i am putting some things out for sell at my first craft show this weekend, and am concerned about the metal rusting. i've made a bunch of door pulls, latches, and a bunch of other items that i'm pretty sure will sell. BUT, i don't wan't them to rust, and i want the wire wheel buffing to look the same naturally. what can i coat the steel with to solve this issue. i'm preety sure people are going o be concerned with that too.
thanks, chris

Wax

Hi,
I agree wax them use bees wax, floor wax old candles etc. It works and gives it a really nice look.

Gaylan

paste wax for furniture can be found at many grocery stores and hardware stores. Shoe polish is handy for colored waxes. I use an old toothbrush to get it into the crevices.

Apply wax; wait a few minutes; buff off with a cloth.

i use rustoleum clear ... its quick easy and your coustomers can reaply easily ... lasts pretty good also.

Depends a lot on where you are at. Down here with single digit humidities common, a simple way finish can last a long time. On a humid seacoast you may need to switch to forging them out of stainless.

Where you are at??????????????

i'm in colorado, almost no humidity. i live on the front range also so, we don't get near the moisture as in the mountains. it sounds like wax will do nicely, i may go ahead and do the clear coat instead.
thanks for all the input, chris

I like wax because it is easy to apply and leaves a nice buffed looking finish without haveing to wait for it to dry. Feels good too.

dissolve bees wax in pure turpintine into thin a paste wipe on then buff .

I heat many items to blue with a propane torch and dip them in a mix of motor oil, linseed oil, and mineral spirits (equal parts). You can wire multiple pieces together and heat them together then dip. Let it cool and wipe off the excess.Obviously this darkens your colors, but in most cases I like it and it provides a lasting indoor finish.