Iron oxide, or "rust", is the result of a chemical reaction involving iron, air, water, and time. Technically, the process is called oxidation and it happens when irons loses electrons to oxygen. Water provides a medium for this electron transfer, so rust requires all three to be present. In addition to being a medium, water is a catalyst, meaning it speeds up the reaction. Another catalyst is salt. That's why vehicles located in areas with high humidity or high salt exposure rust way faster than those in dry (arid) climates. As the reaction starts to break down the surface of the metal, it becomes porous. This creates more "surface area" (holes or cavities) that can retain even more water which speeds up the reaction. You've probably noticed that it takes a while for a vehicle to begin to rust, but once it starts- it tends to spread really fast. This porosity is part of the reason why rust seems to accelerate faster as it spreads.

So, how do you stop it? Well, like a tumor, the best way to stop it from spreading is to remove it completely. That's why we recommend cutting out the rust before installing any slip-on panels like Quick Covers. However, many people don't have the time or tools to do that, so another option is to perform a rust treatment.

The purpose of a rust treatment is to interrupt the chemical reaction that causes rust. Remember, oxidation requires air, water, and iron to be together in one place, so to stop or slow down that reaction all we need to do is separate them. By coating the iron with a corrosion inhibitor (like grease which is water repellant) we can repel, or separate, the water from the reaction environment. Then by covering it (with a slip-on rocker panel like Quick Covers) we "sandwich" the inhibitor to keep it from washing off and to provide an additional barrier against water and air.

Ideally, the entire rusty panel should be coated inside and out with rust inhibitor before being covered with a protective barrier (aka Quick Cover or slip-on panel). However, in our experiments we have found that coating only the rusted areas is sufficient to provide long-lasting protection.

This kit includes:

General purpose grease & brush: Use brush to apply grease to corroded areas that can be reached by hand. Best for outer surfaces.

Aerosol Corrosion Inhibitor "Like-90": For hard-to-reach areas like inside rocker panels, cab corners, and doors, as well as in-between inner and outer wheel wells. 1 can is enough for rocker panels (1/2 can per side). Add at least one more can to treat doors and wheel wells. 3 cans is best to treat an entire truck or SUV. Individual cans are available for purchase separately.

RUST TREATMENT KIT: Corrosion Inhibitor + Grease