Metalwork - Rusty Weather Vane - Remove, Then Prevent Rust

Eastwood.com Patina preserver. Used by the rat-rod guys and the "barn find preservers" it is a clearcoat DESIGNED to go on bare metal. Most clear coats have a VERY LIMITED lifespan on bare metal - powder coat included

If it is rusting I doubt there is a remaining finish.

"Dr. Deb" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@googlegroups.com:

Does it contain Phosphoric Acid?

I think that's the key ingredient in many rust removal/conversion products.

Puckdropper

The website says "protection last 12 months" which I'm sure is acceptable.

He said that the WD-40 and #1 steel wool cleaning was not that much work and that was with the amount of rust you see in the image I linked to. If it's caught quickly each year, cleaning and re-coating should be an easy task.

I'll pass the tip along. Thanks.

Do you just want clear coat over plain steel? Wire brush, sanding will get you their quickly. Many clear finishes that would work.

OTOH, if yu want something that looks very attractive I'd paint it with the guidance of someone more artistic than me, then clear coat it. Metal painst and auto paints will hold up for many years.

#1 steel wool and WD-40 took care of the rust.

My friend likes the look the bare metal.

Chrome? Silver metallic? It's already got the big fins. ;-)

Per Monsieur Snyder, I'm suggesting this to the owner:

If it was me I'd replace the steel with some bare aluminum and be done with it.

The brings to mind American Pickers. They often buy stuff that is rusty and leave it that way as many people like the patina. Cleaning it up can destroy the value to others.

Brushed stainless

LOL

Or just remake the thing in stainless.

I'm still trying to figure out how to replace the steel with aluminium.

Once the steel is removed, all that would be left is the empty spaces. How would he find them to put back in the aluminum?

You put them back in before you take the old ones out! Sheesh, these people!