The Evolution of Rust-oleum

Rust-Oleum’s history begins with sea captain Robert Fergusson’s discovery in the early 20th century that fish oil prevented rust on his ship’s metal decks. This led to the development of the company’s first rust-preventive paint in 1921, and the brand evolved into a global leader in coatings for various applications. 

Key Milestones in Rust-Oleum’s History:
  • 1919-1921: Captain Fergusson develops a fish-oil based primer that dries overnight and founds the Anti-rust company in New Orleans. 
  • 1932: Fergusson moves to Chicago and founds the RUST-OLEUM Paint Co. 
  • 1939: Rust-Oleum opens a new plant in Evanston, IL. 
  • 1949: The company’s consumer business begins with major advertising in Time newspaper. 
  • 1959: Rust-Oleum opens a European office and factory in Haarlem, The Netherlands. 
  • 1983: Rust-Oleum acquires French distributor Gachot. 
  • 1991: Rust-Oleum’s European business is acquired by RPM Inc. 
  • 2008: Zinsser joins Rust-Oleum Corporation. 
  • 2025: Rust-Oleum launches Rust-O spray paint for artists in Los Angeles. 
Innovations and Evolution:
  • Rust-Oleum has always focused on creating innovative products, starting with the initial rust-preventive paint. 
  • The company expanded its product lines to include various coatings for different applications, including small project paints, cleaners, primers, automotive, industrial, and high-performance coatings. 
  • Rust-Oleum has also been at the forefront of spray paint technology, as evidenced by the development of the Rust-O spray paint line for artists. 

Vintage Rusto Cans:

As the years have passed, so had the can designs for the Rusto cans. I have tried my best to research the designs per years per a collector view point. I may miss a thing, but will happily correct it.

The Changes in Krylon

In 1962 Restoleum put out their can with the dripping stop rust words and the scottish gent under those words. The top of the can said Spray with a red mark. However as time progressed in 1967, The word Resoleum and rust stop was lowered and the scottish gent was placed above them in a smaller size.  That same design continued until 1978. In 1979 the scottish mascot was removed as well as STOP RUST, and a solid yellow ball was in the center with with the name of the paint color. On the top of that, the words “Beautifies as it protects was added on the can.”

In the 1980s, Rust Stop returned, but the letters no longer had a drip effect to them. However, late in 1988, the word Rustoleum was raised as did the initial red checkered design and the STOP RUST word and background ball was reduced in size.  In 1991, the word Premium was placed above the word Rustoleum and beneath the words Spray Enamel was placed. Also the Stops Rust logo was changed with a back surround and different fonts were used. No longer did Rust Stop appear in red lettering. Then in 1999, the can label changed again to read “Premium Rust-oleum, followed by the Rust Stop logo and the words “Gloss Protective Enamel”

As in the Krylon cans, I did not get into the 2000s and present cans, as I have no interest in them.  I prefer older cans in my collection over the newer ones. Never the less, I wanted to document this info in hope that it would assist others to identify these vintage cans. 

1962 Rusto #407

1967 #1151

Early 1972 Can #995

1979 Can #7710

1983 #7727 

Early 1988

1991 #7792

1999 #7747