Clear Coating for Bare Steel

[frankym]

I am curious if anyone knows a clear coating that has rust inhibitors in the coating. I was considering applying a clear coating to a finished but bare metal roll bar. I looked at POR 15's website and their product PELUCID claimed to be suitable for painting over "unpainted steel" which I thought was bare steel, but the rep on the phone said it's not going to prevent the rust. Looks like I will go with a high gloss black finish instead. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Cobra20646]

Chrome it or powder coat it.... about the only choice other than plain old spray paint.

[Mr.Fixit]

I have always been fond of semi-flat black paint, or powdercoat. But to each his own. You may want to check Eastwood, they sell polishing stuff, and have a clearcoat for polished metal, never tried it myself though.

[Seaman]

I just ran into the same problem. Rustoleum makes a clear coat spray. I bead blasted and cleaned and painted. Two weeks later, it is rusting under the clear coat. After a little investigating, I need to phosphate wash the parts first. This will thoroughly kill all non visible rust and provides a light phosphate coating to prevent rust. Clear coat right over the top. I was recommended the PPG DX579 metal conditioner. I think this is a typical process for body panels.

Dave

[frankym]

thanks Dave,

it's funny how you can ask for something a certain way, and get a totally different answer. I called a local autobody supply house and asked if they had any kind of clear product that inhibits rust, they said no. I called back later, asked if they had dx579, and then I asked if I use dx579 to treat bare steel, can I then go and clear it and prevent rust, "yah that'll work"

I think it's worth a shot, it looks so beautifully raw after the bare steel has a finished surface.