Best Chassis And Truck Frame Paints in 2024 – In-depth Guide
Investing in the best chassis paint is one of the best things you can do for your vehicle. There are a bunch of reasons why you should invest in chassis paints. It keeps the chassis healthy by preventing all kinds of rust and corrode. Which results in the great resale value of your vehicle. Sounds great?
But there is still a problem and that is not every chassis paint is good. Not all of the paints in the market delivers proper value. And nor all of them are environment-friendly. So what to do?
Don’t worry! We have done the work. Take a look below, we have put together a list of 10 best chassis paints which are serving the users pretty well and they are environment-friendly as well.
So don’t waste any more second and get there!
Important Features of Best Chassis Paint to Check before Buy
The Chassis Paint Brand
Paints are a very delicate thing to maintain and the quality of the paint depends on various materials such as chemicals. How good the paint will be that mostly depends on the chemical.
Do all brands use good chemicals in the paint? No! There are few brands that take care of such issues pretty nicely. Brands like KBS, MAGNET paints, Por 15 and other reputed brands like these make sure that the paint they produce is top-notch.
So the advice is, always go for well-known brands. Though they are a little expensive but will deliver proper value for the money in the long run. Not only that, with a good brand you will get a long warranty and that means there is no chance at all that you will end up wasting your money. Plus, if anything goes wrong customer services are there, well-known brands come with great customer service.
The Chassis Color Paint
There are various color paints available in the market, mostly solid colors. If you are looking for a suggestion about picking the color, we would say go for the black paint. Because this color delivers superior performance.
Quantity
The obvious thing, you have to the quantity. How much paint you will be needing that depends on the size of your vehicle which is why it is mandatory to know the paint coverage per square feet. That being said, the quantity won’t have to be accurate, you might be needing more paint because sometime you will need to give a double coating on the chassis.
VOC Compliance
The full form of VOC is Volatile Organic Compounds. In paints, there are some toxic chemicals that can cause several health problems such as throat irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea, liver damage, fatigue, kidney failure, skin allergy, eye irritation, etc.
So inhaling the paint is the last thing in the world you would want. However, several researchers were conducted on this, people have tried to make paints better so that they don’t harm. And so far they are successful.
The Environmental protection agency, occupational safety and health administration regulates the VOC. And it is your duty to consider the VOC compliant when you are purchasing chassis paint. Go for the lowest VOC level, the lower the VOC the more environmental-friendly the paint is. And ignore chassis paints that come with lead, that can cause health issues.
The bonding
Whenever you paint the chassis you want it to last for a good time, right? You cannot judge the bonding of paint until you don’t apply it. However, the symptoms of a good paint bond are, the paint will get absorbed nicely on the vehicle and after it gets dry, it will form a strong bond. You will feel the bond once you tough the paint after drying up.
How well the bonding would be that depends on the applying process as well. If the paint is not applied well, it wouldn’t be able to form a good bond that doesn’t matter how better the paint is. So you need to know how to apply paint properly as well.
Additional features of Chassis Paint
As we said, there are a lot of chassis paints in the market and they come with different extra features. For example, some works best in humid areas, some are UV resistant. So you need to determine which features you actually need and then you have to act.
If you are living in an area where humidity is high, then go for paint that can tackle high humidity. If you think the truck frame will be exposed to sunlight, then go for UV resistant chassis paints.
Before you purchase paint, think from all the areas, think about the pros and cons of the product. The more you think, the more chances there is that you will end up with a good chassis paint.
Importance of Chassis Paint
Why the chassis of the vehicle needs paint? There are several reasons why you should paint the chassis of your vehicle. Take a look below!
Rust and Corrosion
What is the core of the vehicle that holds the vehicle? The chassis! It is exposed to every kind of external threat. Dust, water in rain, ice, etc. all these can cause the chassis to rust or corrode badly. And that will shorten the lifespan and weaken the chassis, these are something that nobody wants. You can save the chassis from all these by just painting it.
Maintaining the value
There are some people who care about the resale value of the vehicle. How high the value of the vehicle would be that depends on the condition. And when the core or the framework of the vehicle is corroded, rusty and ugly, no one will give a good value for sure, even you won’t if you are the buyer. With the right paint, you can get rid of all these.
Strength
Once the chassis of a vehicle gets rusty or corroded, that gets very weak. We have mentioned this above as well. And during that rusty and corroded condition if the vehicle encounters an accident the chassis will not be able to withstand the hit. That means, your entire vehicle might turn into a disaster. Chassis paint will keep the chassis stronger by eliminating rust and corrode.
Engine damage
Rust can spread. If you haven’t taken good care, then the rust can spread to the engine as well. Not only engine, transmission, gas tank, driveshaft, etc. can get rusty. Once the transmission gets rusty, you won’t get good driving experience, the rusty tank will leak gas, the rusty engine will get damaged with time. This means, to save a few bucks off the chassis paint can cause you to sacrifice the entire vehicle.
10 Best Paint for Chassis Comparison
[amazon table=”3098″]Top 10 Best Paint for Chassis Review
In order to save you from going through a hell lot of trouble, our expert has done all the work. In no way, it is easy to find out top-performing chassis paints from crowds of hundred. We can assure you, all the following models will deliver good value for the money and they are not unhealthy.
1. POR-15 45404 Rust Preventive Coating Black Semi-Gloss | Best Paint for Rusty Chassis
Is the chassis of your vehicle already rusty? Want to stop the rust to spread? Presenting the POR 15 45404 rust preventive chassis paint. Not only it will stop the existing rust to spread but also prevent new rust or corrode. This paint seals the existing rust pretty effectively.
If you are not sure about the quantity you will need, the one-quart container of this paint can cover any truck chassis. That being said, consider buying a little extra because you might need double coating if the chassis is already rusty.
We should tell you this before you apply the paint on the chassis make sure you remove the existing rust, that will bring you the best result. However, if you are too lazy to do that, no worries. Just slap a layer of paint on the rust, that will seal the rust. Once you paint on the metal frame that is not exposed to moisture, hence there won’t be any kind of rust.
Worries about the side effect of the paint? Relax! This paint is completely lead-free and that makes it totally safe and environment-friendly. Most people face some issues such as paint shattering or chipping, nothing like that is going to happen with this very paint.
- Seals rust completely.
- Applicable directly.
- Highly effective chassis paint.
- Completely lead-free.
- Won’t shatter or chip after drying
- This paint is suitable for only metal.
Bottom Line:
This POR 15 45404 rust preventive chassis paint is a completely safe paint. And this paint lasts very long compared to other paints in the same class. An overall great one for rusty chassis.
2. KBS Coatings 4401 Gloss Black RustSeal Quart | Best Chassis Black Paint
Are you looking for a chassis paint that is hassle-free? We have the KBS Coatings 4401 Gloss Black RustSeal Quart for you. This very paint is ready to use right out of the box. The color is black which is everyone’s favorite color for chassis paint. Apart from the color, the rust-prevention ability this paint has is outstanding.
No one knows the formula of this paint except the manufacturer, every competitor wants to know that because this thing is just incredible. However, one thing we should tell you that this paint surely has a flammable liquid, this is the drawback of this paint.
If the chassis of your vehicle is already rusty with this paint you can prevent the spreading of the rust and new rust formation. For better performance, you would want to clean the rusty surface first otherwise you might not get the best result. The paint doesn’t contain lead, plus, it completely VOC compliant. And that means this paint is not harmful to health.
It comes with the ability to tackle 600-degree F temperature. When exposed to moisture this paint makes a stronger bond. It provides more than needed protection to the chassis. Like some models of the market, the paint won’t chip or get cracked, it will remain intact for a long time making the chassis look beautiful.
Lastly, this KBS Coatings 4401 is rock salt-resistant as well. Once you have applied the paint there is nothing that would be able to go through.
- Lead-free paint.
- It provides greater protection.
- It offers great durability.
- Remains intact for a long time.
- Seals rust and corrode.
- Very easy to use.
- Flammable paint.
Bottom Line:
The KBS Coatings 4401 is one of the best chassis black paints. However, if you don’t want to deal with anything risky, then ignore this one because it is highly flammable. Except that, there is nothing to deny this powerful paint.
3. Magnet Paint UCP99-01 Chassis Saver Paint | Best Paint for Truck Chassis
It has a previous record of preventing vehicle corrosion and rust. This is a VOC compliant gloss black chassis paint, comes with moisture curing polyurethane formula which holds viscosity of 65KU to 75 KU at 75-degree F. Comes with a flashpoint of 108-degree F and the max VOC is 2.09 pounds each gallon. Some people don’t want to deal with rust, but if the chassis is already rusty some paints require you to clean the rust first.
But this very paint is nothing like that. You don’t have to remove the chassis rust, just apply the paint directly on the rust, that will be sealed properly. The paint will prevent the rust from spreading and also new rust or corrode forming. However, if you can remove some rust that will help the paint to make the bond faster.
This paint will require 3 to 4 hours to get dried fully. The tack-free time is 6 hours maximum, 10 hours is mar free time and the cure duration is 48 hours. However, the overall lifespan of this very paint is shorter compared to other top-grade chassis paints.
And remember, do not open the lid before you start working, once the paint is exposed to moisture it will start getting harder. Lastly, this paint is not sun-proof so do not apply this paint anywhere that is directly exposed to sunlight.
- This paint is easy to apply.
- Forms a good bond.
- It provides greater rust protection.
- Affordable price.
- Safe paint.
- It doesn’t last long.
Bottom Line:
Compared to other top-grade chassis paints, this one lasts less. But if we talk about the performance it offers, that is just incredible. That is why it is called as Chassis Saver. Once you paint it over the chassis, nothing will be able to go through.
4. RUST BULLET Automotive Rust Inhibitor Paint | Best Automotive Rust Inhibitor Paint
Using this RUST BULLET Automotive Rust Inhibitor Paint you can ensure that rust will never peek again. One of the best chassis paints for rust prevention. It comes as a full kit and single gallons so that you can pick the needed one. Like some paint, applying this isn’t a hassle.
In fact, it is very easy to apply the paint on chassis. You can use anything to apply the paint whether is brush, spray or roll, doesn’t matter and this makes the paint versatile since it can be used for different applications.
This paint is thin which means, you will have to double coat the chassis. After the first coating waits for at least 12 hours and then do the second coating. It comes with a metallic grey color which looks pretty attractive. If you have never prepared a chassis paint before, that isn’t a problem. This very paint comes ready, you can use right out of the box, no preparation needed. One more thing that makes the paint versatile is, it can be used on several parts as well except the chassis. Rocker panels, suspension, undercarriage, floor pans, etc. can be painted with this very paint.
Once applied, the chassis or any metal part will be completely safe from rust. And this paint forms a good bond after applying and like some other models it doesn’t get cracked or chipped. The RUST BULLET Automotive Rust Inhibitor Paint is pretty durable, will serve you for a longer period.
- UV light resistant paint.
- It requires very low maintenance.
- It can be used in different parts.
- It is chip or cracks resistant.
- Very easy to apply.
- Needs a double coating.
- Dries slowly.
Bottom Line:
This is very thin paint which makes it easy to apply and then because of that, you will need to give two coatings to the chassis. And this paint takes time to get dried completely. Except these two, there is nothing bad about this RUST BULLET Automotive Rust Inhibitor Paint.
5. 3M Professional Grade Rubberized Undercoating.
Here comes a spray paint, the 3M professional grade rubberized undercoating. Spray paints are so convenient and they are full of fun as well. This spray paint can be used on different parts of metal. Delivers incredible performance when it comes down to rust prevention.
And it is high-maintenance spray paint. The best part of this very paint is, it doesn’t contain any chemical that is harmful to health. Plus, it is not high flaming as well. There are two variants of this model, one is incompletely rubberized form and another one is non-rubberized.
However, rubberized one is better, that is way too flexible. Moreover, this paint comes with a no-run formula that a great addition to this paint spray.
Using the spray is too easy, even a beginner will figure it out. And gives excellent undercoating. Apart from all these, this one comes with noise-reduction ability as well. That being said, if the chassis or part you will painting is already rusty, then you might have little trouble because on rust the paint might not be able to form a good bond. Plus, this paint doesn’t perform well in cold weather conditions.
- Very easy to use.
- It offers great performance.
- Somehow reduces noise.
- Contains no harmful chemical.
- Great undercoating.
- Doesn’t perform well in cold weather.
Bottom Line:
Overall, the 3M professional grade rubberized undercoating spray is good. But it requires overcoating. And if you live in cold weather then it might not be a good option for you.
6. Magnet Paint UCP970-01 Chassis Saver Rust Preventative Paint
Take a look at the best car chassis paint, the Magnet Paint UCP970-01 Chassis Saver Rust Preventative Paint. That doesn’t mean, it only works on car chassis, you can use it in on all the chassis frames.
The thing why this one is so popular is the look it brings to the chassis. Anyone who wants to restore the old look of the chassis, this Magnet Paint UCP970-01 Chassis Saver Rust Preventative Paint is the way to go. The chassis will wear a silky smooth sheen which looks very appealing.
It is a moisture curing polyurethane paint that beings antique satin black finish on the chassis. Moreover, this paint has a viscosity of 400-700 centipoise at a flashpoint of 42-degree C and 24-degree C.
The max VOC is 2.09 gallons. For rust prevention, this paint would be an excellent choice with no doubt. It performs pretty well when applied on rusty chassis. Having that said, sandblasting the chassis before applying the paint can show greater output.
Once the paint is applied, it will seal the existing rust and will prevent than to spread. And also will protect the frame from further rust formation. This paint encapsulates and isolates the metal frame from moisture and that is what does the trick of preventing rust.
Besides that, battery acids, diesel fuel, hydraulic fluids, etc. cannot affect the paint. After applying the paint, it might take around 3 to 4 hours to get dried properly. And for a complete cure, it would take 24 to 48 hours.
- Greater rust prevention.
- Easy to apply.
- Brings an appealing look.
- Doesn’t contain the harmful chemical.
- Dries faster.
- This paint is not UV light-resistant.
Bottom Line:
If the part you will be applying paint on is exposed to sunray, then this Magnet Paint UCP970-01 Chassis Saver Rust Preventative Paint would be suitable for you since it is not UV resistant. Apart from that, this is good paint indeed.
7. Rust-Oleum 7765730 Protective Enamel Paint | Best Chassis Frame Paint
Take a look at the Rust-Oleum 7765730 Protective Enamel Paint. Not only in metal, but this paint is also designed for wood, concrete, masonry, etc. as well. It is an oil-based paint that comes with great capability of protecting materials from rusting and corroding.
As we have said before, rust on any part of the vehicle can spread and therefore end up with a vehicle of unlimited troubles. Don’t worry if any part of your vehicle is already rusty, you can seal that with this paint. It will stop the rust spreading and will prevent new rust formation. No sandblasting hassle required.
It provides a gloss regal red finish which looks pretty good. There are other finishes as well which look nice such as leather brown, satin black, etc. The thickness of every coat is around 1.5 to 2.5 mils and if we talk about theoretical coverage, that is 90 – 140 sq ft. for drying it will take 2 – 4 hours, and do the recoating after 24 hours for better result.
If you already have a rusty chassis, prime that with metal primer and then topcoat it. However, compared to other paints this one in thin and watery which might cause you to coat the part of the vehicle couple round.
- Gives a good finish.
- Easy to use.
- Seals rust.
- Provides good protection.
- Contains no harmful chemical.
- Thin paint.
Bottom Line:
With this paint, you will have to coat your chassis a couple of times since it is thin and watery. And you might have to give little extra time than usual to get it dry.
8. POR-15 45006-6PK Gloss Black Rust Preventive Coating.
This is a package of 6 POR paint bottles and each of them has 4 ounces of paint. People who have a couple of vehicle parts to coat, this could a good choice for them since it comes with six bottles.
And then there are people who don’t know the needed quantity, this will work fine for them as well. Like the pother paints of POR, this one also can be applied directly on the rusty area, it will seal the rust completely.
Doesn’t matter whether it is mud, dust, rain, or anything else, the paint will remain strong for long periods. After you use this paint, you will see the gloss black finish and that looks very appealing.
Will prevent further rust formation while preventing the existing rust from spreading. It isn’t harmful to health since it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Lastly, it is highly heat-resistant, can withstand 450C heat easily.
- Easy to paint.
- Comes at a reasonable price.
- Completely lead-free paint.
- Prevents rust formation.
- Not much durable.
Bottom Line:
Compared to other top-notch paints, this is less durable. But still would serve you for a decent amount of time.
9. Fluid Film TPAS11 Powerful Rust & Corrosion Protection
Here comes one of the best powerful rust & corrosion protection paints, the Fluid Film TPAS11 Powerful Rust & Corrosion Protection. It is a spray paint and can be applied directly to the rusty chassis. Not only chassis, but it can also be used in different metals as well.
However, this is very thin paint which will cause you to coat a couple of rounds in order to get a strong and thick coating. That being said, the rust protection is outstanding.
- Very simple to use.
- Good rust protection.
- Can be applied to all metals.
- Usable on rusty metal.
- Thin paint.
10. PlastiKote 193 Gloss Black Chassis | Best Black Chassis & Grille Guard Paint.
And this is the last paint of this article, the PlastiKote 193 Gloss Black Chassis paint. This is not only for chassis, but you can also use this on grille guards as well.
It is a highly versatile paint since it can be used in different materials such as metal, wood, etc. Like the previous one, it can also be directly applied to the rusty metal, it will seat them.
This paint is scratch resistant and once dried properly, it won’t crack or chip. However, this is also thin paint and you need to spray much for a thick coating.
- Easy to apply.
- Versatile paint.
- Good rust protection.
- No harmful chemicals.
- This paint is thin.
Bottom line
Because of the thinness, you might have to spend more paint but once you get a thick coating, you won’t have to worry about the rust any more. Moreover, with this paint, you will able to paint some other materials as well.
FAQ about Best Chassis Frame Paint
Q1. How to Choose Best Chassis for Paint?
Answer: You will find a lot of paints which are made for chassis but are all of them good for chassis? No! Not all the paints are top-notch. Not all paints are going to deliver you the proper value.
So how to find out the good paint? There are some factors which we are going to discuss below, go through them you will have enough idea to find out a good paint from the crowd. Make sure you consider all of these factors before making a purchase decision.
Q2. Solvent Paint or Water-Based Paint?
Answer: These are the two kinds of paints between which most people get stuck. They are the most common two types in the market and are widely used. However, do you know the difference between these two? No? Then you don’t know which one you should choose, right? No worries, we are going to sort it out right now.
Water-based truck paints are made with water and little amount of low solvent. On the contrary, solvent-based paints are made of liquefying agents like lacquer, enamel, urethane, etc. And these chemicals meant to evaporate when they are exposed to air (oxygen). So which one should you choose?
If you live in a place where the weather condition is always cold and has humidity, in that case, you should go for the solvent-based paints because they will evaporate faster when exposed to cold weather conditions. Where water-based paint will take a long time to evaporate.
Having that said, water-based truck frame paints are way too much popular than the solvent-based paints. In fact, in today’s market, it is hard to find solvent-based paints. Water-based paints are non-toxic and they don’t have any bad odor. And most importantly, they are non-flammable. In other words, water-based truck paint is safe. Now you should be able to decide on your own.
Q3. Single-stage or two-stage paint?
Answer: In every chassis paints, there are two more types, single-stage, and two-stage. The difference between these two types is. In single-stage paint, basecoat and clearcoat both are included.
That means you won’t have to spend much time and money since both come in one. On the other hand, in two-stage paint, you will have applied a clear coat and base coat separately. That is surely time-consuming and might cost more money, but in the long run double stage paint wins the race. Because compared to the single-stage, double stage paints are more durable and reliable.
Conclusion
These are the 10 best chassis paints of the market you will find right now. If you have gone through the reviews, you must have decided which one you should go for. In any case, if you are struggling to pick one, hit the comment section below we will try to sort it out.