Metal Finish

[ChrisJ]

I wondering what sort of a finish can be applied to steel to give different effects and protection for indoor, outdoor sculptures, mild steel outside is what I would like to know at the moment outdoors to keep it shiny and weather gradually, maybe even a sticky for diffent products and effects?

 

[strada]

I am also interested in finishes for outside,Chris i can recommend jade oil for inside,great stuff. Only used laquer on outside mild steel and its pants ,rust came through in no time.
ive heard of waxoil being used but no idea about usage,
chunkolini will know.

 

[ChrisJ]

Maybe the great and powerful one will drop by soon? :-). I am testing out linseed oil on the turtle,which is hanging outside at the moment.

 

[chunkolini]

Mild steel; shiny outside?
Come up with that one and be very rich.
Jade Oil is good indoors and lasts for a surprising length of time in the weather.
I have heard tales of using linseed oil applied to hot metal but not tried it.
Danish oil and three coats lasts for ages outside. I did a bike frame with it years back.
Floor varnish has its advocates but whatever you use it dies in the end.
And once failing it looks awful until it has given up the ghost completely.

 

[strada]

What about yacht varnish ?
How long does waxoil last outside when used on a pre rusted sculpture ? Does it need recoating ,say once a year.

 

[chunkolini]

Waxoil?
Looks good for a long time but needs topping up and buffing.
I have been meaning to set up some samples on my wall and see what happens to them long term.
I did start last year but lost impetus.