When you need to rust-proof your vehicle, it’s important to know how long it will take for the product to dry. Although the drying time for rust-proofing products varies, many apply like paint and will dry in less than an hour. However, how long does it take for rust proofing to dry?
Rustproofing, which protects your car from the damage of rust and corrosion caused by water, salt, and road debris, can take anywhere from half an hour to eight hours to dry, depending on the type you choose.
Rustproofing has been around for many years. It is designed to protect your vehicle from rust, which can severely damage your car’s value. Most rust-proofing applications provide a lifetime protection warranty, though you’ll want to know how long it takes before you can drive the vehicle again.
So, you should read through the article. You will learn more information on rust proofing and what to expect after its application.
Contents
Factors that Determine the Duration It Takes for Rust Proofing to Dry
There is variation in the time it takes for rustproofing material to dry on a vehicle. At times, it is possible it dries off in lesser duration or takes a longer duration, depending on some factors. Here is a list of some of the factors that determine the duration it will take before rustproofing material dries on the vehicle.
- Product: The duration it takes for rustproofing to dry on a vehicle depends on the type of rustproofing product you are using. Some rustproofing products are water-based while some are oil-based. Oil-based rustproofing products will take a longer duration before it dries on a vehicle than water-based rustproofing products.
- Temperature: The season you apply the rustproofing product on your vehicle will also determine how soon it will dry. It takes longer duration for rust proofing to dry when it is applied in a cooler temperature than hotter temperature. In addition, avoid rustproofing your vehicle in windy conditions.
Should I Wash the Vehicle before Rust Proofing?
Yes, you should wash the surface of the car before you apply the rustproofing product. Also, you should thoroughly wash the undercarriage if you want to coat it. This will ensure that the surface is free of dirt, dust, grease, and other contaminants that may affect the adhesion of the rustproofing product.
Can I Apply Rust Proofing Product Myself?
In a bid to save some money, you might decide to apply rustproofing product yourself. This, however, depends on the product you want to use, your place of residence, previous experience, weather, and desired result. For better results, it is recommended that you take the vehicle to a professional when you want to rustproof it. Highlighted below are some of the steps you should follow when you want to apply rustproofing products yourself.
- Get the product: There are many products out there that you can use for rustproofing. Just visit any hardware or regular auto supply store if you want to buy it. In addition, you should also buy your protective equipment, if you do not have them.
- Fix a date: Applying the rustproofing product is easy and you can finish it within a few hours but you have to schedule a date for it. This is because you might not be able to use the vehicle in the next 24 hours.
- Prepare the surface of the vehicle: You might not achieve the desired result if there are any traces of grease and other contaminants on the vehicle. Therefore, you should thoroughly wash the vehicle and allow it to dry. Also, you should mask off any area where you don’t want the product to reach.
- Application: Before you start the application process, you should first wear your protective equipment. Afterward, you should shake the rustproofing product vigorously for one minutes before you begin to apply and shake intermittently during use also. Hold the product and lightly spray it back and forth on the vehicle. For better results, you can spray twice at about a two-minute interval. However, make sure you are not doing this close to open flame.
- Allow to dry: Once you are satisfied with the process, you should allow the product to completely dry on the vehicle. You should wait for about thirty minutes before you touch it and leave it for the next 24 hours.
- Clean up the place: You will likely mess up the place where you apply rustproofing products on a vehicle. You should thoroughly clean the place once you are through with the process and dispose of the can properly.
Will Rust Proofing Stop Existing Rust?
Rust is inevitable on a vehicle, especially if you cruise off-road often. It might be impossible for rustproofing to stop rust on a vehicle when it has started but you can potentially prevent it from happening with rustproofing. Nevertheless, rustproofing might slow down the rate of rust, and painting the rusted area will also do the same.
How Long Will Rust Proofing Last?
Rustproofing a vehicle is relatively expensive, hence, the need to know the duration it takes before you apply another one. If done properly, rustproofing should last for a minimum of one year before you apply another one. This, however, depends on how you maintain the vehicle, how often you cruise the vehicle and the terrain of the road. Nevertheless, you should watch out for any sign of rust on the vehicle, especially on the undercarriage.
Conclusion
Preventing rust on a vehicle is not limited to rustproofing alone. You should properly care for the vehicle and check for any potential rust on it always. Also, rustproof the vehicle once in two years to potentially keep the rust away from it.
