Is your car suffering from rust? Are you looking to save yourself thousands repairing the metal rather than replacing with expensive new parts? We have got you covered.

Rust and corrosion are a car’s worst enemy and can be extremely expensive to repair. Thankfully, there are lots of excellent products available to tackle and eradicate corrosion on your car, we take a look at the best ones and explore the differences between them.

It’s important to understand the differences between the various products available so that you can be sure you’re using the best product for the job. Let’s take a look at our top pick rust removers and converters.

Only Got 5 Minutes Spare?

Are you in a rush and would like a quick overview of our top picks? No problem.

1. Hammerite Rust Remover

Hammerite Kurust rust remover takes our number one spot in this review. It’s a rapid acting rust remover which can treat rust in as little as 15 minutes. Supplied in a 90ml bottle, it’s perfect for relatively small repairs. A little bit of product will go a long way but if you’re planning on repairing a large area, or lots of rust, we reccomend stepping up to the 250ml version which if also available.

Impressively, Kurust can be painted over in just 3 hours. This makes it a dream to work with and doesn’t require a long dwelling time which in turn slows down your progress.

It also doesn’t require the use of any primer or undercoat. Some rust removers and converters require this, Kurust however doesn’t which makes it extremely easy and simple to work with.

It’s simple and straight forward to apply and work with. Simply apply a small amount of product to the area to be treated and allow to dry for a period of around 15 minutes. During the drying process, you’ll notice the rust gradually turn to a dark black colour, this is a chemical conversion process where it’s converted to a stable iron.

The key features of Hammerite Kurust Rust Remover are;

• Supplied in a 90ml bottle
• Rapid action – works in 15 minutes
• Can be painted over in 3 hours
• No primer or undercoat required
• Simple to use

2. Jenolite Thick Liquid Rust Remover

Jenolite have been around since the mid 1930’s and have a vast amount of experience and produce some exceptional products. Thick liquid rust remover is no different, it’s a heavy duty rust remover which works incredibly quickly.

Depending on the size of the area and the amount of product applied, it can take just 15 minutes to work and can be painted over after just 30 minutes.

It’s constructed with a non-drip formula which makes it easy to work with and prevents mess and spillages.

It’s available in a range of different sizes ranging from 150g up to 5L.

The treatment process is fast too. You’ll be back to a bare metal surface in no time. Within 60 minutes of applying Jenolite Rust Remover you’re ready to prime the surface ready for painting. There’s no need to rinse the product too, simply allow it to dry and it’ll then be ready for painting with a top coat of your choice.

The key features of Jenolite Thick Liquid Rust Remover are;

• Available in a range of different sizes depending on requirement.
• Works in just 15 minutes
• Can be painted over in 30 minutes
• Non drip and thick formula
• 4 sq. metres per 1L coverage
• Permanently kills rust

3. Jenolite Rust Converter Aerosol Spray

Jenolite rust converter is a simple to use aerosol spray which converts rust to a ready-to-paint surface with no need for a primer.

In just 15 minutes, it’ll react with the rust and convert it to a stable compound which can then be primed. This makes it extremely easy to work with and quick too, no need to be waiting for hours on end.

Because it’s an aerosol spray, it’s extremely easy to work with across large areas and allows for even coverage.

Once treated, the surface can then be painted with either a water based or oil based paint, either will work fine.

It’s supplied in a 400ml aerosol can and is available in a 3 pack for larger jobs.

As well as treating and converting rust, it’ll also create a protective barrier too. This will prevent rust from surfacing again which can be extremely frustrating to say the least!

Jenolite claim a coverage of 6-8 sq. metres per litre of product, impressive stuff.

The key features of Jenolite Rust Converter Aerosol Spray are;

• Simple and easy to use – spray on formula
• Supplied in a 400ml aerosol can
• Works in just 15 minutes
• Allows easy and even coverage
• Creates a barrier to prevent rust surfacing again
• Treated surfaces can be painted with water or oil based paints

What Are The Differences Between Rust Remover and Rust Converter?

Whilst rust removers and rust converters may appear to be the same product, they are actually very different and should be used in varying circumstances.

A rust remover is used when it’s necessary to completely remove rust and corrosion from a metal surface. For example, if you’re removing rust that’s visible on the exterior of your vehicle (Wing, door, bonnet etc), then you’ll want to completely remove the rust and take the panel back to bare metal before filling and painting.

A rust converter works chemically bonding to the rust and converting it to a stable compound. This stops rust from spreading and allows the rust to be concealed. You may opt to use a rust converter when working on the underneath of your vehicle, somewhere that doesn’t need to look aesthetically pleasing but where it’s important to stop the spread of rust.

Which Materials Can I Use Rust Converter On?

Rust converters can be used on a range of different materials but primarily, a rust converter is designed to work with iron and steel. When applied to iron or steel, a rust converter can deliver oustanding results. Before applying a rust converter or remover, it’s important to identify the material that you’re working with.

More expensive vehicles are becoming commonly constructed from aluminium which rarely suffers from rust. Aluminium is typically much more expensive than conventional steel which is why it’s used much less in car construction. A rust converter is highly unlikely to have any effect on an aluminiun panel.

How Does Rust Converter Work?

Rust converters are pretty incredible products and can transform a rusty piece of metal into something that useable once more. Essentially, a rust converter is a chemical solution that reacts with iron oxides (rust) once it comes into contact with it. Once the conversion is completed, the rust is then converted to an adherent black surface which is resistant to moisture and prevents further corrosion from occuring.

Rust converters are a superb product for a range of applications and allow for treating of rust in tight spaces such as underneath a car. For example, you may have a rusty part underneath your car which is difficult to access. Sandblasting this particular piece of metal would be the best method of completely removing the rust but that’s almost impossible when you’re working on a car. This is where a rust converter works wonderfully well due to it’s ease of use and versatility.

Rust Remover / Converter FAQ’s

Q. Should I wear protective equipment when using rust remover / converter?

A. Whilst it’s not always strictly necessary, we reccommend to always use the correct protective equipment to ensure your safety. For example, when using an aerosol spray, a mask and glasses should be worn at all times. We would also endorse wearing gloves at all times when using rust remover.

Q. Can all rust be removed regardless of how bad it is?

A. This is obviously fairly difficult to answer as it very much depends on the severity of the rust. The main consideration here is how much “good” metal is left on the panel. If the panel has disintegrated heavily and is sporting lots of holes, naturally, no amount of rust remover is going to save it! That said, rust removers and converters can generally make a huge difference to most areas of rust.

Q. How Should I apply rust converter?

A. Application will vary on the product that you’re working with. If you’re using an aerosol spray, your only method of application is to spray on to the surface. The benefit of an aerosol spray is that you can get great, even coverage over a large area very quickly. If you’re using a gel or liquid based product, your reccomendation would be to apply it via a brush. This will allow you to really work the product into the rust and ensure that the surface is adequately coated.

Q. Should I apply one or more coats of rust converter?

A. Pretty much all rust converters will state that they only need one coat applying. Our advice would be to go with two coats to guarantee coverage and ensure maximum protection.

Our Top Pick Rust Removers and Converters

1. Hammerite Rust Remover

Hammerite Kurust rust remover takes our number one spot in this review. It’s a rapid acting rust remover which can treat rust in as little as 15 minutes. Supplied in a 90ml bottle, it’s perfect for relatively small repairs. A little bit of product will go a long way but if you’re planning on repairing a large area, or lots of rust, we reccomend stepping up to the 250ml version which if also available.

Impressively, Kurust can be painted over in just 3 hours. This makes it a dream to work with and doesn’t require a long dwelling time which in turn slows down your progress.

It also doesn’t require the use of any primer or undercoat. Some rust removers and converters require this, Kurust however doesn’t which makes it extremely easy and simple to work with.

It’s simple and straight forward to apply and work with. Simply apply a small amount of product to the area to be treated and allow to dry for a period of around 15 minutes. During the drying process, you’ll notice the rust gradually turn to a dark black colour, this is a chemical conversion process where it’s converted to a stable iron.

The key features of Hammerite Kurust Rust Remover are;

• Supplied in a 90ml bottle
• Rapid action – works in 15 minutes
• Can be painted over in 3 hours
• No primer or undercoat required
• Simple to use

2. Jenolite Thick Liquid Rust Remover

Jenolite have been around since the mid 1930’s and have a vast amount of experience and produce some exceptional products. Thick liquid rust remover is no different, it’s a heavy duty rust remover which works incredibly quickly.

Depending on the size of the area and the amount of product applied, it can take just 15 minutes to work and can be painted over after just 30 minutes.

It’s constructed with a non-drip formula which makes it easy to work with and prevents mess and spillages.

It’s available in a range of different sizes ranging from 150g up to 5L.

The treatment process is fast too. You’ll be back to a bare metal surface in no time. Within 60 minutes of applying Jenolite Rust Remover you’re ready to prime the surface ready for painting. There’s no need to rinse the product too, simply allow it to dry and it’ll then be ready for painting with a top coat of your choice.

The key features of Jenolite Thick Liquid Rust Remover are;

• Available in a range of different sizes depending on requirement.
• Works in just 15 minutes
• Can be painted over in 30 minutes
• Non drip and thick formula
• 4 sq. metres per 1L coverage
• Permanently kills rust

3. Jenolite Rust Converter Aerosol Spray

Jenolite rust converter is a simple to use aerosol spray which converts rust to a ready-to-paint surface with no need for a primer.

In just 15 minutes, it’ll react with the rust and convert it to a stable compound which can then be primed. This makes it extremely easy to work with and quick too, no need to be waiting for hours on end.

Because it’s an aerosol spray, it’s extremely easy to work with across large areas and allows for even coverage.

Once treated, the surface can then be painted with either a water based or oil based paint, either will work fine.

It’s supplied in a 400ml aerosol can and is available in a 3 pack for larger jobs.

As well as treating and converting rust, it’ll also create a protective barrier too. This will prevent rust from surfacing again which can be extremely frustrating to say the least!

Jenolite claim a coverage of 6-8 sq. metres per litre of product, impressive stuff.

The key features of Jenolite Rust Converter Aerosol Spray are;

• Simple and easy to use – spray on formula
• Supplied in a 400ml aerosol can
• Works in just 15 minutes
• Allows easy and even coverage
• Creates a barrier to prevent rust surfacing again
• Treated surfaces can be painted with water or oil based paints

Just so you know, we may earn a small commission through the links on this page but we think that’s a fair trade off for the hours research and time that we put in.