Everbrite Metal Protective Coating – DIY Application Guide & Review

I first found Everbrite metal protective coating when I noticed the Gobi rack that I had waited so long for started to fade over time. I searched for ways to restore the original luster to the coating without having to re-powder coat it. Everbrite claimed to restore the luster of faded coatings and protect against corrosion as a UV ray-resistant coating.

This stuff is no joke. I have been applying it to nearly everything that I can. It is easily applied with a microfiber application pad, self-levels to the surface it is used on, and can be easily recoated. It hardens quickly and restores the luster, indefinitely.

The best part about all of this is it’s $26 for a 4oz. Can, which is more than enough to coat an entire roof rack and ladder. The coating is extremely durable, easy to clean, and has withstood everything I can throw at it.

Here is the full description from the company:

Everbrite is a crystal clear polymeric resin that provides long-term protection on most metals and painted surfaces from tarnish and oxidation. Everbrite restores original color and gloss to faded or chalky painted or anodized surfaces. Formulated for use on painted and unpainted metals, Everbrite reduces maintenance and cleaning; resists dirt, water, acids, bleaches, mildew, and algae. Coated surfaces clean up easily with just soap and water. Everbrite will not chalk or peel when properly applied, and will never yellow or discolor from exposure.”

Find It Online:

• Everbrite (4oz. covers 25 sq. ft.): Check Price

Where to Apply

Everbrite can be applied to any metal, bare or coated. As long as you follow the application instructions, the product will last a long time. Over the past couple of years, I have tested it on the following:

• Certain undercarriage components (skids/ armor)
• Roof rack/ladder
• Spare wheel (when I had the bullet hole steelie style)
• Vehicle frame
• Spare tire carrier

Applications are as vast as you can imagine, even around the house! The area to which you apply Everbrite and its use will determine the overall longevity of the product. For example, it may not last very long on a skid plate that bears the weight of your rig on rocks. However, it will hold up just fine to lighter rocks, branches, and various other elements.

If you want to maintain the coating of a surface or protect it, then Everbrite would be a great option for you. I initially purchased this product to protect the powder coat on my roof rack, as I didn’t want it to look faded and chalky. After seeing how well it worked, I began applying it in different places.

How to Apply

When applying Everbrite, prep cleaning is the most important step. Like using any coat, preparation is the most important and usually takes the most time.

After cleaning the surface of all waxes, oils, and grease with a pH-neutral cleaner or degreaser, allow ample time for it to completely dry. Apply the coat using a microfiber application pad, such as the one shown above, or one that works best for your specific scenario. You can apply it using a paint sprayer with a fine finish tip, a high-density foam roller, a sponge brush, a natural-bristle brush, or a lint-free cloth pad.

I called their support line and asked about full cure times, as they weren’t stated in the instructions. It is recommended that the coat stay dry for several days to cure fully. However, it says that it dries to the touch in 10-15 minutes. Once it’s cured, wash the application area like any other part of the vehicle’s paint, and its luster will show time and time again.

Recommendations & Tips 

• Wear gloves! This coating becomes extremely tacky as it starts to cure. The curing process is quick once the product is applied.
• If you are applying it to a surface, and other surfaces around you don’t want this coat on, cover them up. The coat is initially very fluid and will spread everywhere if you put on too much at once. I did this when coating the roof rack the first time, and got a couple of drops on the roof.
• Keep it away from moisture! This is probably the most important thing I could pass on to you. I had a couple of moments of trial and error before I realized I wasn’t following instructions all the way. If you coat a surface and allow it to be exposed to moisture quickly, it will absorb the moisture in the coat, resulting in white patches underneath.
• Plan out when and where you apply the coating to keep it away from moisture. This will save you from having to reapply the coating.
• When cleaning a surface that has Everbrite on it, I noticed that harsh cleaners, such as wheel and tire cleaners, can damage the coating.
• The product can be removed with a Xylene solvent in a worst-case scenario.
• Get cheaper microfiber application pads for this process. Once you apply the coat, the application pad will need to be tossed due to the product curing.

Tools

• Microfiber towels for cleaning
• Microfiber application pad

Supplies

• Xylene (if needed)
• Everbrite
• PH neutral cleaner
• Gloves

Step 1. Prep Surface

Thoroughly clean the surface with a pH-neutral cleaner, and allow everything to dry completely. Once dry, tape off or cover the areas you don’t want this coat to be applied to. For this example, I accidentally removed the coat on the skids while using a harsher cleaner to clean the undercarriage. So I will be recoating the skid plates.

Step 2. Apply Everbrite

Throw on gloves, grab your application pad, and get applying! I noticed that it comes out the best when used in straight lines, as straight as possible, in one direction. That’s if the surface you are coating has no texture to it. If you are coating a powder-coated surface with texture, you can coat it in any manner necessary.

Step 3. Cure Time

The item should be dry enough to handle after being left to dry for an hour. Keeping it away from moisture is the other half of this process. For my example, with coating the skid plates, I kept them removed for the next 4-5 days in my garage while they were fully cured.

Everbrite recommended a week or more, but I noticed after 4-5 days, it was solid and unaffected by moisture. That could also be attributed to the hot, dry climate in which I live. Use your best judgment, or follow the instructions and recommendations exactly as the company suggests.

When I first coated the roof rack, I drove around with it installed for a week, experiencing very mild, dry weather typical of Florida. It worked out for me, but planning for a dedicated dry space for curing is still recommended.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a fantastic product and has a wide range of applications. From roof racks to undercarriage components to front and rear bumpers, if you want to restore the look of the coat and protect the surface, this is the product for you.

After applying, it makes the surface far easier to keep clean as well. You can also refer to my other article on cleaning up corrosion and protecting surfaces with this product, which benefits from its corrosion-resistant properties.

Everbrite’s customer service is awesome and fast. If you hit a crossroads on your project and have questions beyond what has been discussed here, then I recommend giving them a call, as they are very helpful.

As I mentioned earlier, my Gobi rack was starting to fade, making this the perfect application for Everbrite. Now, my roof rack always looks brand new. The factory powder coat was becoming chalky, a common issue I’ve seen on other rigs. For that reason, I always recommend this product to others.

If you have faded powder coating or newly painted metal surfaces and want to protect or restore them, grab some Everbrite and save the life of the product you purchase!