
Ratings & Reviews for Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Automotive Flat Dark Gray Oil-based Spray primer ( NET WT. 12-oz )
Ratings may include incentivized customer reviews.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers overwhelmingly praise this primer for reliable performance, strong adhesion, and effective rust prevention on metal and wood surfaces. Most highlight smooth application, quick drying, and excellent coverage that prepares surfaces for topcoats with minimal effort—often requiring just two light coats. Many appreciate the fast turnaround, eliminating lengthy drying periods. Longtime users express consistent trust and loyalty, frequently recommending it for professional and DIY projects. A small number report occasional nozzle clogging, inconsistent spray patterns, or minor surface defects like wrinkling, though these remain isolated. Despite minor issues, most customers consider it reliable and would repurchase.
Customer review summary generated by AI, including incentivized reviews.Bad experience
Would Not Recommendlike another review, I had the wrinkle and crusting problem. Ruined my project.. Never had this with other Rust-oleum. Will use 2 in 1 Primer Filler from now on.
it doesn't work for automotives
Would Not Recommendits a big waste of time, when you spray it it doesn't become hard instead it becomes sticky and it's not automotive and i wouldn't recommend this product.
Let's see what we can figure out! For best results apply two or more coats of Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Automobile Primer a few minutes apart. Apply a to...

Not just for automotive use
Would RecommendWhile this primer is labeled for automotive use, I used it for some spots on my metal fence. The welded joints were beginning to rust and this primer was very good at covering the areas with a single application. Easy to use, great coverage and not just for cars.
Easy to use, saves time
Would RecommendI’ve worked with “Rust Oleum” products in the past and this one delivers the same experience – easy mixing, easy to apply, good coverage of the material worked on. I used it on my metal fence as it had some rust coming out on the welded joints and this product saved me a lot of time! The process in the past have been – 1) prep the surface by brushing/cleaning; 2) apply rust neutralizer; 3) wait 24 hours for the chemical to form a bond; 4) apply primer (usually with brush); 5) wait to dry; 6) a...
Simply the best product on the market
Would RecommendI have used Rust-Oleum products for many years. I have been pleased with Rust-Oleum consistently providing the best products on the market for hobbies, around the house and automotive needs. This Automotive primer is the foundation for a small repair to parts exposed to the weather and outside corrosives. Most of the time, the project needs the best protection possible. Rust-Oleum will not let you down.
Good coverage, good finish
Would RecommendEven though this says Automobile Primer, I didn't use it on my car. I used it on an old metal lawn chair. I prepped the chair by stripping off as much of the old peeling paint as possible and then did a general sanding. This removed the big bumps and flakes of old rust and getting, mostly, to the bare metal. There were a few spots where some surface rust was left. Next step was to wash the chair and dry completely. I shook the can and applied the primer. Primer went on pretty smoothly without...
Always good paint
Would RecommendThis follows the Rust-Oleum tradition of being a great paint. I did a couple of old metal patio chairs and it went on smooth and easy unlike the less expensive ones that spit and run. Looks great and experience says it will stay on even with little prep and last a long time.
Always Reliable
Would RecommendRust-Oleum spray paints and primers are always reliable and consistent. This primer was no different. I used it to prime a set of Bilco doors that needed to be repainted. The spray was even throughout with no gumming up. There were some odd angles to spray and the primer still sprayed with ease. After finishing, the coat of primer was even with no runs. Overall I have no complaints and will always look for Rust-Oleum products for future jobs.
A good quality primer
Would RecommendPutting down a good quality primer base before the top coat is important for a lasting paint job. I am not a professional auto body repairman but I have used this primer numerous times on bare metal and even wood (although it does not say it is for wood) and have never had a problem with it. It does say “not to use on galvanized metal”. Manufactures suggest that you use their top coat in conjunction with their primer. I have used other brands of paint over this primer and it adhered fine. Howeve...
Easy and Convenient
Would RecommendLet me start by saying I'm a long time user of Rust-Oleum products and always well satisfied with the results. This spray can is easy to apply with a good spray pattern. Although labeled automotive primer I use it primarly on small wood projects with excellent results. It sands very easily and a few coats provide a glass smooth base for the color coat.
Great Paint
Would RecommendI had some rust on the undercarriage of my truck. I treated first with some naval jelly and removed most of the surface rust then followed up with the primer. So far so good. The sprayer did a great job coating the undercarriage; no gumming up etc. Would recommend this product!
That is not what we like to hear! Keep in mind that wrinkling is a timing issue between coats, and may occur with any solvent-based primer, enamel, o...