Clear-Coating Steel Art

Hi Bill,

This is Shirley. I was wondering how quick you have to put your clear coat on after you have put the patinas on? I have about 3 days of work to do on metal pieces, putting patinas on and I wanted to clear coat them all when I was finished putting on the patinas. So I guess my question is: How soon after putting on the patinas do you have to clear coat?

Also are the pieces ‘good to go’ outside if they are clear coated? – my guess is yes.

Thanks Bill.

Shirley M. (Canada)

Hi Shirley,

The timing of your top-coat (clear-coat) is based primarily on your working environment & weather. If the relative humidity where the pieces are staged for later clear-coating is above 45%, your window of time is reduced.

The opposite is true if the humidity is low, as I’ve stored or staged patinated steel for several weeks before clear-coating.

If possible, stage your pieces in a climate-controlled area, or at least an enclosed area with a

de-humidfier running. That will impede the formation & progression of flash-rust.

A little flash-rust can be easily removed with a lint-free tack-rag just prior to clear-coating.

And, with a little more experience, you’ll easily determine how soon you should apply your top-coat after the patina work is complete.

The patination of steel is a form of ‘controlled corrosion’. The patina color/s are subject to fast deterioration, darkening & rusting & because of that, must be clear-coated.

The clear-coating will preserve not only the steel, but the colors that you have achieved with the patinas and/or dyes.

Properly clear-coating an outdoor, patinated piece will give it a 15-20 year life-span, possibly more.

Both of the clear-coats I carry are high-gloss. If you use the DELTRON DC3000, you can add a flatting agent to it for a semi-gloss or satin finish. I’d have to get a price on a small qty. of flatting agent or you could find the clear-coat & have it flattened at a store that sells product to the body shops around where you live. They will flatten it for you for a small fee.

For pieces that are to be displayed indoors, you can get by with oil, wax or a single-stage clear (rattle can) aerosol from any hardware store. Rustoleum, Dupli-Color & Krylon are the leading brands. Not so great for an outdoor art piece or high-end piece that needs a deeper film thickness and “dipped in glass” look.

That’s why I use a 2-stage clear, which is an automotive finish, as it has no equal in appearance, UV protection and longevity.

Hope that helps. Keep me posted!

Thanks,

Bill