The bolt at the top is what the other iron pieces should look like.
How do I stop rust from returning to iron parts of old drafting table?
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I've cleaned the rust and paint from the iron components of an antique drafting table. I used vinegar/salt, CLR, chemical rust remover and sandpaper. All of these have worked, but the rust keeps returning. I don't want to paint the pieces, like someone did before, because the iron is the way the drafting table originally looked and has a beautiful patina. Any suggestions? Thank you!!
Hello Chuck; Why don't you consider using a heavy duty clear coating, on all of the pieces, as you will be able to easily see the Lovely patina!!! I like the way that the iron looks.
I hope that this helps you!!! Take Care!
You may need to at least oil them on a regular basis. You need a barrier to air of some kind. The water in the air will react with the iron and cause rust.
Well you did all the right things to remove the rust. Now once clean and rust free, you need to seal it with at least 2 coats of product. I would choose a low luster or low sheen finish to maintain the integrity of the original piece. I would visit a proper paint store or home improvement store to pick the right sealer for metal.
Use a light machine oil on the parts after you've cleaned them. It provides a seal to keep the moisture and air out
All good and proper answers. Oil is the traditional method. You can also sand/ wire brush down before sealing. I have a similar table, but it never rusted in 50 years now. Some of the metal has original paint.
there is a product that you can use called VHT SP229 Rust converter there is hardly any prep work and the results is awesome your rust problem will be solved. There are a few brands of rust converter out there, but this brand is rated the number one product.
Clear coat them after cleaning again but use a good spray paint like Rustoleum in a matte (not flat) finish.
You could cover the pieces with clear nail polish once you get the rust off.
I say keep the parts oiled. A light coating wiped on every once in awhile should do it.
Yeah oil is good ...same concept as a cast iron pan or pot you suppose to wipe dry and coat with a little veg oil..so won't rust...
To remove the rust,use Naval Jelly from most home improvement stores or hardware stores.It gets in and kills the rust and lasts.The machine oil is a very good idea to keep it from returning and to seal it.Good luck.