy-to-use aerosol can that can be sprayed in any direction
- Works in less than an hour
- Creates a smooth, primed surface
- May take up to an hour to dissolve heavy rust buildup
- Needs to be constantly shaken to work properly
VHT SP229 Rust Converter
- Rust remover is user-friendly and perfect for auto body work
- Protects against future corrosion and can be applied to several types of materials
- This converter isn’t available as a brush-on product
- Requires sanding in order to be painted over
If you’ve ever faced years of rust and corrosion, you know just how annoying it is to remove — and how damaging it can be. Rust may seem like a simple fact of life, but once it appears, it only keeps growing. Over time, rust can literally eat away metal, leaving behind holes, and damaging the appearance of different components and tools. It weakens and destroys wherever it’s present, meaning you can’t let rust continue to grow. You’ll wind up with deterioration that you just can’t fix. And when your car is involved, rust is an even bigger concern.
Our Methodology
A good rust converter and remover needs to work on all levels of corrosion, and that’s where the search for the best products in this category starts. The products here were chosen for their effectiveness on small spots of rust or larger, more significant corrosion, as well as extra benefits like protection from future corrosion in those same spots.
Additionally, I took a look at details like the amount of rust converter solution offered, its application method, and its suitability for different needs, from auto work to household use. The top rust-tackling converters and removers were those that were also highly recommended by user reviews, as they performed best in a variety of real-world use cases across the board.
Best Rust Converter Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
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Brand: Corroseal
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Size: 1 gallon
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Application Method: Brush, roll, or spray
Pros
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One-step application process
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Water-based, non-flammable formula
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Industrial-strength effectiveness
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Easy to clean up
Cons
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Does require sanding before use
Specs
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Brand: Rust-Oleum
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Size: 10.25 ounces
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Application Method: Aerosol spray
Pros
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Easy application
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Can be sprayed from any angle
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Instantly bonds with rust scales
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Stops rust from spreading
Cons
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Requires constant shaking
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Need multiple bottles to cover large areas
Specs
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Brand: VHT
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Size: 11 ounces
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Application Method: Aerosol spray
Pros
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Easy spray-on application
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Changes color as it works
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Works as a primer, body filler, and more
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Protects against future corrosion
Cons
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More aggressive and toxic than other options
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Only available in a spray
Specs
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Brand: Evapo-Rust
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Size: 32 ounces
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Application Method: Soak or brush
Pros
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Non-toxic and eco-friendly
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Water-based, non-flammable formula
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Highly versatile for many applications
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Won’t warp or damage plastic, rubber, or paint
Cons
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Does require surface prep
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Works best when items are submerged or soaked
Specs
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Brand: FDC
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Size: 1 gallon
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Application Method: Brush, roll, or spray
Pros
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Covers large areas
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Suitable for automotive and other uses
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Dries in under half an hour
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Acts as a primer coating
Cons
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Requires surface prep before use
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Works best on thin layers of rust
Specs
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Brand: Black Star
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Size: 2 gallons
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Application Method: Brush, roll, or spray
Pros
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Converts rust to polymer resin
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Protects against reoxidation
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Enough product to cover large areas
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Best for steel, with versatile applications
Cons
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Can stain non-rusted areas
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Bottle prone to leaks
Specs
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Brand: AP Products
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Size: 1 quart
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Application Method: Brush or spray
Pros
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Acts as a primer when dry
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Stops rust immediately
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Prevents future corrosion
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Backed by a one-year warranty
Cons
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Small amount of product per bottle
Specs
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Brand: Rust Kutter
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Size: 32 fluid ounces
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Application Method: Spray nozzle
Pros
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Turns rust into phosphate coating
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Seals out oxygen and moisture
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Spray nozzle makes covering rust easy
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For automotive and other uses
Cons
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Can ruin clothing or fabric
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May require multiple bottles for serious rust
Specs
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Brand: TotalBoat
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Size: 1 gallon
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Application Method: Brush or roll
Pros
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Bottle covers large spaces easily
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Doubles as rust converter and primer
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Works on iron, steel, and stainless steel
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Versatile applications
Cons
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Can leave behind white residue
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Not effective on hard-to-reach rust spots
Specs
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Brand: Rustzilla
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Size: 16 ounces
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Application Method: Brush, roll, or spray
Pros
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Non-toxic, non-corrosive, and solvent-free formula
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Safe for all metals
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Leaves no residue behind
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Safe for paint, plastic, and rubber
Cons
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One can only covers 48 square feet
Our Verdict
The best rust converter and remover is the Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter, an easy-to-use product that primes the surface of vehicles, boats, and other rust-prone items, giving you plenty of versatility and value. And it’s highly effective at its job, too. If value is key for you, another solid choice is Rust-Oleum Automotive 10.25-Ounce Rust Reformer Spray, an affordable product that can remove rust with a little elbow grease.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
What’s the difference between a rust converter and a rust remover?
Rust removers are used to completely remove rust from the metal surface of a corroded part. Rust converters chemically bond to the rust, which stops the corrosion from spreading and also conceals the existing rust altogether.
What should I consider when buying a rust remover or converter?
Picking out a quality rust converter and remover can be tricky since it’s hard to tell how effective a product’s promises are until it’s put to use. Make your search easier and keep an eye out for these key considerations.
What are the different types of rust removers and converters?
The most common type of rust converter and rust remover is liquid. While the individual products will have varying thicknesses, the application process is generally the same. After some prep work, the chemical can be painted on, submerged, or sprayed on with your own spray gun. The best and easiest method is going to depend on your specific project.
Rust converter also comes in a gel form. These products are thicker than liquid removers, so they cannot be used with sprayers. One benefit they have over liquid is that you don’t have to worry about the product dripping if applied heavily. The gel can be painted or rolled onto the metal surface and allowed to dry for the best results.
While some of the liquid removers can be used with a spray gun, some rust-removing products come as an aerosol spray. Typically, this can be a faster application process. However, be aware that it might be hard to use a spray can for extensive restoration projects due to their smaller quantities.
What should I expect to pay for a rust remover and converter?
You don’t have to make a big investment in order to get a quality rust remover. These products are available for under $10, and you’ll get enough of the formula — in a convenient spray bottle, most often — to cover small, isolated areas of surface rust. The products in this price range are best for rust that’s newly or recently formed.
Step up to the $10 to $25 range, and you’ll find an even wider array of rust converter and remover products. You’ll have more formulas and more types available to choose from, and you’ll also be able to select small or gallon-sized bottles. You’ll also find slightly stronger formulas within this price range, which are ideal for especially stubborn rust.
What materials can I use rust converter on?
Rust converters can be used on multiple different metals. They work best with iron and steel, making them perfect for frames and other structural pieces. They are less effective on aluminum, which is becoming a more popular automotive material, so be aware of what your vehicle is made of.
How does rust converter work?
Rust converters use phosphoric acids and polymers to create a chemical reaction with the rust. In doing so, it converts rust and changes the properties, making it an inert substance.
Should I wear protective clothing when applying rust converter?
While the toxicity of your chosen remover is the real indicator, it’s always smart to wear some form of protection, since harsh chemicals are often used to convert rust. For liquid removers and converters, gloves should be enough, while aerosol sprays should only be used with eye protection and a paint mask.
Is rust remover non-toxic?
Not all rust removers and converters are non-toxic. Be aware of products that use phosphoric acid and look out for FDC ratings. Using non-toxic chemicals to remove rust is safer for you and eco-friendly.

Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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