Cleaning out and resealing old Jerry Cans

The topic seems to have been discussed here before, but back in 2012 and 2013 and it doesn't seem like there is a surefire conclusion as to what is the best and most reliable way to clean out jerry cans as well as resealing them so that they can be useful again.

Where I live knockoff Jerrys can be bought for around 20-25 USD for a cheap replica. But I happen to have some old vintage WWII Jerry cans (Kraftstofkanister) from the German side, as well as some WTD (WarTime Department, British? I think) ones that I think would be cool to restore, as in remove the rust and repaint, as well as clean and reseal the inside so that they can contain fuel again without rust, grime etc.

But what is the best way to go about to clean out the inside so that it is in the best possible condition to be resealed, without the sealing slipping or letting go where the rust is?

KBS Coatings sells a 3 part kit that I have used for jerry cans and gas tanks. It has worked good for me.


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Radiogeek99 said:

KBS Coatings sells a 3 part kit that I have used for jerry cans and gas tanks. It has worked good for me.

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And then just dump it in and slush it around or?. And what about precleaning?

KBS coatings worked very well for me. Used it in my BMW motorcycle tank. I suggest pressure washing the inside of the cans first. Follow this up by filling the cans up with vinegar. Allow to set for at least a week. Rinse out then follow the directions for the coating EXACTLY! You will be pleased with results.

There are 3 parts to the kit, a tank cleaner, rust wash, and a sealer.


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It’s all explained on their website


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Radiogeek99 said:

It’s all explained on their website

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Well at 60 USD pr "tank" it gets expensive fast :/. Guess I should stick to stripping and sealing the WWII Jerry's and then either scrap the rest unless there is a cheaper option

I didn't use all the coating in my tank job. You pour out the excess after coating the insides. This would help stretch how far the coating covers.

GopherHill said:

I didn't use all the coating in my tank job. You pour out the excess after coating the insides. This would help stretch how far the coating covers.

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How do you make sure all the insides gets covered and the stuff doesn't run off to either only lie in the bottom or on a side?

It worked out because you rotate the cans until your arms get really tired. The coating flows and gets into all places, it is thin enough to do it. Coating will also plug small leaks. I highly suggest the vinegar soak to get the rust out.

GopherHill said:

I highly suggest the vinegar soak to get the rust out.

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What mix would be preferable??

TehTDK said:

What mix would be preferable??

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I used straight white vinegar. It can be reused for subsequent cans.

Although caution must be used, I use Muriatic Acid to wash my tanks, $5-$7/gal. It eats away any rust and any paint/coatings. Then I reseal using a “tank sealer” of choice.