coating bare steel?

[tkeaton]

i have a situation where i need to keep bare steel looking "new"

is there a coating, clearcoat, sealer or something i could apply that would allow the steel to keep the look but also protect it from the inevitable rusting?

 

[comppwizz]

yeah you want some Cosmoline
check here http://www.schafco.com/cosmoline.html

all new motorcycles, cars and machinery that are shiped overseas are coated in the stuff.

 

[upnover]

Whay type of metal you are talking about would help. How will it be stored and so on.

At the shop when we wash a honed block, we use either of two things.
A combo of Marvel Mystery Oil and Kerosene or straight PB blaster. Of course they are bagged and kept inside.

Just an idea

 

[tkeaton]

this is 1/4" plate steel that i have formed boxes out of to be used as displays. i want some way to permanently coat/protect them. other words, i want the bare steel look to stay for good

 

[upnover]

Stored inside? Maybe spray with extend(stuff in a can to prevent rust) them spray with a clear coat.

 

[amcjeepman]

Spray them with clear coat paint.
Extend will turn them black / purple.

 

[Black Bear]

I have used a clear polyuethene in a rattle can with good results.

 

[jdubb]

I bought some metal prep from autozone that is supposed to be diluted. It etches it a little bit white but degreases and makes the paint or clear coat stick good.