For those of you that have used this stuff, could you please answer a few questions? I'd like to know if POR15 will evenly cover pitted metal or metal that still has a layer of paint in some places, but not others? I'm considering using it on my rad support, firewall, front frame rails (already painted tho), and the inside of the front fenders. Most paint will follow the contours of what it's covering, meaning that if the bare surface isn't perfectly flat, then the painted surface won't be flat either. I'm trying to avoid this if possible. I've read on other posts that POR15 can be brushed on, but will dry without any brush marks, which lead me to believe this paint would 'fill in' surface irregularities. Is this correct?
Also, the underside of my hood has quite a bit of surface rust on it. If I were to scuff it up and paint it with POR15, would the POR stand up to the heat generated by the engine or would I need to top coat the POR with an engine enamel?? I'm trying to do an engine compartment detail (to my taste) and would like it to last as long as possible, yet look as nice as possible. Thanks guys.

If you want a smooth finish without scratches or rust pits then you must get the metal smooth before the final finish. POR15 will show every pit and bump. This is a thin substance. It is not designed to fill holes. The silver POR15 has metal fibers to give severly rusted metal strength and to fill small holes but it is not designed as a filler.
The best way to get a like new metal finish is to take the part to bare metal and use primers, body fillers and paint just like you would on the body of your car. Its a lot more work but the results can be outstanding.

Look at http://www.por15.com and they will tell you that their product is not intended to be a topcoat finish. Here is a quote from that site concerning their black semi-gloss product.

"* Please Note: Our POR-15 Semi-gloss Rust Preventive Paint is formulated to stop rust and provide a very durable coating. Please be aware that it's not a cosmetic coating and may show different variations in gloss dending on the method of application and surface it's applied to."

I can't answer the heat question. They do make high temp coverings for engines.

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1967 Malibu
1967 Impala SS396 Conv.

"Excuse - no matter how valid - never alters or changes performance" - N Eldon Tanner

Alright, thanks garyB. Just one more question then... Is POR15 as chip and scratch resistant as advertised, or is it only a minor improvement over regular paint? My car isn't rusted that badly - nothing that a quick 'scuff' won't take care of - it's the 'hardness' of the paint I'm really after. Engine compartments need to take a lot of abuse - dropped wrenches, etc. It's that advertised aspect of the POR products that really appeals to me. So if anyone who's used this product could comment about it's durability, I would appreciate it. Thanks again.

IT will take a dropped wrench and scratching,but one thing i noticed is brake fluid took it off on my frame where it leaked.

This stuff is very durable and great. I did my frame , core support, rear end cntrl arms, firewall and undercarrage and misc brackets in this stuff.

I have used both the chassis coat black and the glossy gloss coat or blackcoat. When done correctly its like a smooth eggshell coating on your car.

stevenb and 70isfine, did either of you 'top coat' the POR15 or just leave it as is? stevenb, you say 'when done correctly'.....could you elaborate on this a little? Also, I don't want the semi-gloss look of factory, I'd prefer a true gloss black look. In that case, will the POR15 gloss black dry to my desired taste? Thanks.

When using semi gloss if you put a second coat over the first before it is completely dry it will have a gloss that the single coat doesn't.

If I were you I would invest in their "sample pack" Its cost is reasonable and you will be surprised at how much a little bit covers. Using it will also answer all your questions. Start with something easy like an alternator bracket or lower rear control arm.

I used them as a topcoat over por15, If you want a glossy appearance i believe its called blackcoat. I even used there por15 chevy orange that stuff is great. My engine looks like it has a thick glossy appearance to it.

The only product that did not work for me was the por20 header coating. Went on great, blasted and rough-up my header to make the coating stick but its says to heat the headers in a day or 2. Well I didnt complete everything to start my engine untill 6-7 months later. The coating didnt not stick very well and flaked off. I cant blame them yet because Im not sure what happened. The body is currently off and I am going to blast them and do it one more time and see what happens.