Rust Restoration

Easy
I picked this rusty fire pit out of the bowels of trash hell! I wanted to use it outdoors as a hanging light or fill it with sedum as a vertical garden. But in order for it to not eventually disintegrate, I had to do some restoration.
You can do this with anything rusty that you want to be able to use but not have it continue to rust. This process is sooo simple! See the pictures for explanation and then get to it! I can NOT decide if I still want to use it outdoors or if I want to use it inside as my kitchen light! If I transform it further, I'll let you know
Disclaimer: You CANNOT use this again as a fire pit! Linseed oil is flammable as is polyurethane.
Before
Before
Brush on boiled linseed oil and let dry completely. I let mine dry in the sun for a day.
Seal it with two coats of Helmsman outdoor poly in satin. Let dry completely.
Go find yourself a rusty fire pit and enjoy it on a table, as an architectural detail in your house or as a light!
Reposhture Studio - Kim
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Patty Patty on Aug 07, 2017

    Does the linseed oil have to be boiled,or does it come that way?

  • Judith Laurence Judith Laurence on Mar 02, 2019

    So simple! I am going to try this on an outdoor cast iron pot. What gave this idea for a solution?


    Thank you

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  • Syl28174573 Syl28174573 on Nov 09, 2017

    After the boiled linseed oil is dry do you sand it off or just cover it with the next step.


  • Savvysalli Savvysalli on Nov 24, 2018

    Or fill the bowl with white vinegar. Let it soak (I usually do 24hrs as I have plenty of other things to get on with). Pour off vinegar and save for next rusty things. Clean up with wire brush. Finish as usual.

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