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Clear coating steel

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natas2000

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I've been cleaning up a steel pull handle. Removed the chrome and grinded down. I still have some scratches from sanding or maybe original that I'm working on to smooth out before using Scotch Brite pads.
Would clear coating it be a good idea? Never done any of this really before.
I have a can of Rustoelum 2X clear matte.
 
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whateg01

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Depends on the intended use. The ball cranks on my milling machine have no coating other than the oils from my hands and whatever gets transferred from the work via my hands and they stay shiny because my skin polishes it in use. I'm assuming you don't want a rusty patina. Some people coat bare metal in boiled linseed oil. If it's just so it can sit on a shelf and look pretty, a clear coat would protect it. Of course, if it's in a climate controlled environment it's also less likely to rust.
 
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natas2000

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It's on a toolbox so not used much and I'm in a dry area, but finger prints are all over every time I touch it. So I could oil it or wax it but I was thinking clear coat might last longer. I'm up to other ways.
 
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imagineer

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For about $110 or so, you can powdercoat it with clear. And, in the process, augment your shop process capacities.

HF Powdercoat system:

Cerakote clear powder:

I've used this clear powder coat before and it worked well. I'd made a small steel box that was TIG welded using Silicon Bronze filler. I wanted to finish it in clear to be able to see the contrast between the brushed steel and welds.
 
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Beerhippie

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imagineer said:
For about $110 or so, you can powdercoat it with clear. And, in the process, augment your shop process capacities.

HF Powdercoat system:

Cerakote clear powder:

I've used this clear powder coat before and it worked well. I'd made a small steel box that was TIG welded using Silicon Bronze filler. I wanted to finish it in clear to be able to see the contrast between the brushed steel and welds.
Click to expand...
This is a proper GJ reply!

Need to clear-coat a single drawer pull? Buy a powder coat system. Don't have room? Build a new shop. Don't have room to build a new shop? Buy more land....
 
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natas2000

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Stop! You guys got me to buy a die grinder a few weeks ago because of this handle. I got a Ryobi for $115 though. And yes its awesome! It really solved the problem.
But I cant have an air compressor in my garage.
No way around it to powder coat, which I would try. I heard of the Craftsman one that was electric that was sold, but most I've seen or heard of are broken now.
I would get a compressor inside the unit so my neighbors could enjoy it too, but I don't think the wifey would want the powder everywhere.
 
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whateg01

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natas2000 said:
...
But I cant have an air compressor in my garage.
Click to expand...
Really? Can't? Where's that can do attitude!

Is that because no electric? Too loud? No space? A project that size wouldn't require a ton of air and it's low pressure so even a small quiet model would handle it ok. You can stick it in the kitchen oven to bake.

natas2000 said:
No way around it to powder coat, which I would try. I heard of the Craftsman one that was electric that was sold, but most I've seen or heard of are broken now.
I would get a compressor inside the unit so my neighbors could enjoy it too, but I don't think the wifey would want the powder everywhere.
Click to expand...
A diy paint booth does a decent job of containing the powder if you are careful.
 
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PCustoms

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Pictures of this handle?

What does it go on?

If you've ground it to bare steel, oil or clear is needed to protect it from rusting. The spray can will be fine
 
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whateg01

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I think this is the Other thread, because we need several threads about that same project...

Best way to refinish a this pull handle.

I have this steel pull handle for a Kennedy cart. There is some peeling at one end and some very small marks form something hitting it. It has little pits but it was not rusted when I got it, but I did put it in Evaporust I've used around 60-80 grit sandpaper by hand and by machine, wire wheel...
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com
 
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PCustoms

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Also, I would have just bought a new handle.

Grinding it to oblivion and spraying it isn't original anyway
 
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Sweetcorn

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I know it sounds like a typical GJ answer, but...

That's about as simple of a handle as can be. If you are worried about rust and the appearance, buy a new piece of stainless flat stock, bend it in the right places, put 2 holes in it and be done with it. It will look nice forever.
 
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mikedodge

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I've cleared over cleaned bare metal before and never had a problem.

You're talking pull handles. Try it and if it's a problem wire wheel it off and use something else.
 
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tarbellb

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Just clear coat w a quality rattle can

If it doesn't work pull 2 screws and do something different next time
 
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