KBS Coatings

What KBS Coatings does

KBS Coatings, legally organized as Advanced Protective Technologies, LLC and headquartered in Valparaiso, Indiana, manufactures and direct-to-consumer sells rust-preventive coatings, fuel tank sealers, clear coats, high-temperature paints, and related prep and repair products for the automotive, marine, agricultural, and DIY restoration markets. The company's core technology centers on a proprietary 3-Step Rust Prevention System (KBS Klean water-based degreaser, RustBlast zinc-phosphate metal etch, and RustSeal moisture-cured encapsulating coating), supplemented by specialty formulations including moisture-cured urethane 1K and 2K systems, fuel-imperious tank sealing compounds, and zinc-rich high-temperature primers tested to ASTM B117 (2,000 hours) and QUV 313B (1,000 hours) standards.

The company monetizes through one-time product sales at retail price points ranging from approximately $10 for small accessories to $250+ for complete system kits, sold primarily through kbs-coatings.com with same-day factory-direct shipping and distributed additionally via a network of authorized resellers accessible through a Reseller Finder and wholesale ordering portal. Core flagship SKUs include RustSeal, Gold Standard Tank Sealer, DiamondFinish Clear, and KBS MAXX 2K topcoat, with ancillary products spanning primers, undercoatings, bed liners, engine paints, repair putties, and application equipment. Manufacturing is conducted domestically at the Valparaiso, Indiana facility, and the brand markets itself on Made-in-USA positioning.

Name

KBS Coatings

Legal name

Advanced Protective Technologies, LLC

Website

https://kbs-coatings.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

KBS Coatings is a Valparaiso, Indiana-based manufacturer that directly sells a proprietary 3-step rust-prevention and tank-sealing coating system, clear coats, and high-temperature paints to automotive, marine, agricultural, and DIY restoration customers via factory-direct e-commerce and authorized resellers across the US and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial and Automotive Coatings

NAICS

Paint and Coating Manufacturing (32551), Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510)

SIC

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial & Protective Coatings (IMAEAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Protective Coatings (IMAEAHAB), Automotive & Transportation Coatings (IMAEAGAC), Automotive & Transportation Coatings (IMAEAHAC), Specialty & Functional Coatings (Anti-microbial/Anti-slip/Insulating) (IMAIAKAM)

Keywords

• Rust prevention coatings
• Fuel tank sealers
• Automotive restoration paints
• High temperature coatings
• Industrial protective coatings

Headquarters

HQ city

Valparaiso

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: KBS Coatings generates revenue through direct sales of protective coatings, rust prevention products, tank sealers, clear coats, body fillers, epoxy putties, and related application supplies. Products are sold as one-time purchases with various kit configurations and sizes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

KBS Coatings manufactures and sells rust-preventive coatings, fuel tank sealers, clear coats, topcoats, engine paints, primers, and surface preparation products for automotive, marine, industrial, and DIY restoration applications. The portfolio is anchored by the proprietary 3-Step Rust Prevention System (KBS Klean, RustBlast, RustSeal) and the complementary 3-Step Tank Sealing System, supplemented by branded kits, individual coatings, and repair products sold direct-to-consumer and through authorized resellers.

Product overview

KBS Coatings is a manufacturer of industrial-grade rust prevention, tank sealing, and protective coating products for automotive, marine, industrial, and restoration applications. The product portfolio centers on the proprietary 3-Step System (Klean, Blast, Seal) for rust prevention and tank sealing, supplemented by a comprehensive line of prep products, clear coats, topcoats, engine paints, high-temperature coatings, undercoatings, repair products (epoxy putties, body fillers, fiberglass patches), primers, and application equipment. Core flagship products include RustSeal (moisture-cured rust encapsulator), Gold Standard Tank Sealer, DiamondFinish Clear (direct-to-metal clear coat), and KBS MAXX (2K polyurethane topcoat). Products are sold as individual items, kits, and system packages. The company operates from Valparaiso, Indiana and sells direct-to-consumer and through resellers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• RustSeal Single-component, ready-to-use rust encapsulating coating that permanently stops rust and prevents its return on clean or lightly rusted metal; cures to a rock-hard, ceramic-like finish that resists road salts, fuel, and most chemicals. For automotive, marine, industrial, and DIY restoration applications.
• Gold Standard Tank Sealer Permanent fuel tank liner and sealer that seals pinholes and weld seams on steel, aluminum, and fiberglass tanks; non-flammable, MEK-free, and impervious to modern fuels including ethanol blends (E10, E15, E85), diesel, and biodiesel. For automotive, motorcycle, marine, and industrial fuel tank restoration.
• KBS Tank Sealer System Complete 3-step fuel tank restoration kit (KBS Klean, RustBlast, Gold Standard Tank Sealer) that permanently seals the interior of metal, aluminum, and fiberglass tanks from 1 to 100 gallons. For vehicle owners and restoration shops performing fuel tank sealing.
• DiamondFinish Clear Water-clear, high-gloss, single-component (1K) UV-stable clear coat that can be applied direct to ferrous metal, aluminum, and painted surfaces without primer or heat curing; reaches 5H pencil hardness after 5 days and remains permanently flexible. For automotive, marine, and DIY applications requiring long-term UV and chemical resistance.
• KBS MAXX Two-component (2K), low-VOC, single-stage polyurethane topcoat with permanent UV stability, direct-to-metal adhesion, and up to 2,000-hour ASTM B117 salt spray resistance when applied over RustSeal. Available in multiple colors in gloss and matte finishes. For automotive chassis, frame, and equipment topcoating.
• KBS MAXX Clear Two-component (2K) permanently UV-stable urethane clear coat that bonds direct to ferrous metal, aluminum, and fiberglass; achieves 2H pencil hardness at 72 hours and 160 inch-pounds of impact resistance. For automotive and industrial topcoat protection.
• BlackTop Single-stage, moisture-cured, UV-stable coating formulated to withstand dulling and fading from prolonged sunlight exposure; ideal for topcoating RustSeal or as a direct-to-bare-metal coating. For automotive chassis and frame finishing.
• KBS Top Coater Single-component (1K), 100% UV-stable topcoat paint that bonds directly to bare steel and aluminum without primer; available in quart, gallon, and 5-gallon sizes across 18 colors in gloss and matte finishes. For automotive, chassis, and equipment topcoating.
• Motor Coater Professional-grade, high-heat engine enamel rated to 500°F, available in 40+ OEM-matched automotive and diesel colors for engines, transmissions, calipers, and underhood components. For automotive and marine engine refinishing.
• XTC High-Temperature Coating High-temperature coating formulated to protect metal surfaces operating at temperatures from 500°F to 1500°F; provides adhesion, film integrity, weathering, and thermal-shock resistance. For headers, exhaust manifolds, stoves, grills, and BBQs.
• XTC Silicone Zinc Rich Primer High-temperature zinc primer that prevents corrosion of metal surfaces exposed to high heat, high humidity, condensation, and salt air; withstands temperatures in excess of 1200°F. For exhaust systems, headers, and high-heat equipment.
• KBS Klean Concentrated, water-based, biodegradable cleaner and degreaser that removes grease, oil, grime, and road film without leaving residue; Step 1 in the KBS 3-Step Rust Prevention and Tank Sealing Systems. For surface preparation across all KBS coating applications.
• RustBlast Powerful rust remover, zinc phosphate pre-primer, and metal etch that dissolves rust, corrosion, metal oxides, and tarnish from most metal surfaces; also effective for removing rust from chrome. For surface preparation prior to KBS coating systems.
• Cavity Coater Single-step, super-penetrating corrosion inhibiting coating (CIC) formulated for enclosed metal surfaces; water-displacing formula creeps into welds and seams to form a self-healing film with 4,000+ hours of salt spray testing. For automotive frames, cavities, and enclosed box sections.
• KBS Strip Aircraft-strength, heavy-duty paint, stain, and varnish remover that sprays as a penetrating semi-gel; removes powder coating, epoxies, lead-based paints, gas tank liners, and most finishes from metal, wood, and masonry. For restoration prep and coating removal.
• Fusion Self-Etching Primer Fast-drying, all-purpose self-etching primer for direct-to-metal and inter-coat applications; bonds to bare steel, aluminum, galvanized metal, copper, bronze, chrome, fiberglass, and most hard plastics. For automotive and industrial priming.
• KBS 2K DTM Build Primer High-build, direct-to-metal 2K primer featuring exceptional high build and direct-to-metal properties with light grey color and soft sanding characteristics. For automotive and industrial build priming.
• NuMetal Epoxy Putty Easy-to-use, two-part epoxy putty that mixes and molds like clay but hardens like steel; bonds, seals, fills, insulates, anchors, caulks, and waterproofs; cures without shrinking or sagging and can be drilled, tapped, sanded, primed, and painted. For pool and spa repairs, marine repairs, RV and auto repairs, home repairs, and industrial repairs.
• KBS Premium Body Filler Polyester-reinforced body filler designed for light filling and finishing; smooth formula provides excellent spreading, reduces sanding time, and eliminates the need for finishing glaze; lightweight and fast-drying. For automotive bodywork and panel finishing.
• KBS Patch UV/sunlight-activated, fiberglass-reinforced polyester repair patch for long-lasting repairs on engine parts, decking, fenders, gas cans, drain pipes, water tanks, PVC pipes, plastics, Plexiglas, fiberglass, metal, wood, and concrete. For DIY and professional repair applications.
• KBS UnderCoat (Rubberized) Rubberized paintable undercoating providing protection in wheel wells, gas tanks, frames, and floor pans; produces a tough yet flexible film with excellent adhesion. For automotive underbody protection.
• KBS Bed Liner Tough and flexible thick black protective coating designed to protect against corrosion and abrasion while withstanding impacts and improving traction. For truck beds, trailers, and impact-prone surfaces.
• Frame Coater Kit Complete 3-step rust prevention system (KBS Klean, RustBlast, RustSeal) for full-size car or truck frames or any 50 sq ft metal surface. For DIY vehicle restoration and frame rust prevention.
• Large Frame Coater Kit Large 3-step rust prevention kit for entire underside of car or truck, or any 100 sq ft area with 2 coats of paint coverage. For full-vehicle underbody rust prevention.
• Ultimate Frame Coater Kit Complete 3-step system kit for full-size car or truck frame with Cavity Coater and Wand for inside-and-out rust protection; covers 50 sq ft with 2 coats. For comprehensive frame and cavity rust prevention.
• Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit All-inclusive 3-step system (KBS Klean, RustBlast, Gold Standard Tank Sealer) that cleans, preps, and permanently seals gas tanks up to 25 gallons; compatible with modern fuels including ethanol blends. For cars, trucks, and equipment fuel tank restoration.
• Cycle Tank Sealer Kit

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,000+ hours salt spray resistance for Cavity Coater
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Herculiner: Specialty DIY truck bed liner and protective coating brand sold direct and through retailers; competes directly with KBS Bed Liner and KBS Bed Renu in the protective coating spray/roll category.
• POR-15: Direct competitor in moisture-cured rust-preventive coatings, offering a similarly positioned 3-step system (Marine Clean, Metal Prep, Rust Preventive Paint) targeting automotive, marine, and industrial restoration buyers.
• SEM Products: Specialty coatings manufacturer focused on automotive refinish (color coatings, clear coats, bumper coatings) — overlapping with KBS Motor Coater and DiamondFinish Clear for professional and DIY restoration shops.
• Eastwood Company: Direct competitor selling rust-conversion coatings, chassis paints, and clear coats to the automotive restoration DIY segment via direct-to-consumer e-commerce, overlapping heavily with KBS's flagship categories.
• Plasti Dip: Specialty rubberized and protective coatings brand sold through automotive and DIY channels; competes with KBS Top Coater, Bed Liner, and UnderCoat in the spray-applied protective coating category.

Broad incumbents

• Krylon: Diversified aerosol coatings manufacturer offering rust-prevention and high-heat paints; competes with KBS Top Coater aerosols and chrome/camo SKUs at the retail shelf level.
• PPG Industries: Global paints and coatings conglomerate with industrial and automotive refinish portfolios; competes broadly with KBS in industrial protective coatings and clear-coat chemistries at scale KBS cannot match.
• Rust-Oleum: Mass-market incumbent in rust-prevention paints, primers, and clear coats sold through big-box retail; KBS differentiates by serving the specialist/high-performance tier with documented salt-spray and high-temperature specifications.
• 3M Automotive: Diversified industrial manufacturer whose automotive aftermarket division sells body fillers, abrasives, and protective coatings — competing with KBS Body Filler, Patch, and prep products in restoration shops.

Emerging players

• Maguire's: Smaller specialty brand offering automotive polishes, waxes, and select coatings; overlaps with KBS's enthusiast buyer base and competes in adjacent detailing categories.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/kbscoatings/videos?view=0
• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/KBS-Coatings-Rust-Stops-Here/262590586134
• Instagraminstagram.com/kbscoatings
• Xx.com/KBS_Coatings

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KBS Coatings