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FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS $500 OR MORE
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS $500 OR MORE

Carboline Rustbond Primer Sealer Polymeric Epoxy Kit

Original price $239.33 - Original price $822.01
Original price
$239.33
$239.33 - $822.01
Current price $239.33

Rustbond by Carboline is an extremely high-solids polymeric epoxy primer/sealer engineered for marginally prepared steel and over-coating of existing finishes. With outstanding wetting properties, Rustbond penetrates rust and discontinuities in old coatings, providing a firm base for a wide range of topcoats. Its body resists run-off and encapsulates the edges of existing coatings, reducing undercutting and peeling.

Rustbond is a true universal tie-coat: it bonds to steel (new, rusted, galvanized), aluminum, stainless steel, copper, concrete, and most generic types of existing coatings. It is also commonly used as a tie coat when the recoat window of an existing coating has been exceeded.

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Key Benefits:

Extremely High Solids (99% ± 1% by volume): Near-zero shrinkage on cure, excellent film build at low DFT, and reduced solvent emissions. Compliant with current AIM VOC regulations.

Universal Adhesion: Bonds to SSPC-SP2 prepared steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, concrete, and most existing coatings — a single primer for jobs with mixed substrates.

Low-Stress, Highly Flexible Film: Tolerates substrate movement and thermal cycling without cracking, even at 1–2 mils DFT.

Tie-Coat for Out-of-Window Recoats: Restores recoatability when existing coatings have exceeded their maximum recoat time. Consult Carboline Technical Services for system-specific recommendations.

Brush, Roller, or Airless Spray: User-friendly application across all common methods. Low odor.

Common Industry Applications:

  • Maintenance Repaints: Sealing tight rust and feathering existing coatings on industrial steel.
  • Mixed Substrate Projects: Single primer for steel + galvanized + aluminum + stainless on the same structure.
  • Galvanized Steel Priming: Reliable adhesion to new and weathered galvanizing without etching.
  • Tie-Coat Service: Bridging existing coatings beyond their recoat window before applying a new finish system.

RUSTBOND IS SOLD IN 0.75-GALLON KITS AND 3-GALLON KITS.

Product type: Polymeric Epoxy Amine (cross-linked)
Rustbond has a high-gloss translucent green (0300) finish — chalks rapidly in sunlight; must be topcoated.
Applied via Brush, Roller, or Airless Spray
Mixing: 1:1 Ratio Parts A to B (by volume)
NOT for immersion service — atmospheric only
Must be topcoated

⚠ SAFETY: This product exotherms at the end of its pot life. Mix only what you can apply within the pot life.
Do NOT mix partial kits or intermix unpaired components off-stoichiometry will cause the product to fail to cure. Any unused mixed material will become extremely hot — spread out on a non-flammable surface or add sand as a heat sink.

Contact our customer support today to discuss your project:
(800) 567-5358

For low-temperature applications or curing, contact us about Carboline Additive 8505 — sold separately, required for cold-weather work outside the standard application window.

Size: .75-Gallon
Coverage Calculator

Compatible Thinners

Thinner Use With Max Rate
Carboline Thinner #76 Spray application thinning (rarely needed) Up to 9% (12 oz/gal)
Thinner #2 Equipment cleanup
Acetone Equipment cleanup (alternative to #2)

Note: Per the Carboline TDS, thinning is not normally required for Rustbond PS. If thinning is needed for spray application, use Thinner #76 only. Call (800) 567-5358 to order Thinner #76 — not currently stocked online.

Recommended Coating Systems

Maintenance Repaint — Universal Substrate
Primer / Sealer Rustbond PS 1–2 mils DFT
Topcoat Compatible Topcoat Per service requirement
Metalizing Sealer — Thermally Sprayed Aluminum (TSA)
Metalizing Sealer Rustbond PS 1–2 mils over TSA
Topcoat Carbothane 134 HG UV-stable polyurethane
Galvanized Steel — Full System
Surface Prep Light Abrasion Abrade galvanized surface
Primer / Sealer Rustbond PS 1–2 mils DFT
Topcoat Carbothane 134 HG UV-stable polyurethane

Product Specs — Rustbond® PS Polymeric Epoxy Primer Sealer

Rustbond® PS — Polymeric Epoxy Primer & Sealer by Carboline.
Universal thin-film epoxy primer with unmatched substrate versatility — bonds to steel (new, rusted, galvanized), aluminum, stainless steel, copper, concrete, and previously painted surfaces. VOC <100 g/L. Atmospheric service only — must be topcoated.

✔ Solids: 99% ± 1%  •  ✔ VOC: 0.7 lb/gal (85 g/L)  •  ✔ DFT: 1–2 mils per coat  •  ✔ Mix Ratio: 1:1 (A:B by volume)  •  ✔ Finish: Translucent Green (0300)  •  ✔ Atmospheric service only

✏️ Need a project quote? Request Online

📞 Questions? Call (800) 567-5358 — Mon–Fri 8AM–5PM EST

Rustbond® PS by Carboline

Rustbond PS polymeric epoxy primer sealer by Carboline — universal substrate compatibility, translucent green finish
Rustbond® PS — Polymeric Epoxy Primer / Sealer (Translucent Green)

Shipping Map — Carboline Delivery Timing

Carboline US regional warehouse shipping map showing typical delivery transit zones 🔍 Click to open full-size map in new tab
Typical transit times vary by destination zone. Click map to open full size in a new tab.

Shipping Time

Call (800) 567-5358 for pricing and logistics questions.

Rustbond PS ships from Carboline regional warehouses.

Each kit includes Part A and Part B.

Most orders ship within 2–3 business days of order placement. Transit times shown on the map are typical but not guaranteed.

Note: If ordering for cold-weather application, order Carboline Additive 8505 separately at the same time.

Coverage Rates & Curing Schedule

Coverage Rates

Rustbond is a thin-film primer/sealer — 1 to 2 mils DFT per coat. Total system DFT is delivered by topcoats. Values below are theoretical (zero application loss).

DFT Theoretical Coverage Notes
1.0 mil (25 µm) 1,588 ft²/gal (39.0 m²/L) Minimum film — sealer pass
2.0 mils (51 µm) 794 ft²/gal (19.5 m²/L) Standard primer (most common)

Coverage values are theoretical; allow for application loss. Source: Carboline Rustbond TDS, February 2025 revision.

Curing & Recoat Schedule

All times below assume 50% relative humidity at 1.0–2.0 mils DFT. Higher film build, lower temperature, or insufficient ventilation extends cure time and risks solvent entrapment.

Surface Temp. Dry to Handle Dry to Topcoat Final Cure
70°F (21°C)34 hrs18 hrs9 days
80°F (27°C)22 hrs12 hrs6 days
90°F (32°C)14 hrs9 hrs4 days
100°F (38°C)11 hrs4 hrs3 days
Surface Temp. Max Recoat — Acrylics & Alkyds Max Recoat — Epoxies & Urethanes
70°F (21°C)14 days30 days
75°F (24°C)14 days30 days
90°F (32°C)7 days15 days

If maximum recoat time is exceeded, the surface must be sweep-blasted or re-coated with another pass of Rustbond before topcoating.

Key Specifications

Property Value
Generic TypePolymeric Epoxy Amine (cross-linked)
Color / FinishTranslucent Green (0300) · High Gloss (chalks in sunlight)
Solids by Volume99% ± 1%
Mix Ratio1:1 (Part A : Part B) by volume
DFT per Coat1–2 mils (25–51 µm)
VOC — As Supplied0.7 lb/gal (85 g/L) — EPA Method 24
Pot Life80 min @ 70°F · 50 min @ 80°F · 40 min @ 90°F · 30 min @ 100°F (0.75-gal kit)
Application MethodsBrush · Roller · Airless Spray
Topcoats AcceptedAcrylics, Alkyds, Epoxies, Polyurethanes
ServiceAtmospheric ONLY — not for immersion
Dry Temp. ResistanceContinuous 175°F · Non-continuous 200°F (discolors above 175°F)
Flash Point (Setaflash)Part A: 205°F · Part B: 176°F
Shelf Life36 months min. at 75°F (unopened)
Kit Sizes0.75-gallon kit · 3-gallon kit

Important Notes

⚠ Good to Know Before You Buy

  • ⚠ Exotherms at the end of pot life. Once Rustbond starts to thicken, any unused mixed material will become extremely hot. Spread it out on a non-flammable surface or add sand as a heat sink. Do NOT mix partial kits or intermix unpaired components — off-stoichiometry will cause cure failure.
  • NOT for immersion service. Rustbond is approved for atmospheric service only. The translucent green film must be topcoated — it provides no standalone chemical or corrosion resistance in submerged conditions.
  • Thin film (1–2 mils per coat) — not a build coat. Rustbond seals and primes the substrate. Total system DFT is achieved through your topcoats.
  • Translucent green finish will show through thin topcoats. Plan your topcoat for adequate opacity. If the green tint is a concern, apply the topcoat at proper DFT to achieve full hide.
  • Application window: Material 60–100°F · Surface 70–130°F · Ambient 70–110°F · Humidity 0–90%. Substrate must be above the dew point — condensation causes flash rust and adhesion failure.
  • Cold-weather additive sold separately. For application below the standard temperature window, Carboline Additive 8505 is available as a separate add-on item. Call Material Warehouse for guidance on your job conditions.
  • Very low VOC: 0.7 lb/gal (85 g/L) as supplied — useful for VOC-regulated projects and air-quality-managed jurisdictions.
  • Sold in 0.75-gallon and 3-gallon kits. Each kit contains Part A and Part B in equal volumes (1:1 mix ratio).

Frequently Asked Questions — Rustbond® PS

What substrates can Rustbond PS be applied to?
Rustbond PS bonds to new steel, light rust (hand/tool cleaned), galvanized steel (lightly abraded), aluminum, stainless steel, copper, concrete/masonry, and previously painted (non-latex) surfaces. It is one of the most substrate-versatile primers in the Carboline line. It is not approved for immersion service.
Is Rustbond PS suitable for immersion service?
No. Rustbond PS is approved for atmospheric service only. Do not use in tank linings, submerged service, or environments with continuous liquid contact. For immersion primer systems, consult Carboline Technical Service for approved alternatives.
What is the coverage rate for Rustbond?
Per the Carboline TDS (Feb 2025): 1,588 ft²/gal at 1.0 mil DFT and 794 ft²/gal at 2.0 mils DFT — both theoretical. Allow for application loss. Use the Coverage Calculator on this page to estimate kits required for your project.
What kit sizes are available?
Rustbond is sold in two kit sizes: a 0.75-gallon kit and a 3-gallon kit. Each kit contains Part A and Part B in equal volumes — Rustbond mixes 1:1 by volume. Do not mix partial kits.
What is the mix ratio and pot life?
Mix ratio is 1:1 by volume (Part A to Part B). Pot life for a 0.75-gallon kit is approximately 80 minutes at 70°F, dropping to 50 min at 80°F, 40 min at 90°F, and 30 min at 100°F. The 3-gallon kit has a shorter pot life because of greater thermal mass — call Carboline Tech Service for specifics. Material exotherms at the end of pot life — handle accordingly.
What temperatures can Rustbond be applied in?
Per the TDS: minimum material 60°F · minimum surface 70°F · minimum ambient 70°F · maximum surface 130°F · 0–90% RH. The substrate must be above the dew point. For colder conditions, Carboline Additive 8505 is sold separately — call us at (800) 567-5358 for guidance.
Why is Rustbond PS green?
The translucent green finish is characteristic of the polymeric epoxy formulation. It allows applicators to visually confirm coverage over the substrate. The green tint will show through very thin topcoats — apply your topcoat at proper DFT for full hide.
How long can Rustbond PS remain before topcoating?
At 70°F, the maximum recoat window is 14 days for acrylics & alkyds and 30 days for epoxies & urethanes. At 90°F these windows shorten to 7 days and 15 days. If exceeded, the surface must be sweep-blasted or re-coated with another pass of Rustbond before topcoating.

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