Chassis Saver vs POR-15: Opinions On Rust Prevention Products

POR-15 Overview

POR-15 paint is good for surfaces that are already rusty. The paint turns into hard abs that stick to the surface. The paint can still fight existing rust on the frame surface if you apply directly, but for best results, use the 3-step process (cleaning/degreasing, metal preparation, and lastly applying POR-15). If you prefer a smooth and glossy finish, use a spray gun to apply POR-15.

This non-porous paint is available in grey, clear, silver, gloss black, and semi-gloss black. It works by protecting metal surface from water, salt, chemicals, and other corrosive substances. The effectiveness of POR-15 paint lies in its curing process. Unlike other paints, which dry through evaporation, POR-15 dries best in the presence of moisture.

If you are covering a small surface area, you are better off using the smaller packaging because once you open a POR-15 can, the paint starts to cure. If some paint remains in the can, make sure you don’t keep it for too long because POR-15 can get intact if left unused for long periods. Use saran wrap before sealing the can; otherwise, you should not open it again. POR-15 is quite hazardous, so store it in a well-ventilated place.

Please wear a mask when using this paint. For optimum protection and outcome, get one of the company kits and follow the procedural instructions. Since POR-15 is UV sensitive, use another paint as a top coat. On top of this, avoid using POR-15 on parts you may need to weld because the paint is poisonous when burnt.

POR-15 Rust Preventive Paint Pricing

Chassis Saver Overview

Chassis Saver is a high solid paint designed to curb truck corrosion, and it requires minimal use of topcoats and primers. The paint has unique anti-rusting properties that stick to marginally repaired surfaces. While a wire brush or a handscaper is enough to remove rust particulate and loose scale, sandblasting the metal before painting the frame is highly recommended.

Chassis Saver formulation fights rust by isolating metal from moisture and oxygen to form a cured film that resembles a catalyzed finish yet no activators are used. It cures when it reacts with the atmospheric moisture. The paint bonds strongly to blasted surface to form a hard, glaze-like, non-porous finish. Chassis Saver is impervious to salt, diesel fuel, gasoline, battery acids, solvents, oils, chemicals, hydraulic acids, and other corrosives.

If you are left with some paint, use a saran wrap over the lid, otherwise, it will glue the can and lid together making it difficult to get it off when you want to use it in the future.

CHASSIS SAVER Pricing

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Similarities between POR-15 and Chassis Saver

Apart from being brands from different manufacturers, the two paints types share similar characteristics in many ways. Both paints stick to the surfaces they are used on (including your hands). That is why they should never come close to your skin. Although sandblasting give better results, you can apply these rust stopping paints directly to the metal surface. You can paint the metal surface with either a brush or a spray gun.

Moreover, both are moisture cure polyurethanes and require extra coat because they fade with sunlight exposure. P.O.R Products advises that POR-15 should be top-coated, especially on areas exposed to sunlight to prevent fading and discoloration. Similarly, the manufacturer of Chassis Saver recommends using the product with a quality coating or automotive finish .

Fading is one of the complaints linked to both paints, though Chassis Saver has a slight competitive edge here. With that said, UV rays can cause discoloration or fading, but they do not diminish the ‘rust stopping’ and corrosion resistant properties of these paints.

Differences between Chassis Saver and POR-15

If you consider UV as important, then Chassis Saver has a better UV rating than POR-15. While POR-15 may fade easily when exposed to UV rays and shrink on the edges, it doesn’t flake off.

Both paints work best on rusty surfaces, but POR-15 tends to stick more firmly to existing rust or etched metal. Even without sandblasting you can apply POR-15 on the frame. It may be the ideal paint if you prefer covering rust more than glossy surfaces. You may need to consider POR-15 on a vehicle with a covered frame. With that said, POR-15 tends to require more prep work than Chassis Saver. The process can be nasty as the paint is toxic.

Chassis saver might work best if you have a frame that requires finishing, while POR-15 paint gives the best finish only when you use a spray gun – both of which were covered in our list of the best chassis frame paints. Though spraying is generally recommended for car painting projects, it can lead to paint wastage. Chassis Saver seems to do well with foam brushes and can give similar finish as a spray. However, be careful of drips if you are using thin paint.

Pricewise, POR-15 is slightly expensive than Chassis Saver. Besides price, using POR is generally costly. To have the best results with POR-15, you need to follow through all the steps, which can be expensive.

Conclusion

Chassis Saver and POR-15 are good brands that offer long-lasting rust stopping solutions. Before using POR-15, specifically, ensure you have done proper prep work. Chassis saver might not adhere firmly to bare aluminum, so you may need to use a primer. On top of this, there are a few words of caution. First, if you are planning to use any of these paints, buy the size you can use at once because leftovers can harden making it hard to use it again. Also, keep in mind that most local shops will most likely recommend something they sell rather than the best paint for your situation.