There is one common enemy all car owners have, and its name is rust. Oxidation can render your vehicle useless, especially if it’s not diagnosed in the early stages.
Rust is a silent killer. It thrives in areas that aren’t visible such as the undercarriage, and it spreads to other parts of the car.
For decades, car owners have struggled with rust. However, the fight was neutralized when rust-protecting and preventative coatings were introduced.
Today, you can protect your car from the ravaging effects of rust by investing in quality rust protective paint such as POR 15 and Zero Rust.
These two do the same job, which is to protect car metal from rust. However, their formulas are quite different, and as a car owner interested in preventing their vehicles from rusting, you may not know which of these options is better.
Our review is here to clarify that. We will compare these two products and help you pick the one that will protect your vehicle better from rusting.
Table of Contents
What is POR 15?
The first difference between Zero Rust and POR 15 is that the latter has made a name for itself amongst car owners in the past few years.
POR 15 is on the same level as Rustoleum in terms of popularity. It is a top choice for many car owners. But the reason why people are looking at other options such as Zero Rust is that POR 15 is more expensive.
POR 15 is best described as a high-performance coating that can be painted on metal surfaces to prevent rust development.
It can also be painted on rusted surfaces to stop the spread. It’s an anti-rusting paint that is formulated to be non-porous.
As a result, it keeps moisture, salt, chemicals, and plenty of other contaminants from penetrating through its layers.
Once applied, POR 15 creates a dense and cross-linked molecular layer that keeps off contaminants from reaching the metal beneath. POR 15 is stronger than regular paints and can serve you for a considerably long period.
Unlike most anti-rust paints, POR 15 has got a unique curing process. It dries in the presence of moisture instead of drying through evaporation.
This contributes to quicker drying periods. Besides that, this protective paint is flexible and very tough. If you are interested in a permanent rust repair solution, consider POR 15.
It’s important to mention that POR 15 requires adequate surface preparation if you want it to stick. That’s why they also recommend using a POR 15 cleaner degreaser to remove any contaminants that may affect the adhesion of POR 15.
The surface POR 15 is being applied to needs to be cleaned thoroughly and prepped using metal prep. From POR 15, you can get everything you may need for a successful rust repair job.
POR 15 can be used on all metallic parts in your car ranging from the chassis to doors and trunk. You can order it online or look if it’s stocked in an auto shop near you.
What is Zero Rust?
Even though POR 15 and Rustoleum have dominated the rust protective coating market for a while, Zero Rust is quickly catching up. Some of the reasons why most people are switching to Zero Rust is that it’s affordable and very effective.
Zero Rust creates an impenetrable barrier when applied to metal. It is resistant to abrasives, heat, and chemicals. This product promises rust protection for five years.
If you think this is a marketing gimmick, you should know that this product was tested under the B117 salt spray testing, which exceeded 2000 hours of non-stop salt spraying.
With Zero Rust, you have the option to get it alongside a thicker topcoat that will take care of UV rays. Tons of features make Zero Rust the ideal rust protective coating.
For instance, it adheres through chemical affinity, ensuring it holds on to metal for years. Secondly, Zero Rust is known to perform exceptionally well, starving steel of oxygen.
The latter is the main ingredient needed for corrosion to occur. By creating a thick barrier that shields moisture and oxygen, your vehicle should remain rust-free for the longest time possible.
For those of you who prefer or have been using epoxy, it’s worth mentioning that the Zero Rust is 40% harder, and it outshines epoxy in terms of touch-ups.
Zero Rust also cleans up pretty easily if you use some lacquer thinner. For those who are environmentally conscious, you should know that Zero Rust emits low VOCs. It dries up fast. However, that mostly depends on the temperature and humidity levels.
Like all types of paints, Zero Rust requires adequate surface preparation if you want it to hold. The surface ought to be cleaned and scuffed for better adhesion.
It can be stored for future use. With the help of some lacquer thinner, you can prevent the skin from forming.
How Are They Different?
• POR 15 is More Popular
To date, POR 15 remains to be a more popular brand than Zero Rust. POR 15 has established a name for itself, making it hard for brands such as Zero Rust to compete with them.
Not that Zero Rust is inferior, but most car owners would prefer to shop for products from a more reputable brand.
• Zero Rust is More Affordable
Undeniably, times are tough, and every car owner is looking to save a buck where possible. Another reason why Zero Rust is appealing to most car owners is because of its price tag.
POR 15 costs almost twice the price of Zero Rust. If you are handling a huge rust restoration job, you will need a lot of paint, which means more money will be spent. If you are on a budget, you should consider Zero Rust.
• Zero Rust is Isocyanate-Free
POR 15 contains isocyanates, which help form a chemical barrier that prevents moisture and oxygen from reaching the metal. Remember when we talked about the POR 15 unique drying process?
Well, it’s these isocyanates that use moisture to help the barrier cure. Even though they play a crucial role, isocyanate, if inhaled, can cause moisture to bond to the lungs the same way it does on your car.
If you are using POR 15, wear a mask if you have the spray version. Brushing POR 15 is much safer. Since Zero Rust is isocyanate-free, you don’t have to worry about this.
But wearing a mask is still crucial irrespective of which product you are using.
• Zero Rust is Easier to Apply and Clean Off
A few years ago, POR 15 was the go-to rust protective coating. But when Zero Rust was introduced, many people switched to this new brand. The main reason is that Zero Rust is easier to apply and clean off.
Earlier, we mentioned that POR 15 is best applied via brush since the isocyanates are harmful when inhaled. Zero Rust is packaged in a spray can, making application quick and easy.
Also, there have been complaints that cleaning POR 15 stains is quite difficult. With Zero Rust, you can clean it up using lacquer thinner.
How Are They Similar?
• Both Prevent and Stop Rust from Spreading
These two anti-rust paints work exceptionally well at preventing corrosion on various parts of your car.
They contain innovative formulas that create a barrier with metal and prevent the entry of moisture and oxygen. With both options, you will receive advanced protection against corrosion.
• Both Require Adequate Surface Preparation
Whether you decide to go with POR 15 or Zero rust, you must thoroughly prepare the surface if you want it to hold. The mode of application for POR 15 and Zero Rust is almost the same.
The surfaces must be scuffed for better adhesion. Secondly, the surfaces need to be clean and free of grease or any contaminants that may prevent the adhesion of the paints.
What’s Better about POR 15 and Why?
POR 15 is one of the best rust-protective coatings for vehicles. It has been there for years and has gained an excellent reputation.
If you go through car owners’ encounters with POR 15, you will see that it’s a great product. It holds up pretty well and creates a pleasant finish.
What’s Better about Zero Rust and Why?
Zero Rust is giving POR 15 and other coatings a run for their money. Besides the price factor, Zero Rust is very effective at preventing and stopping rust. It was tested under the B117 salt spray and held up pretty well.
Even if you reside in the salt belt, Zero Rust will safeguard your vehicle from corrosion. Also, Zero Rust is very easy to work with.
Who Should Get POR 15 and Why?
POR 15 was formulated for professional vehicle restorers that prefer to work with a reliable and reputable brand. This product has been tried and tested.
It is one of the best rust protective coatings on the market. It holds up well and can last for very long.
Who Should Get Zero Rust and Why?
On the other hand, Zero Rust was created for car owners that want an affordable rust protective coating that is easy to work with.
Zero Rust may not be popular, but it is safer to use since it doesn’t contain isocyanates. Also, unlike POR 15, you can easily clean the stains of Zero Rust with lacquer thinner.