Fans of Fluid Film

FMC1959 · Feb 20, 2021

I really like this product and after having gone through many cans, just bought a 1 gallon pail which I should get mid next week.

For large applications, I will probably use a paint brush or similar.

My question is for anyone having purchased by the gallon, what system do you find is best for small applications, because it is kind of a thick product.

Do plastic spray bottles work fine, or do they struggle or clog somewhat

How about these spray bottles that use compressed air, do they work fine?

compressed air refilable spray bottle.jpg

Otherwise, what do you use; small sovent brushes....

or some other ideas?

crewchief888 · Feb 20, 2021

we use the spray from fluid film.

we go through gallons and gallons of this stuff every year.

:beer:

FMC1959 · Feb 20, 2021

crewchief888 said:
we use the spray from fluid film.

we go through gallons and gallons of this stuff every year.

That's what I have been using over the years but find it gets expensive. The cans I was using were 12 or 12.5 oz. They don't go on special often but even when they do, it isn't a big savings; no 50% off or anything like that.

The gallon has the equivalent of about 10 of these 12.5 oz cans. I pay the cans about $14-$15 CDN ($11-$12 USD).

The gallon goes for around $90-$100 CDN ($70-80 USD0 but found it recently at $70 CDN or about $55 USD. This comes out to less tahn half what the cans cost me.

old_smokey · Feb 20, 2021

Love this stuff as well. I use it under my truck and on winter bikes. I hadn’t thought about a compressed air sprayer like the Vaper, curious to hear if that works

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ArtisanFarms · Feb 20, 2021

I'm another satisfied customer. I gave one of my kids a 5 gallon pail and applicator and in return he does my truck along with his vehicles every year. Definitely a good deal for me.

theoldwizard1 · Feb 20, 2021

I ran the numbers once. For a DIY person it would take multiple gallons to pay for a Sure Shot. I bought a case of spray. That will likely last me the rest of my life !

Mr.Smoke · Feb 20, 2021

I've used FF over the years and always been pleased with their product. When I receive my new toolbox in a couple months I plan to use FF or Krowne every 6 months or so on the insides and bottom (like oilspraying a vehicle) to prevent any possible rust formation as the shop environment can get quite damp during the winter months.

Typically I use Termin8er as it's readily available for me at work and is also a great product, but a slightly different focus. Honey Goo is another one I like but find it's not as readily available in stores in my area.

Prospecter · Feb 20, 2021

Long time FF user, but now I've switched to Woolwax. It's a little cheaper than FF, and works the same way. Even has that FF smell my dog loves!!! I use the Woolwax applicator. Definitely makes a difference. My Dakota is 13 years old, and has zero rust, despite Maine road salt.

Worth noting that these products come in thicker and thinner grades. The thinner grade works much better for a spray application.

Firefighter1406 · Feb 20, 2021

Prospecter said:
Long time FF user, but now I've switched to Woolwax. It's a little cheaper than FF, and works the same way. Even has that FF smell my dog loves!!! I use the Woolwax applicator. Definitely makes a difference. My Dakota is 13 years old, and has zero rust, despite Maine road salt.

Worth noting that these products come in thicker and thinner grades. The thinner grade works much better for a spray application.

Same here. I bought the spray gun off the wool wax site and used it to undercoat my truck. Come with a couple different nozzles to get into tough spots. Works well and pretty easy clean up too.

drivesitfar · Feb 20, 2021

I’ve heard nothing but good things about Fluid Film but I haven’t run out of Boiled linseed oil yet. When I was going to order some I think it was a little better deal by the case if you buy cans and I had no idea you could buy this by the gallon so I’m here to see what information I can learn.

FMC: are you using on mainly vises and tools or machines and maybe cars like dome of the other members seem to use it for?

FMC1959 · Feb 20, 2021

drivesitfar said:
I’ve heard nothing but good things about Fluid Film but I haven’t run out of Boiled linseed oil yet. When I was going to order some I think it was a little better deal by the case if you buy cans and I had no idea you could buy this by the gallon so I’m here to see what information I can learn.

FMC: are you using on mainly vises and tools or machines and maybe cars like dome of the other members seem to use it for?

Drives, I use it as a lube where I want it's antirust properties also. It's a very good lube, but not necessarily the best for all applications, and also a great antirust agent, but also not necessarily the best for all applications.

I have vises and other tools I keep in unheated workshop/sheds. Products like CRC Sp-400, Boeshield T-9 and LPS #3 work great for rust; they leave that amber wax type coating and dry within a couple of days so you don't feel anything to the touch....but have zero lubrification properties. The are great at keeping all the tools I use it on from forming any rust at all. I apply it once a season and I am good, maybe twice on something that I use a lot.

FF and CRC 3-36 have different properties, but both are very good at lube & corrosion inhibitor, but both never really dry except after a long time, and that's when it needs to be reapplied. CRC 3-36 and some other products I have tried are good, but I find FF a bit better. Really keeps stuff from corroding, keeps it well lubed and does not come off as easy as other products I have tried.

I use it, among other things, on my snow blower attachment for my tractor. There are 2 motorized gear areas for the chutes that I use FF, it holds pretty good despite the snow that gets on them.

anndel · Feb 20, 2021

I have a can that's about 5 years old. Not needed here in Hawaii but I spray wheel hubs before installing the rotors.

tube_guy · Feb 20, 2021

I've used Fluid Film on the family fleet for about 9 years. I use a compressor and a siphon type spray gun to undercoat cars. For smaller applications where I don't want to break out the spray gun and compressor, I just use a small paint brush.

I doubt very much that a typical hand held pump spray gun or a Sure Shot type of sprayer would spray the Fluid Film NAS that I use. If it's cold outside, and I have trouble spraying because the fluid film is too thick, I just thin it a bit with some vegetable oil. Sometimes I use Mazola corn oil, which also works very well. I still doubt I'd be able to thin it enough to work well in a hand held sprayer.

guitarbutt · Feb 20, 2021

I was just researching this stuff. Does anyone spray it in a drawer of tools to keep them from rusting?

Jlarson · Feb 20, 2021

I only get it in pails when we're gonna brush or rag it on a lot of wire rope. We use a lot of it on man hole lids too to keep them from rotting and getting stuck in the ring. Otherwise we just get the spray cans from our auto parts store.

ItsNemo · Feb 21, 2021

I keep both a gallon and spray cans on hand. Have an underbody sprayer that I got at Napa for spraying it....could thin it, but sprays fine full thickness.

macgee · Feb 21, 2021

Question from a newbie as I haven't used Fluid Film or Wool Wax before, what is the finish like to the touch after its been applied and dry? Does it dry hard and not wet or waxy? Does it attract dust?

demarpaint · Feb 21, 2021

macgee said:
Question from a newbie as I haven't used Fluid Film or Wool Wax before, what is the finish like to the touch after its been applied and dry? Does it dry hard and not wet or waxy? Does it attract dust?

It attracts dust and dirt, it doesn't dry hard. It's wet and waxy.

RKA · Feb 21, 2021

guitarbutt said:
I was just researching this stuff. Does anyone spray it in a drawer of tools to keep them from rusting?

No, too messy. I’d rather use a light weight oil soaked into a rag and give everything a wipe down.

BrandoJames · Feb 21, 2021

Just wondering if Fluid Film is a northern state/Canadian thing. I've noticed Eric O. on SMA using Fluid Film to rust-proof the undercarriage of vehicles.

demarpaint · Feb 21, 2021

RKA said:
No, too messy. I’d rather use a light weight oil soaked into a rag and give everything a wipe down.

Me too.

Adderall · Feb 21, 2021

I’ve used Fluid Film on my 4Runner with decent results. A friend of mine showed me a CRC branded product that’s similar, but cures harder than FF. I might ge it a try the next go around.

drivesitfar · Feb 21, 2021

FMC: thanks for starting this thread cause I really need to address some surface rust issues on some of my machines and i'm learning a lot!! :thumbup:

ALL: i've used Johnson paste wax on bare metal flat surfaces with some success and wondering what all you use. is BEESWAX an option?

as some of you know I really like using BLO (boiled linseed oil) on my old vises and wood and metal tools, but it really only works best when I apply it when it's 60-80 degrees out and I can let it dry in the sun. also if you have a can of it sitting you'll need to give it a good shake (sort of like paint) cause it can separate and it won't every firm up/dry.

WARNING: i've said this before, but make sure to dispose of BLO or wood stain soaked rags in a metal can with a lid or rinse them out and hang to dry cause THEY CAN (and will) SELF COMBUST into flames and burn down your garage and house.

back to FLUID FILM and it's options and I'm also wanting to hear of the other ones mentioned if any of you like them better even if you haven't used FF.

RKA · Feb 21, 2021

Here’s a project farm video/test on these corrosion inhibitors and coatings for those who haven’t already seen it.

He tested FF, CRC, a WD40 long term corrosion inhibitor and a few others including plain old motor oil. I’m not sure if he produced a part II to this test.

macgee · Feb 21, 2021

demarpaint said:
It attracts dust and dirt, it doesn't dry hard. It's wet and waxy.

Thanks demar

FMC1959 · Feb 21, 2021

macgee said:
Thanks demar

macgee, if you want something to prevent corrosion that is dry to the touch after application, try CRC SP-400, Boeshield T9 or LPS #3. They take 1-3 days to dry completely, leave a non-sticky, sort of amber wax finish.

I believe the products I mentioned are all variants of Cosmoline, which would be the original.
https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf...wLjGYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6sAEK&sclient=gws-wiz

FMC1959 · Feb 21, 2021

So, back to my original question. This will be my first using the 1 gallon FF (haven't received it yet). For those who have already used it, is it thicker or in any way different to what you get in the spray cans?

Many commented on spraying it as an undercoating for cars, trucks...etc. But if I want to use it also on small jobs, what's in the gallon, can it be used in some kind of spray bottle? Or it isn't practical and I will need to continue buying cans for small jobs and the 1 gallon is only good for heavy duty sprayers or applied by brush or rag?

demarpaint · Feb 21, 2021

macgee said:
Thanks demar

You're welcome. IMO there are better products for rustproofing a vehicle, however they come with a higher price tag. FF works well and has a loyal following.

RKA · Feb 21, 2021

I would say it’s not practical. Even when it’s warm it’s a bit thick. When cold even thicker. With pressure and a sufficient orifice on the sprayer, it will spray. But without both the pressure and correct orifice size, it will clogs, spit or just dribble out, not spray. The sure shot gives you pressure (until you need to recharge), but as it comes out of the box, I don’t think it will handle thick fluids. I’m pretty confident saying that without trying. They do sell a 501 tip made for viscous fluids, but it is a fan tip. Not sure if that’s works for you? If it does, I would call them and ask if they think it would be suitable for spraying a 10w30 motor oil. I think that’s pretty close to the consistency you’re looking at.

MDJR3312 · Feb 21, 2021

macgee said:
Question from a newbie as I haven't used Fluid Film or Wool Wax before, what is the finish like to the touch after its been applied and dry? Does it dry hard and not wet or waxy? Does it attract dust?

Hello, it stays wet to the touch and has a smell for a few days tops then it becomes a flat finish that is dry to the touch.

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FMC1959 · Feb 21, 2021

RKA said:
I would say it’s not practical. Even when it’s warm it’s a bit thick. When cold even thicker. With pressure and a sufficient orifice on the sprayer, it will spray. But without both the pressure and correct orifice size, it will clogs, spit or just dribble out, not spray. The sure shot gives you pressure (until you need to recharge), but as it comes out of the box, I don’t think it will handle thick fluids. I’m pretty confident saying that without trying. They do sell a 501 tip made for viscous fluids, but it is a fan tip. Not sure if that’s works for you? If it does, I would call them and ask if they think it would be suitable for spraying a 10w30 motor oil. I think that’s pretty close to the consistency you’re looking at.

Thanks, this helps

FMC1959 · Feb 21, 2021

MDJR3312 said:
Hello, it stays wet to the touch and has a smell for a few days tops then it becomes a flat finish that is dry to the touch.

Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

Not sure if you are referring to Wool Wax but FF, like a previous poster mentioned, remains foamy "wet", and will attract dust. When it finally dries, months or more down the road, it will be dry and crack, sort of like a white lithium grease does after a long period of time.

bwringer · Feb 22, 2021

FMC1959 said:
macgee, if you want something to prevent corrosion that is dry to the touch after application, try CRC SP-400, Boeshield T9 or LPS #3. They take 1-3 days to dry completely, leave a non-sticky, sort of amber wax finish.

I believe the products I mentioned are all variants of Cosmoline, which would be the original.
https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf...wLjGYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6sAEK&sclient=gws-wiz

Thanks for that info! Sometimes you want something that stays greasy like FF, sometimes you want something that dries up.

I've tried Fluid Film, and it does indeed work nicely for preventing corrosion, but holy cripes, how does anyone stand that funky smell?

Very, very sheepy.

I can't imagine going through gallons of the stuff, or using it for undercoating where it might (ew) drip on you. Once it gets on your clothes, there's no removing it.

Yes, I know the smell fades, a little. But I've used it on wheel hubs and such and upon removing the wheel months later I get a strong dose of sheepy funk.

Or am I just a little more put off by the smell of lanolin than most?

rlitman · Feb 22, 2021

macgee said:
Question from a newbie as I haven't used Fluid Film or Wool Wax before, what is the finish like to the touch after its been applied and dry? Does it dry hard and not wet or waxy? Does it attract dust?

demarpaint said:
It attracts dust and dirt, it doesn't dry hard. It's wet and waxy.

That depends on how you apply it.

I actually do use FF on seldom used uncoated steel tools (most recently, I took the rust off a hatchet and applied some FF to protect it). I'll spray a little on a rag and wipe it on just as I'd oil a gun. Used sparingly like that it isn't sticky or wet, and it seems to stay around longer than most oils I've used for same purpose.

This works best in the summer though. At summer temperatures, FF gets about as thin as maple syrup. In the winter, its more like chassis grease. WW seems to be similar, but is even more viscous. WW also has some toxic solvents added to it.

When I empty a spray can of FF, I'll cut the top off, and pull a glob of residue out of there with a screwdriver to apply to said rag. It actually works better than spraying.

As for WW, I recently bought a gallon to spray under my cars, but haven't gotten around to it yet. In the cold, the stuff feels almost like peanut butter, so I'm waiting for the summer.

demarpaint · Feb 22, 2021

rlitman said:
That depends on how you apply it.

I actually do use FF on seldom used uncoated steel tools (most recently, I took the rust off a hatchet and applied some FF to protect it). I'll spray a little on a rag and wipe it on just as I'd oil a gun. Used sparingly like that it isn't sticky or wet, and it seems to stay around longer than most oils I've used for same purpose.

This works best in the summer though. At summer temperatures, FF gets about as thin as maple syrup. In the winter, its more like chassis grease. WW seems to be similar, but is even more viscous. WW also has some toxic solvents added to it.

When I empty a spray can of FF, I'll cut the top off, and pull a glob of residue out of there with a screwdriver to apply to said rag. It actually works better than spraying.

As for WW, I recently bought a gallon to spray under my cars, but haven't gotten around to it yet. In the cold, the stuff feels almost like peanut butter, so I'm waiting for the summer.

To clarify my comments a bit. I was referring to spraying it on the undercarriage of a vehicle. Wiping a thin coat of FF on a tool would be similar to wiping a thin coat of oil on a tool. Which is how I treat my tools after I finish using them, I wipe them down with a light coat of oil and put them away.

Formula · Feb 22, 2021

I think it works great at preventing rust and corrosion but it leaves a mess if you have to go back and work on something coated with it.

My buddy sprayed the underneath of his truck. I had to pull the rear end of of it and it was no fun. I was a complete mess afterwards as were my tools.

Just trying to spin the brake lines fittings off the wheel cylinders was a hassle because they were so gummed up with the fluid film. It was basically keep turning it a bit a time with a wrench. I guess that was better than having the fittings rusted and seized to the lines.

mobiledynamics · Feb 22, 2021

I use FF by the cans. The cheaper but more work option is to get the gun- hook it up to a compressor and spray via the FF gallon cans which are cheap.

I bought two sure shots decades ago. Maybe it was too much product and less air....but it did not atomized for the viscosity of FF. The Sure shots were expensive...I recall knowing they were $$$. It sat in the garage for a few years and ultimately got tossed away on a spring garage day cleanout.

drivesitfar · Mar 2, 2021

this thread has too much good information to get buried so giving it a bump as i finished reading a few more posts.

I wonder if anybody has time to write a PROS vs. CONS of Fluid FILM cause there are good points about each side here?

mobiledynamics · Mar 2, 2021

I would easily summarize that FF is tacky....but I use it for as not a permanent coating but a seasol thing. Living out here where I see snow, I use it on the underride of the chassis and use it MORE on the snowblower bucket/chute. Both get washed at end of season

lis2323 · Mar 2, 2021

drivesitfar said:
this thread has too much good information to get buried so giving it a bump as i finished reading a few more posts.

I wonder if anybody has time to write a PROS vs. CONS of Fluid FILM cause there are good points about each side here?

Smells good

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