Clear coat on rusty chassis rails.

[DRED805]

I have some steel chassis flat rails that are beginning to rust, which I like, but I don't want them to rust even more.

How should I prep them while preserving the rusty weathered look? They've been handled a ton, building the rig and now tearing it down for paint. Acetone will get rid of the oils, but won't it get rid of the rust at the same time?

I was just gonna wipe them down real well with a painters rag and hit them with satin clear rattle can rustoleum, but thought I'd check here first.

Thanks!

[MrCataract]

1.1 car builders use clear coat to maintain that rust look on car bodies all the time. I don't see why it wouldn't work in this application as well.

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[mikemcE]

Acetone doesn’t remove rust or neutralize it. I personally would wipe it down with normal surface degreaser and shoot it . Ideally you want all the steel shiny and clean, but then the patina is lost.


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[Mike Flea]

Go to your local auto parts store and pick up a can of clear Metal Etching Primer, then when that dries, hit it with a clearcoat.

[nictical]

Originally Posted by MrCataract

1.1 car builders use clear coat to maintain that rust look on car bodies all the time. I don't see why it wouldn't work in this application as well.

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Any brand of clear coat in particular?

[Cartwright]

I like the look of it as is, but if there’s some rust I think that’s a good enough excuse to raw it. I’m a sucker for raw steel though.


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[Gula]

Originally Posted by nictical

Any brand of clear coat in particular?

I would stick to automotive brands, as they are more durable outside. Duplicolor?

[struhall]

There is a product called Flood Penetrol that has been used for years on old patina cars and trucks to keep the finish. It's oil based and goes on right over the rust and paint and everything. Home Depot has it for $10 a quart.

[HumboldtEF]

I made some sculptures out of rusty junk in high school and my father hit a few with some Deft Lacquer (meant for wood) and its held up surprisingly well. The rust is preserved but it does give it a glossy look.