Surface Rust Treatment and Protection

Keep your vehicle safe, strong and MOT-ready with Lanoguard’s natural surface rust treatment.

What Is Surface Rust?

Surface rust is the early stage of corrosion—typically caused by exposure to moisture and air, forming a flaky orange or brown layer on the metal. It usually affects unprotected metal parts like subframes, brackets, underbodies, or even areas beneath chipped powder coating.

This type of rust is shallow and, when treated early, is easy to halt and protect. Left untreated, however, it may progress to deep, structural rust.

Common Areas for Surface Rust on Vehicles

  • Underbody components
  • Subframes and suspension arms
  • Powder-coated steel where the
    coating is chipped
  • Bolt heads and brackets
  • Exhaust hangers and mounts

Will Surface Rust Fail an MOT?

Yes, if it compromises a structural or safety-critical part like a suspension mounting point or subframe. MOT testers often flag surface rust that is flaking, expanding, or nearing weld seams—even if it isn’t deep yet.

Protecting against this early can save costly repairs and avoid advisories or fails.

Treating and Protecting Surface Rust with Lanoguard

Lanoguard is a natural, marine-grade protective spray that stops the progression of surface rust and prevents new rust from forming.

Here’s how it works:

  • Creeps and Seals: It seeps under flaky rust, displacing moisture and oxygen.
  • Forms a Hermetic Seal: Stops rust in its tracks without needing to convert or remove it completely.
  • Stays Active: Creeps, self-heals and remains flexible.
  • Clear Finish: Doesn't trap moisture or crack like paint or underseal.

 Lanoguard is not a rust converter—it doesn’t chemically transform rust, but it arrests it and prevents it from getting worse.

How to Apply Lanoguard to Rusted Surfaces

  1.  Dry & Clean the Area: Brush off loose rust and dirt. Use a degreaser if necessary.
  2. Check the Surface: For galvanised steel, allow it to weather (ideally 2 years) before applying.
  3. Spray Lanoguard: Apply a light coat to the surface—Lanoguard will do the rest by creeping and sealing.
  4. Curing Process:
  • Day 0: Oily
  • Day 3: Soft
  • Day 7–10: Semi-satin, slightly tacky like a candle

Do not drive for 24 hours post-application to ensure optimal bonding and protection.

Surface Rust on Vehicles FAQs

Yes, Lanoguard will seep under surface rust and seal it off from moisture and oxygen, stopping it from progressing.

It won’t convert rust chemically, but it seals it effectively. MOT testers can still inspect the area, as Lanoguard leaves a clear coating.

Yes - especially useful where powder coating has chipped and rust has begun to form underneath.

Yes, but let new galvanised parts weather for up to 2 years first. Smaller fittings can be tested before full application.

Not directly. It stops further rusting and over time may push off some oxidation, improving the look.

Ready to Stop Surface Rust in Its Tracks?

Surface rust doesn’t have to spell trouble. With Lanoguard, you can protect your vehicle easily, naturally, and effectively—without the mess of paints or harsh chemicals. Whether you’re MOT prepping, safeguarding a classic, or just want long-lasting peace of mind, Lanoguard has you covered.

General Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions and learn more about Lanoguard's products, applications, and benefits.

Moto Range is designed for all vehicles, bikes, trailers and machinery to name a few. It protects the whole vehicle underbody and chassis from rust, corrosion and electrolysis with a strong barrier coat. Find out more and see our Moto Range.

Marine Range is designed for boats and any machinery submerged in sea water. It protects from rust, corrosion and electrolysis the same as our Moto Range, but also contains marine growth inhibitors to stop barnacle build up on any equipment submerged in seawater. It is safe, non-toxic and marine ecology friendly. Some of its uses include on outboard and inboard motors including electrics, propellers and prop shafts and boat trailers. Find out more

Outdoor Range is a thinner formula, designed for metal, rubber, vinyl, wood, and almost all materials. It can be used on BBQs, sheds, fences and decking to name a few. It provides protection from corrosion, rust and waterproofs as wells preventing mould build-up in woods and vinyls due to it containing anti-fungal. Find out more

Lanoguard has been designed for yearly/seasonal applications. It should be topped up at least once a year to ensure continuous protection. Although due to the simple application process there’s no harm in doing an Autumn & Spring application! The product is broken down by UV, so the more it is exposed to sunlight the shorter its life span. Inside box sections or inner chassis for example, it will last longer.

The general rule of thumb is that a little Lanoguard goes a long way, 1.8L of moto spray per application. – is ample coverage for vehicles such as Land Rovers and Pick Up trucks any vehicles over this size we would recommend more than 2L. Click here to look at our range.

Preparation is very minimal - all you need to do is jet wash your vehicle removing any dirt and grime. Make sure you remove any flaking or loose bits of rust, paint or underseal. Sometimes a wire brush can be used if needed to remove flaking bits. Ensure the vehicle is dry before you apply Lanoguard – it doesn’t have to be bone dry, as Lanoguard will displace moisture to an extent, but ensure you do not apply to a dripping wet surface. See our how to apply page here.

Lanoguard is great for chassis with surface rust. It has a natural affinity to ferrous metals and will bond to the metal underneath any surface rust, it acts as a barrier by hermetically sealing to the surface keeping oxygen and water out - stopping any rust from developing further.

Yes, you most certainly can. Lanoguard works fine with almost all sprayers, compressors, and applicators. You may find that it uses slightly more product than our trigger sprayer applicators will, but you’ll still get a nice even coverage of Lanoguard which will protect well. We do have a range of sprayers and applicators available on our accessories page.

Lanoguard reaches its final state around 7 to 10 days after application. Day 0 it is “oily” day 3 “soft” and final state is dry to the touch, but you know something is there. Like a candle to feel. Maybe a little softer. It dries to a clear / transparent semi satin wet look and stays that way for some months eventually dulling a little. But always stays clear; and of course, you can jet wash it to clean it back to how it was when you put it on. It is best to not drive the vehicle for 24hours to let it get through the first part of the curing process.

Lanoguard is eco-friendly and has green non-hazardous certifications. It does not require special handling, protective clothing or disposable gloves, which all add to the carbon footprint of utilising a product that is hazardous. The primary ingredient of Lanoguard is Lanolin which is a very ecologically safe and sound base. In fact, an entire dam in New Zealand was moved down river on a base of Lanoguard marine grease which shows you how the river authority was not concerned about any toxins that would be left as a result.