---
product_id: 7713464
title: "Metal Prep, Metal Etching Rust Neutralizer, Non-flammable and Water-based, 32 Fluid Ounces, 1-quart"
brand: "por-15"
price: "£36.98"
currency: GBP
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Por 15"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/7713464-metal-prep-metal-etching-rust-neutralizer-non-flammable-and-water
store_origin: GB
region: United Kingdom
---

# Water-based & non-flammable formula Fast-acting above 70°F Metal etching & zinc phosphate coating Metal Prep, Metal Etching Rust Neutralizer, Non-flammable and Water-based, 32 Fluid Ounces, 1-quart

**Brand:** por-15
**Price:** £36.98
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> ⚡ Prep Like a Pro, Protect Like a Boss!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Metal Prep, Metal Etching Rust Neutralizer, Non-flammable and Water-based, 32 Fluid Ounces, 1-quart by por-15
- **How much does it cost?** £36.98 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/7713464-metal-prep-metal-etching-rust-neutralizer-non-flammable-and-water)

## Best For

- por-15 enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted por-15 brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Safe & Eco-Friendly:** Non-toxic, water-based, and non-flammable—safe for you and the environment.
- • **Precision Metal Prep:** Creates an ideal anchor pattern with zinc phosphate for unbeatable paint adhesion.
- • **Pro-Grade Durability:** Enhances corrosion resistance and welding conductivity for long-lasting metal protection.
- • **Versatile Application:** Use with brush, roller, spray, or dip on any metal surface—car frames, fences, outdoor furniture.
- • **Rust Neutralizer Power:** Simultaneously etches metal and neutralizes rust for a flawless base.

## Overview

POR-15 Metal Prep is a professional-grade, water-based metal etching and rust neutralizer solution that leaves a zinc phosphate coating to ensure superior chemical bonding of paint to metal surfaces. Non-flammable and safe to use, it prepares metal by removing rust and creating an ideal surface for POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating or other topcoats. Trusted by DIYers and pros alike, it accelerates rust treatment and improves corrosion resistance, making it essential for automotive, industrial, and outdoor metal restoration projects.

## Description

POR-15 40204 metal prep - 1 quart. Great for any metal surface. Prep leaves a zinc phosphate coating that will insure chemical bonding of paint.

Review: Etched the “jerrycan “ - This POR15 metal etch works quite well used in a “jerrycan “ did a good job of etching now to finish it off with the POR15 tank sealer
Review: Hopefully it Works - I bought this as recommended for use with the POR 15 sealant to prevent rust. I spent hours sanding and grinding the rust off the underside of a replacement truck bed I purchased for my Ford F5150 in preparation for the application of the POR 15 sealant and rust preventative which cost over $50 a quart. So when I watched some videos and all of them recommended the use of a metal etching solvent as the final pre-step, I felt it was in my best interest to make the purchase. Is this step required, heck I don't know but I was not about to cheap out after all that work. The process requires you to brush or spray this on and keep it wet for 20 minutes. Most video I saw people used a pump style sprayer for this but I choose to use a spray bottle to apply it since it was the quickest and easiest way for me to just purchase a good spray bottle. But it was just enough to cover the truck bed so keeping it wet for 20 minutes was a challenge with no extra spray after the initial application. So I covered it with plastic once it was sprayed to hopefully prevent it from evaporating too soon. It seemed to work, but 20 minutes? Not sure about that. But it definitely changed the appearance of the metal. However, even after rinsing it off, which is the final step, it left a white residue behind in spots which I was not sure about so I used a rag with some mineral spirits to wipe that away. It was not mentioned in the instructions on the bottle so I assume it was the thing to do and since mineral spirits contains no water I felt it would not hurt. I just did not make sense to me to paint over some powdery residue. In the end the project came out great and I am pretty confident in the work I did. Will the use of this product make a difference? It does make sense to remove as much loose rust as possible and creating a surface for a paint type product to adhere properly is something I have done many times so it makes sense. When I pull the old truck bed in the spring I plan to go through the same process on the truck frame below the bed. I will most likely try and find another cost effective etching solution so I can be sure to keep it wet as suggested. That would be my recommendation here - that is, get enough to keep it wet for the required 20 minutes. You can use the size of a 4 x 6.5 foot truck bed as an estimation measurement and decide to purchase this product or a more economical alternative - if there is one. Side Note: The process also calls for degreasing the surface before using the etching solvent. Again POR makes a product for this purpose, but in this case I just used some Purple Power degreaser which I have used for years when I needed a degreaser. I could not justify the purchase of the POR brand in this case. I did not see how it could be much different than any good degreaser that is applied and rinsed off in the same manner. Just something to consider.

## Features

- ✅ POR-15 METAL PREP - Is easy to use and effective. It's formulated to gently etch metal, to create an ideal anchor pattern for coatings, while simultaneously leaving a zinc phosphate coating to insure chemical bonding of paint and steel metal.
- ✅ PREPARATION IS KEY - After thoroughly degreasing your work piece, apply POR-15 Metal Prep to both neutralize any rust and etch any clean bare metal. This will allow better adhesion of POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating or any other coating. Metal Prep is Essential to create superior edge corrosion, undercutting resistance & improves welding conductivity
- ✅ APPLICATION - Remove loose or flaking rust, paint scale, etc. Surface to be treated should be free of grease, oil, and other foreign substances. Use of POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser is recommended. POR-15 Metal Prep works faster at temperatures above 70°F. Apply with brush, roller, spray, or dip rusted metal directly into solution.
- ✅ SAFE & EFFECTIVE - Our water-based formula is non-toxic, non-corrosive is safe to use, and won’t leave behind harmful residues. Our Metal Prep is an inexpensive insurance policy that guarantees perfect adhesion of POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating to any metallic surface every time. Perfect to use on your car, fence, outdoor furniture, & more!
- ✅ OUR SATISFACTION COMMITMENT – At POR-15 we strive to bring the ultimate in rust prevention. Known for the unbeatable 3-step stop rust system, POR-15 is trusted by DIY & Professionals. We are committed to innovation, quality control, and excellent customer service.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00J5940JE |
| Best Sellers Rank | #7,930 in Industrial & Scientific ( See Top 100 in Industrial & Scientific ) #12 in Industrial Coatings |
| Brand | POR-15 |
| Brand Name | POR-15 |
| Capacity | 1 Quarts |
| Container Type | can |
| Contains Liquid Contents? | Yes |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 4,016 Reviews |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00051491402040 |
| Included Components | 1 container |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Type Name | Paint Prep |
| Item Volume | 1 Quarts |
| Item Weight | 2 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | POR-15 |
| Model Number | 40204 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | 40204 |
| Size | 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Special Features | Non Flammable |
| Specific Uses For Product | Exterior |
| Surface Recommendation | Metal |
| UPC | 051491402040 |
| Unit Count | 32.0 Fluid Ounces |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** POR-15
- **Item Form:** Liquid
- **Material:** Metal
- **Special Feature:** Non Flammable
- **Specific Uses For Product:** Exterior

## Images

![Metal Prep, Metal Etching Rust Neutralizer, Non-flammable and Water-based, 32 Fluid Ounces, 1-quart - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81F+c06rrQL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Size, Style** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: will this work on a primed surface that has no rust?**
A: Not true on the "won't help" besides neutralizing rust.  The product contains zinc which will adhere to the metal surface and prevent rust.  I sand blasted my brush guard, primed with rust binding primer and painted.  Rusted in several months.  Did the same thing but used this product before painting and 4 years later - no rust.

**Q: How do you apply this? Spray bottle or brush?**
A: You use a brush..and you must keep the surface wet for at least 10 minutes...or up to 30 if depending on severity of the rust in the area you are treating. This is what 'kills the rust'  So dont do too large an area at one time.  After 10-30 mins of keeping the area wet with this..you hose off thoroughly and let dry COMPLETELY.  (use a fan if necessary..but make sure corners and all crevasis's are completely dry or por 15 wont adhere there.Do not be in a hurry!  Once its completely dry...apply the por 15 and your time and effort will be rewarded.

**Q: dose this get down in the creases of metal**
A: If you put it on thick it will flow while it is wet. Depends on the size of the gap. It will probably bridge metal that is like the crease of a metal funnel. Hope this helps

**Q: Could this be mixed down with water to allow it to be sprayed?**
A: HI Robert. Are you asking about Metal Prep PQR-15?  It is mixed down into a solution that is ready to spray. I would not dilute it any at all, in my opinion this stuff is way too weak and were you to dilute it further, well you might as well use Kool Aide as it would work just as well. Now I did respond to this product by saying that I am now using a food grade of Phosphoric Acid that's at an 85% concentration. The operative ingredient in most of the good rust removers / converters whatever you like to call them, is phosphoric acid. Using the 85% grade concentration it HAS to be diluted! I would suggest using an old Windex or 409 bottle to mix this stuff up in and spray it. The trigger sprayers you find in the hardware stores are junk and won't stand up to high or low PH solutions. So if you decided to buy some of this "high test" phosphoric acid I'd mix it down like three or four ounces to 400 or 500 ml of water. Pour the Acid into the water! Not the other way around!  You can buy this acid off of Amazon by the way. Be careful with it, use a respirator rated for organic mists and vapors when using it, and of course wear gloves and eye protection as well. I hope this helps?

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Etched the “jerrycan “
*by M***E on May 13, 2026*

This POR15 metal etch works quite well used in a “jerrycan “ did a good job of etching now to finish it off with the POR15 tank sealer

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hopefully it Works
*by E***S on October 24, 2021*

I bought this as recommended for use with the POR 15 sealant to prevent rust. I spent hours sanding and grinding the rust off the underside of a replacement truck bed I purchased for my Ford F5150 in preparation for the application of the POR 15 sealant and rust preventative which cost over $50 a quart. So when I watched some videos and all of them recommended the use of a metal etching solvent as the final pre-step, I felt it was in my best interest to make the purchase. Is this step required, heck I don't know but I was not about to cheap out after all that work. The process requires you to brush or spray this on and keep it wet for 20 minutes. Most video I saw people used a pump style sprayer for this but I choose to use a spray bottle to apply it since it was the quickest and easiest way for me to just purchase a good spray bottle. But it was just enough to cover the truck bed so keeping it wet for 20 minutes was a challenge with no extra spray after the initial application. So I covered it with plastic once it was sprayed to hopefully prevent it from evaporating too soon. It seemed to work, but 20 minutes? Not sure about that. But it definitely changed the appearance of the metal. However, even after rinsing it off, which is the final step, it left a white residue behind in spots which I was not sure about so I used a rag with some mineral spirits to wipe that away. It was not mentioned in the instructions on the bottle so I assume it was the thing to do and since mineral spirits contains no water I felt it would not hurt. I just did not make sense to me to paint over some powdery residue. In the end the project came out great and I am pretty confident in the work I did. Will the use of this product make a difference? It does make sense to remove as much loose rust as possible and creating a surface for a paint type product to adhere properly is something I have done many times so it makes sense. When I pull the old truck bed in the spring I plan to go through the same process on the truck frame below the bed. I will most likely try and find another cost effective etching solution so I can be sure to keep it wet as suggested. That would be my recommendation here - that is, get enough to keep it wet for the required 20 minutes. You can use the size of a 4 x 6.5 foot truck bed as an estimation measurement and decide to purchase this product or a more economical alternative - if there is one. Side Note: The process also calls for degreasing the surface before using the etching solvent. Again POR makes a product for this purpose, but in this case I just used some Purple Power degreaser which I have used for years when I needed a degreaser. I could not justify the purchase of the POR brand in this case. I did not see how it could be much different than any good degreaser that is applied and rinsed off in the same manner. Just something to consider.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works well
*by R***T on March 18, 2026*

If you have rust this works great. I had a rusted boat gas can and I put this in one night and left on my bench to clear the rust before I put new gas in the can but the next day this was all over the bench and the floor because it had eaten all the rust and left several holes in the bottom of the can because the rust was more extensive then I thought.

## Frequently Bought Together

- POR-15 Metal Prep, Metal Etching Rust Neutralizer, Non-flammable and Water-based, 32 Fluid Ounces, 1-quart
- POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser, Non-flammable and Water Based, Removes Grease, Oil and Surface Debris, 1-quart
- POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating, Stop Rust and Corrosion Permanently, Anti-rust, Non-porous Protective Barrier, 32 Fluid Ounces, Semi-gloss Black

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---

*Product available on Desertcart United Kingdom*
*Store origin: GB*
*Last updated: 2026-06-06*