Red-Kote
Flexible fuel tank liner that seals leaks and stops rust
Red-Kote
Red-Kote is a flexible polymer fuel tank liner that seals pinhole leaks and stops further rusting. Lined on more than 1 million vehicles since 1985, with fewer than 200 reported issues — every one traceable to application error, not the coating itself.
Designed for gasoline tanks on motorcycles, cars, and trucks. Limited applications with aviation gasoline, diesel fuel, and some racing fuels. Biodiesel, racing fuels, and methanol-containing additives should be tested before use.
Red-Kote seals the small leaks that often form along seams and where straps wrap around the tank. It also seals light rust under the coating so it cannot flake off to plug fuel-line filters or cause engine damage, and prevents further rusting by keeping condensation away from the metal.
What makes Red-Kote different
- Stays flexible. The coating won’t crack as some others do. Tanks coated in 1984 are still doing well.
- Tight adhesion. Won’t peel off even when the metal is bent — protects against loosening from vibration or denting.
- Methanol tolerant. Unaffected by up to 10% methanol. Above 10% may leach the red dye but the coating remains tightly bonded.
- Ethanol tolerant. Works fine with E10 through E50. Performs well in long-term E85 testing. Not recommended above E85.
- Faster drying. Dries faster than many other sealers. Thinning with acetone and applying two thin coats reduces time further.
- Levels well. No wide variation in thickness as with some other coatings.
- One-coat coverage. Usually only one coat needed. Holes up to 1/32" (1 mm) can be coated and sealed safely.
- Bright red color. Easily visible so you can be sure you didn’t miss a spot.
Packaging
Available in one-quart metal cans packed nine per case, or one-gallon metal cans packed one per case. Backed by Damon’s guarantee and over 70 years of service to the automotive industry.
What it isn't
Not for plastic or fiberglass tanks. Not for tanks larger than 50 gallons. Not for biodiesel, potable water, or racing fuels without prior consultation. Cannot be sprayed, even after thinning.
Common questions about Red-Kote
All help articles →Application How long does Red-Kote take to cure?
Air-dry 8-24 hours with all openings open for airflow. Cured = no solvent smell. Adding fuel before fully cured will stop the cure permanently. Do not use a blower with open flame or electric elements anywhere near the tank — vapors are heavier than air and can travel to ignition sources.
Compatibility Will Red-Kote work with ethanol blends like E85?
Red-Kote performs well from E10 through E50 with no issues. It tolerates long-term E85 testing but is not recommended for sustained use above E85. For pure methanol or racing fuels with high methanol content, test compatibility first or contact us.
Compatibility Can I use Red-Kote on a plastic or fiberglass tank?
No. Red-Kote is formulated for metal fuel tanks (steel and terne-plated steel). It will not adhere to plastic or fiberglass surfaces. For non-metal tanks, contact a Damon rep for an alternative.
Compatibility What is the maximum tank size for Red-Kote?
Red-Kote is designed for tanks 50 gallons and smaller. Larger tanks don't get adequate coating coverage from the slosh-application method. For tanks over 50 gallons, talk to a rep about alternative coating products and application methods.
Surface compatibility
Tested at label concentration on common facility surfaces. For uncommon substrates, request a compatibility test from your Damon rep.
Surface compatibility
Fuel compatibility
Application directions
Step-by-step instructions. Read all steps and any caution-flagged steps in full before starting.
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1
Empty the tank
Drain all fuel from the tank.
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2
Remove internal components
Remove the sending unit, float, feed lines, filters, and anything else that could be clogged by the liner or that is made of plastic (which the liner will not stick to).
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3
Knock loose rust free
Remove any loose rust by tapping the tank with a rubber mallet, or by tumbling or shaking it with a piece of chain inside. Flush out the debris.
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4
Treat heavy rust
If significant rust remains, use a rust remover before proceeding.
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5
Clean the tank
Use a water-soluble detergent or degreaser at 2 oz per gallon of tank capacity with hot water. Let it work for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Do NOT boilout — the high alkalinity strips tin from terne plate, and Red-Kote will not stick if the plating flakes off.
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6
Repair large leaks (professional only)
Leaks larger than 1/32" (1 mm) must be repaired by a professional. Soldering is the standard method. NEVER use a torch on a fuel tank unless properly trained — explosion risk.
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7
Dry the tank completely
This is critical. Without a blower, drying takes up to 12 hours. With a blower, about an hour. Fastest method: drain water for 5 minutes, then pour in 1 pint of MEK or acetone, slosh thoroughly, pour out. Repeat with a second pint and you're ready to coat immediately. Discard MEK/acetone safely — fumes are heavier than air and can travel to pilot lights and explode. Do not use a blower with MEK or acetone present.
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8
Plug all openings except one
Cover all open holes in the tank with plugs or tape, leaving only the pour-in opening.
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9
Pour in Red-Kote
Pour one to two quarts into the tank, then cover the last opening. One quart is enough for tanks ~12 gallons or smaller; two quarts for larger tanks to ensure the coating flows behind all baffles.
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10
Slosh to coat every surface
Tip the tank onto each side and slosh the coating around. Use a rocking motion, NOT shaking. Be thorough so you don't miss areas behind baffles.
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11
Drain excess
Drain excess coating into a can and cover tightly for reuse. Stand the tank with a corner drain hole over the can. Tilt in every direction, holding for 30 seconds each, to let liner flow to the drain. Do NOT leave puddles — they may never cure.
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12
Cure 8–24 hours
Open all openings for airflow. Air-dry 8–24 hours. Cured = no solvent smell. If fuel is added before fully cured, curing stops. No open flame or electric elements — explosion risk. Don't blow air into the tank for at least 60 minutes.
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13
Optional second coat
For severe leaks or heavy rust, apply a second coat after the first has fully dried.
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14
Reassemble and reinstall
Reinstall sending unit, feed lines, and other components. Mount the tank back on the vehicle.
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15
Clean up
Use methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, or a quality lacquer thinner with no alcohol in it. Do not use alcohol-based lacquer thinner.
Documentation
Audit‑ready PDFs. Use these for Joint Commission / CMS / OSHA compliance.
OSHA HazCom · DMN0142
Application protocol, compatibility, troubleshooting
