No paint/clear coat + automotive wax + steel = ?
12-17-10, 07:53 PM
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No paint/clear coat + automotive wax + steel = ?
I am looking at buying a frame from someone that has no paint or clearcoat, but the guy says he used automotive wax. Is this a "safe" solution for steel? I realize that wax will eventually wear off, but if it's applied on a regular basis will the wax keep the bike sealed against water and subsequent rust?
12-17-10, 08:17 PM
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If the frame itself is a quality frame and is cheap, buy it and rub off the wax. Ride it for a week, and if you like the patina, etc, clearcoat away! If that look isn't for you then paint it...
12-17-10, 09:56 PM
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I really don't think waxing is a good solution to protect steel, unless you plan to do it every week very carefully. Sounds like the guy was too lazy to paint it. Figure in the cost of a paint job when buying the bike. I'd at least clean it up and clearcoat it, if you like the bare look.
12-17-10, 10:22 PM
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The guy said he's been doing it every couple months for 2 years and the frame has no rust on it. The inside of the frame has been saved.
12-18-10, 01:07 AM
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freeman transports use it.
12-18-10, 01:46 AM
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gun bluing... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_(steel)
12-18-10, 04:40 AM
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I really don't think waxing is a good solution to protect steel, unless you plan to do it every week very carefully. Sounds like the guy was too lazy to paint it. Figure in the cost of a paint job when buying the bike. I'd at least clean it up and clearcoat it, if you like the bare look.
Do keep in mind, that such a procedure will cause a change in appearance, because the clear coat will change how the light reflected off the metal.
The bluing method is better, but also changes the appearance.
It's very similar to how bare aluminum and titanium doesn't 'rust', due to their passive and protective oxide layer.
Basically, it's a PITA to keep bare steel looking good, because it's highly reactive with oxygen.
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
12-18-10, 09:21 PM
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If you really want to blue it, it is going to take a hot bluing bath. You can take it to a gunsmith and see if he can fit it into his tank, which is unlikey. Otherwise, cold blues do not last at all on steel and are used for touch ups only.
Brownells.com has several rust browning and bluing chemicals. The no-tank hot bluing salts procedure still takes some effort.
"..the parts are left to rust for a few hours, then boiled in water, removed and carded. The process is repeated (immediately or as long as 3-4 days apart) until the desired color and depth are reached. Like any true rust bluing process, there's no "quick and easy" way to apply it, .."
Or you could get some spray rust prevention to use such as Birchwood Casey's Barricade, or PB Blaster. There is no great answer to leaving steel uncoated. Paint is a better and cheaper option. Heck, if you like it steel colored, get it painted "gun metal grey".
Tom
Brownells.com has several rust browning and bluing chemicals. The no-tank hot bluing salts procedure still takes some effort.
"..the parts are left to rust for a few hours, then boiled in water, removed and carded. The process is repeated (immediately or as long as 3-4 days apart) until the desired color and depth are reached. Like any true rust bluing process, there's no "quick and easy" way to apply it, .."
Or you could get some spray rust prevention to use such as Birchwood Casey's Barricade, or PB Blaster. There is no great answer to leaving steel uncoated. Paint is a better and cheaper option. Heck, if you like it steel colored, get it painted "gun metal grey".
Tom
12-21-10, 05:23 PM
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There's also such a thing as a clear powdercoat.
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