5 Best Fluid Film Products (2023 Guide)

Rust and corrosion can ruin grills, vehicles, hardware, tools, and other metal items in and around your home. Fluid Film’s non-toxic lubricant is a simple solution that will protect your valuable belongings for the long haul. Fluid Film products are available in various forms and applications to accommodate a range of corrosion protection and rust prevention jobs.

In this guide, our team rounded up the best Fluid Film products available to help you choose the right option for your situation.

Top 5 Fluid Film Products

• Best for Light Use: Fluid Film Aerosol Cans
• Most Durable: Fluid Film 5-Gallon Pail
• Best for Automotive Use: Fluid Film Black Aerosol Spray Cans
• Best for Heavy Use: Fluid Film Black Non-Aerosol
• Best Applicator: Fluid Film Spray Gun Applicator Kit 

Best Fluid Film for Light Use

Pros and Cons

✔ Can be applied directly from the can
✔ Does not freeze
✔ Protects metal on the spot

✘ Comes in a smaller quantity than other Fluid Film products
✘ Doesn’t blend in as well on dark metals

Good for: DIYers who need a small or medium amount of rust protection right away and want a product with a straightforward application.

What Customers Are Saying

According to our research, customers who were happy with this Fluid Film spray said it was easy to apply, long-lasting, and remarkably effective on cars and trucks. However, we learned that a minority of buyers felt this product was lacking said the spray cans didn’t always work effectively, and others said it had a foul odor.

Most Durable Fluid Film

Pros and Cons

Good for: Those who need a large amount of the product, such as for industrial use, use on several older vehicles, or use on large vehicles, such as small airplanes.

What Customers Are Saying

In the course of our consumer research, we learned that a majority of customers liked this product’s versatility, long shelf life, and excellent value. On the other hand, we learned of a few buyers who felt it was too thick and a couple who found the application process difficult.

Best Automotive Fluid Film

Pros and Cons

Good for: Those who wish to prevent rust on both the outer exterior and underbelly of their vehicle for an extended period.

What Customers Are Saying

According to our consumer research, customers who left a positive review for this product liked that it worked in multiple areas of their vehicles, was simple to use, and blended well with black metals. However, we also read reviews from a handful of buyers who found that the spray cans were inconsistent and sometimes created a mess.

Best Heavy-Duty Fluid Film

Pros and Cons

Good for: Customers who want a lot of rust protection on the undercarriage of their vehicles, motorcycles, lawn mowers, or any other black metal.

What Customers Are Saying

We read several dozen verified buyer reviews of this vehicle undercoating formula. We found that those who gave this product positive reviews liked that it provided wide coverage, went on thick, and was easy to clean. However, we also found that a minority of buyers felt it was messy and hard to apply, and one customer found it dripped off the metal. 

Best Fluid Film Applicator

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes with an adjustable nozzle
✔ Includes a quart-size reservoir tank
✔ Comes with a flexible 360-degree spray wand

✘ Does not come with actual Fluid Film 
✘ May not transfer easily from the spray gun, according to some customers

Good for: Those who have a gallon or more of non-aerosol Fluid Film but no application tools. 

What Customers Are Saying

Our team found that those who gave this product positive reviews liked that it was long-lasting and easy to operate. Others were impressed with the extension wand, as it allowed them to reach difficult areas. However, we also encountered several reviews by customers that had issues getting the Fluid Film to disperse consistently, and others were disappointed it only came with one bottle gun.

Buying Guide for Fluid Film Products

While all Fluid Film is used for rust and corrosion prevention, you should be aware of several unique features before making a purchase.

Fluid Film Color

Fluid Film comes in Original and Black varieties. Original Fluid Film applies a clear or tan color, while black Fluid Film applies black coating. Black Coating may be better for blending in with black metals, such as those underneath your vehicle. However, clear Fluid Film may be easier to see when you need to remove it. 

Fluid Film Types and Applications

Fluid Film comes in aerosol spray cans and pails. If you buy a pail, you must apply the material yourself. Aerosolized spray Fluid Film cans are easy to use and require no extra steps to apply the product. However, they have a shelf life and will no longer be effective a year after purchase. 

Fluid Film purchased in a pail can be applied with a brush or roller. While this requires an extra step, this packaging allows the product to last indefinitely. You can also apply your non-aerosol Fluid Film using a Fluid Film spray gun applicator or a spray pump. 

Quantity

Both traditional and black Fluid Film is available in 11.75-ounce spray cans. This should be plenty for individual use on small items in your home. It also comes in three- and six-can packs.

If you need a lot of product for heavy-duty use or plan to use it for an extended period, consider getting non-aerosol Fluid Film that comes in one-gallon, 5-gallon, or 55-gallon drums.

Best Uses for Fluid Film

Fluid Film is versatile: You can use it around your home and on your car. It even works on boating, farming, and industrial machinery.

Here are just a few ways you can use Fluid Film: 

• Spray it on bike and motorcycle chains to ensure the bike runs optimally. 
• Use it on garage door hinges or locks to prevent them from corroding. 
• Apply it to tools in your garage to keep them easy to use and maneuver. 
• Use it on your car’s doors, locks, hood hinges, underbody, or seat tracks.
• Apply it to birdhouse poles to keep squirrels and other critters away. 
• Spray it on gardening tools, fertilizer spreaders, or hedge trimmers to make your gardening easier.
• Keep your children’s playground equipment lubricated by applying Fluid Film to it. 
• Spray it on the undercarriage of your lawn mower to help rust-proof it.
• Use it to protect your winter snow removal equipment, such as plows, snowblowers, and salt spreaders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fluid Film

How do you use Fluid Film?

The application of Fluid Film depends on the type, but typically you can apply it directly to the desired surface—such as the undercoat of a car—and wipe off any excess with a rag or towel. The film acts as a penetrant on metal surfaces, spreading to all areas to provide rust protection.

Is Fluid film bad for the environment?

Fluid Film is not bad for the environment. Fluid Film has a lanolin base, is non-toxic, and contains less than 1% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It does not contain any solvents, phenols, heavy metals, or arsenic. However, Fluid Film is not biodegradable. 

Can Fluid Film remove rust?

While Fluid Film is created to prevent rust, it is not designed to eliminate rust that’s already set. However, applying Fluid Film acts as a corrosion inhibitor and can stop rust from spreading.

Does Fluid Film dry out?

Fluid Film does not evaporate or dry out and will leave a wet, non-drying film once applied. 

How long does Fluid Film last?

Aerosol Fluid Film spray is guaranteed to last up to a year after the purchase date. When purchased in a tub, Fluid Film has an indefinite shelf life. Once applied to metal, it will prevent rust for at least one year indoors and one season outdoors.

Does Fluid Film harm electrical connections?

Fluid Film is non-conductive, making it safe to use on electrical connections in your home.

What’s the difference between Fluid Film and Woolwax?

Fluid Film and Woolwax are made by the same parent company, but the major difference is that Woolwax is typically made from thicker materials and is more difficult to wash off than Fluid Film. Surface Shield is another popular brand for corrosion prevention.

How We Selected Fluid Film Products

To provide our readers with the best Fluid Film recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.

Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of Fluid Films with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers. 

Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.

Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published numerous tool reviews, from cordless drills and impact drivers to tape measures and laser levels.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

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