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Refinish Vintage Tanker Desk - Exposed Metal - Polish, Burnish, Wax, or Clear Coat?

I want to refinish an old Vintage Steelcase Tanker Desk. I would like to achieve an 'exposed' metal look. So far I have sandblasted one part of the desk. When the paint was gone, the metal looked like a 'light shiny aluminum' color. I would like to achieve a darker, nickeled, almost graphite finish. Am I stuck with the metal color I have, or can I add a polish, or wax to change the tone of the color of the steel? Or does the simple application of a strong auto grade clear coat add a color to the steel?

Thank you

Here are some images for reference:

Jeremy Scott
Hobbyist - Grand Rapids, Michigan
April 17, 2008

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Bare steel will rust. Take a trip to an auto paint store and look through their sample color books. I'll bet you find something you like. Then take your desk to an auto body shop and have them paint it your chosen color.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
April 21, 2008