How to seal bare metal for kitchen knife block?

[remagenman]

Google-Fu was not strong with this question.

I'm wanting to make a bare metal base, shiny steel exposed, to attach to a wooden knife block. This will rust over time if left non-treated but is there a sealant I can use to retain the shiny metal look without painting?

Thanks.

 

[Augus7us]

Not really. Since the base isn't something you'll handle a lot you might be able to clear coat it with something. You could patina it with something acidic (everything from ferric chloride to mustard) which can help prevent rust, but it will not look new or shiny.

To me the most obvious solution is to use a rust resistant stainless steel. Problem solved.

 

[quickfarms]

How about making it out of stainless steel or aluminum?

I built leg extensions to my sons college apartment bed and just clear coated them and it lasted 4 years but a kitchen I think it would be an issue

Can they powder coat it clear?

They do have a metal powder coat that looks like dull aluminum

 

[remagenman]

Not really. Since the base isn't something you'll handle a lot you might be able to clear coat it with something. You could patina it with something acidic (everything from ferric chloride to mustard) which can help prevent rust, but it will not look new or shiny.

To me the most obvious solution is to use a rust resistant stainless steel. Problem solved.

Thanks but being a home jobber and cheap prevent me from sourcing stainless steel, it's pretty much your local flat bar polished with a grinder.

But clear coat was the term I could not remember for the life of me and thats what I'll probably use. Thanks again.

 

[dogdog]

maybe google the Castor oil ?

I remember seeing it used in bare metal but it turns it black I think... something a black smith would be able to tell you... it is used in food safe stuff... and probably needed to re-apply every so often as well...

If you wanted shinny stuff stainless is the way to go...

Oh yea they do have clear powder coat also....maybe that is an option as mentioned above posts.

 

[txvwnut]

Boiled linseed oil is what a lot of the vise restorers use to keep rust at bay, dunno know if it’s food safe. If you go the blo route let your rags dry out thoroughly before disposing of them.

 

[Walkers]

Just warm the piece up and oil or wax it. I use automotive clears and they hold up well too.

 

[MongoTA]

Way late on this thread...but I use penetrol (paint conditioner) to clear coat steel. I have quite a few things from small jigs to work tables in the basement that are several years old with zero rust after all these years.