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How to protect Mild Steel

 

I have been doing a project in school, and I am making candlestick holders and we where told to do some research on 'what can protect mild steel'. I have searched all the sites I think are possible but still haven't found much. The project is due in tomorrow and need a reply today so if you can help please write back. It will help improve my grade.

Thank you,

LOUISE [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- London, England

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We weren't able to help you in time, Louise. I don't understand what's wrong with teachers today that they expect students to research a subject and write a report in one night. I mean if Louise had had even 2 days to get her report in, we probably could have helped her.

Electroplating, electroless plating, painting, powder coating, phosphatizing, black oxiding, and galvanizing are a few things that can protect mild steel.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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Hi Louise,

To protect mild steel candle stick holders, you ask.

l. Paint.
2. Plating
3. Oiling them
4. Encasing them in plastic, perhaps ... after all, candles and polyethylene smell the same when ignited. Both burn. Both drip ... and I think that Polyethylene is made from a long chain paraffin.

For your info, Sheffield... before the art of plating as we know it to-day occurred ... used to 'plate' candlestick holders. I have some. It's called Sheffield plate. The process was to fuse(i.e., heat on) ultra thin silver sheet onto the brass candlesticks. As the silver coating thins down, you get a yellowy silver sheen.

Now you should get top marks, I hope.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).