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AR15.COM
2/1/2011 5:58:27 PM EDT
I have an old jerry can that has rust inside of it.  What can I use to paint over it that is safe with gas and wont deteriorate?

thanks
2/1/2011 6:22:16 PM EDT
[#1]
kbs-coatings.com make a gas tank sealing kit that does a 25 gallon fuel tank for around $60. I don't think this will be economical even for five Jerry cans.
2/1/2011 7:50:22 PM EDT
[#2]
A pint of Red-Kote cost me about $22 3 or 4 months ago at a local auto parts store.  I don't think you'll find anything recommended for less than that.
2/2/2011 5:49:00 AM EDT
[#3]
1st remove as much of the rust as you can.  Put some chain, steel nuts and bolts in it and shake it or do like I did leave it in the back of the truck for several weeks so that the metal will work off some of the rust.  Rinse with something that will no leave a residue.



2nd get a motorcycle gas tank painting kit.  Use that to paint the inside of the can.



YMMV
2/2/2011 6:09:04 AM EDT
[#4]


I have seen the followng advise shared elseshere (from my thumb drive)



1. Get a pint to quart quantity of nuts and bolts (these will help work loose rust and flakings free)



2. Go to pool supply and buy Murric Acid concentrate and prapare to directions



3. Add Acid and nuts/bolts to can and close it



4. Shake and stir for a couple days



5. Remove the ingredients, wash with soapy water several times, rinse with clean water, and dry completely



6. Coat the inside of the tank with coating of your choice



Honestly, I have not had to do a can yet as none of my cans were rusty - I saved the advise as I would be glad to buy some rusty cans if I could find them at a good price.

2/2/2011 9:13:40 AM EDT
[#5]
Awesome thanks guys.  You think some of these are available at home depot?
2/2/2011 9:57:43 AM EDT
[#6]
I don't know, I would go to an auto supply store or just buy online if it were me.
2/2/2011 1:14:11 PM EDT
[#7]
Tag.
2/5/2011 12:33:00 AM EDT
[#8]
I have used the fuel tank coating from Eastwood in the past with good results.  The price is around $30 plus shipping.
2/5/2011 3:09:53 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
I have used the fuel tank coating from Eastwood in the past with good results.  The price is around $30 plus shipping.


This. I've done a few antique auto gas tanks and they held up fine. It even plugs pinholes.

YMMV!

2/11/2011 7:03:28 PM EDT
[#10]
We have a local company that does plastic coating of various things such as pipe, fittings, and tanks for use in the oil field.
Maybe this would work and be very durable.
2/12/2011 5:21:46 AM EDT
[#11]
I've used vinegar in an old motorcycle gas tank to remove rust and it works great.  Youtube has several videos about it, I saw one by beast1201 and he tried various known methods to remove rust.  The apple cider vinegar worked the best.  You can even cut the vinegar with water and it will work, if you don't want to buy 5 gallons of vinegar.  Wally world has vinegar for about 2.50 per gallon last time I did it.  Just fill it to the top and give it 2-3 days.  It will remove everything.  I put an entire tank in a tub and filled it to the top, 3 days later the paint was peeling off.
2/12/2011 10:17:01 AM EDT
[#12]
I just picked up an old dirtbike that had rust in the tank and I ran a magnet in it to remove all the loose particles. I just plan on keeping fuel in it to stop it from getting worse.
2/12/2011 8:40:59 PM EDT
[#13]
Clean some pea gravel and toss it in the tank with some diesel.  Get your kids or someone besides yourself to shake the can for a while.  The gravel will Polish the inside and remove every bit of rust.  Afterwards rinse out with a garden hose and always fill the tank to the top for long term storage.