What oil/wax/coating to protect bare steel?

jeff000 · Aug 4, 2014

I remember seeing a thread with a couple of coatings that you can put on bare steel to protect it from rusting and not have it leave a film that would transfer to anything you put on the metal after.

But for the life of me I can not find that thread.

Lassen Forge · Aug 4, 2014

Parkerizing, tho its not easy and uses dangerous chemicals.

Plating, if you can have it plated

The guy who had my shop before me used Johnsons paste wax on his stuff, and it worked, tho I won't guarantee the non-transfer.

zkling · Aug 4, 2014

Johnsons paste wax is good at that. LPS3 is good at rust prevention, but nasty to come into contact with. Then there is always cosmoline. :spit:

Davefr · Aug 4, 2014

jeff000 said:
I remember seeing a thread with a couple of coatings that you can put on bare steel to protect it from rusting and not have it leave a film that would transfer to anything you put on the metal after.

But for the life of me I can not find that thread.

I use Varathane #66 natural oil. I'm not sure it's still available but it's just diluted polyurethane. (you can make your own batch). It works really well on cast iron machinery surfaces. You simply wipe it on and then wipe it off and it'll leave a very thin protective layer that's better then wax but won't build up. (reapply every year or so)

You can also use a clear lacquer like Nikolas #2105.

Another option is some of the sprays the woodworker suppliers sell for machinery surfaces. (they're silicone free)

You could also use old fashioned Johnson's Paste wax but it doesn't last very long. And there's also boiled linseed oil but it takes forever to dry.

The last option is Boeshield. (Developed to protect airframe surfaces from corrosion). I'm not sure if it'll transfer or not.

Tripp2012 · Aug 4, 2014

Johnson's paste wax is what a lot of wood workers use on cast iron machinery. I use it on my table saw, and drill press.

jeff000 · Aug 4, 2014

Tripp2012 said:
Johnson's paste wax is what a lot of wood workers use on cast iron machinery. I use it on my table saw, and drill press.

That's exactly it. Thank you very much.

Stuart in MN · Aug 4, 2014

The guys over on the H.A.M.B. board swear by Gibbs Brand Lubricant. If you do a google search on 'gibbs brand' several mail order places where you can buy it will show up. This one has pictures and descriptions of how well it's supposed to last: http://www.roadsters.com/gibbs/

SARG · Aug 4, 2014

I use Fluid Film on a variety of stuff that I don't want to corrode. Especially good on hydraulic cylinders on the tractor.

A mix of lanolin & wool.

jeff000 · Aug 4, 2014

SARG said:
I use Fluid Film on a variety of stuff that I don't want to corrode. Especially good on hydraulic cylinders on the tractor.

A mix of lanolin & wool.

I use that on my work hand tools, but I don't think that stuff ever dries, it's always oily.

I've been trying to get Boeshield for a while now, but no where has it, and the only places that will ship it up here want a crazy amount for shipping.

larry4406 · Aug 5, 2014

Some of the car restoration guys use a product called RPM on natural metal.

Andamo · Aug 5, 2014

I use Fluid Film also. My drill press sits downstairs of the garage and the machined surfaces, along with the raw cast iron surfaces were getting a light surface rust. I cleaned the rust and sprayed Fluid Film on a rag and wiped down all the surfaces and I've never had a problem with rust in 3 years now. All it takes is a light application and yes dust does stick, but it's a hell of a lot better than rust. And here in western PA, rust is a way of life.

Graham08 · Aug 5, 2014

I like LPS-2 for rust prevention on stuff that's inside. It actually dries to a very light film that isn't really noticeable. LPS-3 is actually rated for 6 months of outdoor storage, but dries to a sticky film that can be a real pain to remove.

rshadd · Aug 5, 2014

When I refinished my steel workbench I protected it with Sharkhide. It was easy to apply and protects well.

Riverside · Aug 5, 2014

SARG said:
I use Fluid Film on a variety of stuff that I don't want to corrode. Especially good on hydraulic cylinders on the tractor.

A mix of lanolin & wool.

Wool? Are you sure about that?

cendres · Feb 21, 2015

jeff000 said:
I've been trying to get Boeshield for a while now, but no where has it, and the only places that will ship it up here want a crazy amount for shipping.

Check with local bicycle shops. Boeshield is great on bike chains. :thumbup:

MBfreak · Feb 21, 2015

I worked at a place where skilled diemakers ( most were Italians) made dies and molds used in the manufacturing of rubber articles. Everything from mining machine tires to 15 g dampers. Most work by milling but all finishing was by handwith diegrinders and scrapers.

They shaped a lot of steel dies/molds and also cast iron larger molds , patterns were often very intricate. And they HATED surface rust.

At the end of the day they dunked the part they were working on in a large vat with lukewarm water where it was added about 2% NaNO2 for steel parts and 6 % for cast iron.
It left a thin residue on the surface, that was easily wiped off with a rag.
Prevented surface rust for months as long as it was not touched once dry.

Ola

astroracer · Feb 21, 2015

Here is a thread. My post about Metal Prep is in here. Only thing I use. No residue no oily film and no upkeep to keep it working...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=277791

jwvess00 · Feb 21, 2015

Hi there!

I swear by Boeshield T-9. It has kept a cast-iron band saw table I've got stored in my attached garage rust-free for about a year now. I cleaned and coated the table when I moved, and it's been in good condition since, waiting for me to finish my woodshop so I can press it back into service.

I buy it at my local Woodcraft store. The stuff is not cheap but it is well worth it.

csp · Feb 21, 2015

x2 on Boeshield.

ZRH` · Feb 21, 2015

Cosmoline!

Shadowdog500 · Feb 21, 2015

I use fluid film on my metal mill table because I can't find Boshield.

I use Johnson floor wax on anything that will touch wood. Johnson paste wax doesn't get into the wood which means that it will stain more evenly.

I reapply johnsons floor wax every few months.

Chris

csp · Feb 21, 2015

Anyone can get Boeshield

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=boeshield

Shadowdog500 · Feb 21, 2015

csp said:
Anyone can get Boeshield

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=boeshield

THANKS!!!! It should arrive on Wednesday. One click prime is dangerous for impulse purchases. :lol:

Chris

Dennis Leigh Henry · Feb 21, 2015

I am a big fan of Starrett M1 for preserving hand and precision tools. It dries to a nice finish and keeps the iron / steel surfaces from rusting. Its available in a number of different sizes from spray cans on up..

http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/M1-95173

dsp1 · Feb 21, 2015

cosmoline

gregtwojeeps · Feb 21, 2015

http://autobodystore.com/picklex20.shtml

Theruse · Feb 24, 2015

My local Sears carries Boeshield in a 2pak spray can. You may find it in their benchsaw/circular saw area. I prefer the Boeshield in the hand pump version as it gives me better control for small places.

ar2stp48 · Feb 25, 2015

Boeshield was wasted money; tried it after reading a few comments. I used it on a knee mill table; in less than a week, table showed rust spots. Yes, I followed instructions, and no use of mill in that time interval. Pure overprice, snakeoil junk.

cagullett1 · Feb 25, 2015

ar2stp48 said:
Boeshield was wasted money; tried it after reading a few comments. I used it on a knee mill table; in less than a week, table showed rust spots. Yes, I followed instructions, and no use of mill in that time interval. Pure overprice, snakeoil junk.

I have used Boeshield for over a year now and haven't had a problem...

spooler41 · Feb 25, 2015

Check out WWW. GIBBSBRAND.com, it's great stuff. Water repellant,corrosion inhibitor,
Ultra lubricant,& Mega Penetrant. I use it on guns and machine tools regularly and
would recommend it highly.

......................... Jack

99ishvr4 · Feb 25, 2015

Has anyone tried RPM(RUST PROTECTION MAGIC)? It claims to do great things but there are basically no user reviews on it.

NUTTSGT · Feb 25, 2015

I put WD40 on my table saw top. I rubbed it in then wiped it down till it showed no trace. I wiped a sheet of paper across the top and it picked up no residue. It's been fine for several years.

Eldogg · Feb 25, 2015

We use Gibbs brand at work. Works great!

SpeedThrills · Feb 25, 2015

I have used that pump spray-on, wipe off car wax. I don't wipe it, just let it dry. I have a lathe that I hardly use. It has stopped the surface rust issue that I dealt with from lack of use. And, because it dries, or residue to attract dust and dirt. I don't know about the transfer aspect.

Dennis Leigh Henry · Mar 6, 2015

Has anyone tried Kano Labs (makers of Kroil) Prevox? Their webpage states:

"Rust Preventative and Lubricant Rustproofing lubricant. Waxlike coating provides long-lasting rustproofing in humid conditions PLUS lubrication. Clear coating is harmless to metals, and non-flammable. Protects metal surfaces for 6 months or more. Prevox is easily removed with standard solvents"

Allgonquin · Mar 6, 2015

Not to promote another message board, but here is a pretty good practical test of a bunch of available rust preventative / lubricants. I think it's quite well done for an amateur test.

http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php/141077-Results-of-gun-care-product-evaluation

LG63 · Mar 6, 2015

Allgonquin said:
Not to promote another message board, but here is a pretty good practical test of a bunch of available rust preventative / lubricants. I think it's quite well done for an amateur test.

http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php/141077-Results-of-gun-care-product-evaluation

Thanks for posting this, "well done" is an understatement. I may have to give WD-40 Specialist a try.

lilcraigford · Mar 6, 2015

Allgonquin said:
Not to promote another message board, but here is a pretty good practical test of a bunch of available rust preventative / lubricants. I think it's quite well done for an amateur test.

http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php/141077-Results-of-gun-care-product-evaluation

I haven't seen this one yet. I only browsed, but that is a pretty comprehensive test! I'll definitely read through it more thoroughly later.

Frog Lube piqued my interest. Looking at the spreadsheet (bottom of post #4) it is the only "finalist" marked none in 'Health Concerns/Flamability...' I looked it up (link to FAQ) thinking it was another brand called Bull Frog.

I use Fluid Film but can't really comment on performance as I use it in fairly sheltered conditions; things like engine part storage (a light coat before bagging them) and some hand tools (mostly things with black oxide finishes).

arz71 · Mar 6, 2015

WD-40 Specialist seen it at the Farm CO-OP will have to buy some and give it a try.

WD-40 is good starting fluid as well.

dogdas · Mar 6, 2015

^^^^^ Yep, cosmoline is the ultimate product if you are storing something of raw steel.
http://www.cosmolinedirect.com

What oil/wax/coating to protect bare steel?

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