Originally Posted by
SJX426
...If there was a way to celar coat it and not see a change in the apearance, I would do it. I don't think there is a paint that can replicate bare steel.
I looked into this a couple of years ago, turns out there is an option. Call around and see if there are any local places that will do a
clear powdercoat. My acquaintances over at
FBM bikes have been clear (and tinted clear) powder coating their tig welded bmx frames for easily a half dozen years now with good to great results.
He key, as I understand it, is to be absolutely sure you've removed all of the surface rust from the frame (I'm sure there are chemical solutions for this), as even the tiniest speck can act like a seed and the rust will propagate under the clear.
The results can be stunning:
EDIT: quoted a post from February.