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Need a 'clear' metal treatment

The shop I work for has been hired to refinish some steel doors. The customer wants a clearcoated "bare steel" look. We sanded the primer coat off the doors, cleaned and degreased. I applied what I was told was a [direct to steel] clearcoat. After approx. 45 days, the doors developed various rust spots. We sanded off the clearcoat, cleaned and degreased[several times]. I recleared, and again the rust came back. What I think I need is a clear metal treatment or rust inhibitor that doesn't change the color of the metal. These doors are used for interior and exterior use. Any ideas?

Bruce Meinert
Auto Refinisher - Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA
2004

I have spent a lot of time stripping and sanding a steel door in my apt and would like to apply a clear, non-discoloring protective coating. I tried polyurethane and Rustoleum clear enamel but both of these darken the finish. I don't know how long they would prevent rust. I also don't know how you "degreased" your doors--with a special solvent? Which one?

Beth Campbell
- NY, New York
2004

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Epoxy based clercoat can (maybe) help You. Waxing is also good (you can use Renaissance Wax ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] or any other proprietary product of this type/microcristalline wax based/). You can use combination of clearcoat and wax,too (best solution).

Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2004

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I used to have a similar problem on a ground steel table top. The main problem is trapping moisture in the brush on application. I finally replaced the steel with some stainless. Since then I have found that an aerosol works better with a non-yellowing agent. You might also think about taking it to an auto painter as they tend to know there coatings.

Good Luck

Drew Young
Handmade Steel Works - Park Forest, Illinois, USA
2004