Preserving bare steel?

[Bustedknuckles]

Decided to try something new with my current 850 Brat project. I wanted to try my hand at a brush finish bare metal gas tank. While I am pretty happy with the end result of the "brushing" of the tank. I'm now thinking corrosion prevention. I figured occasionally wiping it down with WD40 or clean motor oil would help greatly but I didn't know if anyone knew of any other tricks or tips?

 

[tkent02]

WD-40 makes things rust after a while. Clear coat it.

 

[Bustedknuckles]

WD-40 makes things rust after a while. Clear coat it.

I didnt want to clear it because it kind of defeats the look of a brush finish. Yes the bare metal will still be there but it will be too glossy.

 

[tkent02]

There are clear paints with low gloss, Satin, Matte or even Flat finishes, not to mention the ridiculous things you could do with powdercoat.

 

[chuck hahn]

Wizards Power Seal

 

[Senorhenrik]

Polishing With bee wax Will do the job

 

[posplayr]

silicone wax/spray will keep the metal looking bare

 

[Guest]

There is a real good reason you never see brushed steel, it is almost impossible to maintain without rust. Waxes help, clear coat is better, but doesnt stick too good to bare steel. Keep us posted on your progress, it is an unusual thing, not bad unusual. It could be a new trend if you find a good combo.

 

[steve murdoch]

There are clear paints with low gloss, Satin, Matte or even Flat finishes, not to mention the ridiculous things you could do with powdercoat.

I agree on a satin, clear powder-coat.
Having seen it on engine cases and it slightly yellowed but the tank is not going those heat cycles so it won't be a problem.
It would also be gas resistant and the underside of the tank would also be treated so you wouldn't have to bother with removal to reapply anything.

 

[Guest]

Some owners of aftermarket two-stroke expansion chambers use Mop n Glow.

 

[Bustedknuckles]

Thanks you guys. I'm going to try a few of these and expose it to some weather and see how it holds up. Lets see what works!

 

[Nessism]

Even if you use powdercoat it will rust. It's all a matter of speed and how much work you are willing to put into keeping the rust at bay.

 

[limeex2]

Current trend/craze up here is rat rods with rust. I know its not the look your going for. Be interesting to find out what works, bare steel looks sweet

 

[JTGS850GL]

Brushed Bare Steel=No. Brushed Stainless Steel=Yes. As others have said... You'll be battling rust from now on.

 

[chuck hahn]

I cant speak for Power Seal on steel, but on my bike cases a simple rapply each spring and 5 years later they look like day one after clean up. water beads off better than any waxes I have used and ducks use it too.

 

[jdvorchak]

Brushed steel only works if it's stainless steel. Wax it daily and it might not rust too bad.

 

[dorkburger]

That does look cool, particularly with the chrome/red Suzuki badge.

 

[JamesWhut?]

You really have to get the finish you want and then coat it with something, preferably permanent like a urethane. A "brushed finish" is probably the perfect medium for rust (very high microscopic surface area).

 

[free_derick]

How did you get on with this? I tried a clear laqcuer rattle can which was better than nothing but doesn't seem to be holding up long term. Interested to see if you found anything.. have been searching for a while. Anyone ever used Sharkhide?

 

[frankenwabbit]

Mmm....you could try using boiled linseed oil (you can pick up at a hardware store) to help preserve the finish. Do a search on it on the web...seems lots of people use it to preserve the patina on their ratrods and whatnot. Don't get regular linseed oil....it has to be "boiled linseed oil".