Questions and Answers for Krud Kutter 32 oz. Metal Clean and Etch

A:  Thank you for reaching out, Pat! Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Metal Clean & Etch is specifically formulated to prepare iron, steel, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized surfaces for painting. It removes rust, oil, grease and dirt and eliminates paint peeling and other adhesion problems. Please keep in mind the product may change the appearance of the surface since it does etch, so we recommend applying in a test area first to ensure the desired results. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  Yes it should remove all stains on the statue, however if the bronze statue has a patina finish the Krud Kutter may alter the appearance of the patina. If patina is not present on the statue then "no worries". My extensive experience with water features has convinced me that their best use is conversion to planter beds. lol

A:  Glad to help out, Dan. Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Metal Clean & Etch can be applied with a paintbrush, spray bottle, sponge, or pump up sprayer. We do not recommend using it in a pressue washer as it is not designed to be applied with that and will reduce the effectiveness of the product. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 5

A:  Thank you for reaching out! Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Metal Clean & Etch formula clean and etches in one operation. Metal Clean & Etch is specifically formulated to prepare iron, steel, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized surfaces for painting. The treated surface does need to be painted with a suitable topcoat within 48 hours to prevent formulation of new rust. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  Yes you can use "Krud Kutter" to clean a cast iron tub. Good luck with your project.

A:  I don't know if it's suitable for copper, but it should work fine on metal fins (steel or aluminum). Regarding safety: It's water-based so there's no risk of fire or hazardous fumes, especially considering the (relatively) low heat of a hot-water baseboard system.

A:  Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Metal Clean & Etch is specifically formulated to prepare iron, steel, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized surfaces for painting. Please keep in mind that we do recommend painting the treated surface within 48 hours after application to prevent the formation of new rust. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  I'm not sure, but I wouldn't use this regardless. If the original paint is in good shape, just clean the surface thoroughly to remove any oil, dirt, etc. and spray with several light coats of a good quality primer, followed by the new paint. (The paint and primer should match -- either both water-based or both solvent-based.) Automotive suppliers sell etching primer, but that's typically used on new bare metal, not painted surfaces. And I don't know if that would etch paint, either.) If you're still worried about the primer adhering to the surface, you could roughen it slightly w/ VERY fine sandpaper -- say 1,500 or 2,000 grit. But I'd only do this if it was on a car, where the paint takes a beating. Search for "how to paint a car" to get more information. Also, if you really want a durable finish, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS for both the paint and the primer, especially re using multiple light coats, time between coats, drying time for primer before applying paint, etc. Most newbies spray on too much paint or primer at a time, causing runs.

A:  Thank you for reaching out. Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Metal Clean & Etch is specifically formulated to prepare iron, steel, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized surfaces for painting. We don't recommend applying it to painted surfaces because it will not perform properly. As long as the paint is sound, you can lightly sand the surface and then clean with soap and water before application. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 5

A:  No, this product is for bare metal. Ordinary spray primer and paint should do the job. Use multiple light coats of paint to build up the surface without creating drips or runs.

A:  Glad to help out! Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Metal Clean & Etch is specifically formulated to prepare iron, steel, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized surfaces for painting. We recommend testing the product in an inconspicuous area first to ensure the desired results. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 5

A:  Read and follow all safety instructions first - this is a serious chemical. That said, yes it can be used. Don't know how bad the metal surface you're working on is, but this product gives a more intense treatment than scouring with soap and water. This is a diluted acid that will not only remove light rust, but will also etch (i.e. eat away) part of the slick surface of the painted panels that have not already peeled off. I'd suggest that you start your cleaning with soap and water - then a pressure sprayer - then evaluate whether or not you need to do the more serious cleaning for which this product is intended. Be absolutely sure to use protective eye goggles, and acid resistant gloves when handling. You also have to rinse surfaces with lots of water after use and be aware of where the runoff is going to. Be careful - good luck on your project.

A:  Good question! Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Metal Clean & Etch is specifically formulated to prepare iron, steel, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized surfaces for painting. This product is suitable for bare metal only. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 5

A:  I don't know if it will etch pewter, but it's highly unlikely it would work with a stencil. This stuff is very runny, almost like water, so it's likely to seep under a stencil. I'm sure there are other products designed for that use which would work better.

A:  We appreciate your interest! Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Metal Clean & Etch cleans and etches in one operation. It is specifically formulated to prepare iron, steel, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized surfaces for painting. It removes rust, oil, grease, and dirt and eliminates paint peeling and other adhesion problems. Instead, we recommend scuff sanding the surface with 50-grit sandpaper to prepare the pewter for painting. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 5

A:  We appreciate your interest! Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Metal Clean & Etch is specifically formulated to prepare iron, steel, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized surfaces for painting. The Stops Rust Rusty Metal Primer is not recommended for use on galvanized surfaces, but you can apply it only to the rusted areas. You can then apply the Chain Link Fence paint directly on to the metal as long as it is sanded and cleaned beforehand. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 5

A:  Yes. As described, your preparations will help the primer and paint properly adhere on both conditions.

A:  Yes, this product cleans the surface in preparation for primers and paint. The primer coat is a next-step rust-preventative that then helps paint adhere to the metal. If using indoors, make certain that you have fresh air ventilating the area with a breathing filter mask rated to prevent inhalation of harmful (phosphoric acid) vapors. Also, ensure that you're using eye protection and rubber gloves - along with careful use to avoid splashing on your skin or clothes. Product requires water rinse. Review product safety data sheet at https://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/27/2782e19f-d77f-4104-ad15-74c82a11e1fb.pdf before use. Product can be dangerous - if you're not experienced, you may be better advised to use a scraper and wire brush (with eye protection) followed by primer to prep your metal beams.

A:  Happy to clear things up! Rust-Oleum Krud Kutter Metal Clean & Etch prepares iron, steel, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized surfaces for painting. It removes rust, oil, grease, and dirt and eliminates paint peeling and other adhesion problems. While a primer isn't absolutely necessary, you'd be surprised how much of a difference it makes for most projects. Primers make colors pop, help topcoats go on more efficiently and prepare surfaces like bare wood, metal, and rust before painting. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 5