Preservation of Rust tips

[jbmorrey]

I have an old toolbox that is right on the verge of being a little too rusty, but I really like the state it is in right now, a great amount of patina but not Roached! Can anyone suggest a product I could put on it to keep it in that state. I was thinking of a flat clear but I was unsure as to what that would do and I do not want to damage the toolbox. Any ideas are appreciated.

Sincerely,
James M

 

[rsanter]

Scrub the box up,with a stiff nylon brush.
Wipe,box with thinner or reducer. But don't over do it.
Paint with clear or wax the box

Bob

 

[dadsEH]

As above...patina preserved. WTF.?
Lets start a thread about rat rod tool boxes

 

[Danver]

I think you have the right idea with the flat clear. I've seen regular clear shot over old cars to preserve the patina but I think they look like ****. It ruins the entire look of the old used look that you are trying to preserve by making it too shiny. Perfect use for the phrase "polishing a turd".

I've used flat clear in the past but not for this purpose. I would think it would make a far better look for something like this. It isn't going to completely stop the rust but since it isn't something that is going to be out in the weather it should do the job pretty well.

 

[rustybutt]

Just wipe it down with ATF. Any finish you put on will get dinged up and look crappy if you use it. The ATF will stop further rusting and can be redone if necessary. How I would do it.

 

[TexF18]

you could just wipe it down with wd40 every so often

 

[MScott]

Just wipe it down with ATF. Any finish you put on will get dinged up and look crappy if you use it. The ATF will stop further rusting and can be redone if necessary. How I would do it.

you could just wipe it down with wd40 every so often

The trouble with both of these solutions is that you will have created a dust magnet. In a workshop where you create a lot of dust (metal or wood) your toolbox will never be clean. At least a flat clear will not attract dust.

 

[dadsEH]

So were you listening about putting wax on it??

 

[WVBrady]

Surely you're joking, Mr. Feynman!

 

[jbmorrey]

Looks like the Clean it up and shoot it with a flat clear is the best option! Thanks so much everyone, I just wanted to explore other possible options!

James M

 

[slip knot]

I've been in the same place and was told to wipe them down with boiled linseed oil. It works really well. a thin coat wiped on with a rag and spread really thin, let it dry a few days. give it a try. Stoped rust and gave a bit of protection as well.

 

[TexF18]

Do have a picture of your rusty box