We have two of these in front of our house. Sure, I could allow them to deteriorate in place as they have for decades but I'd prefer to provide some protection for the metal.

I suspect that rust removal and powder coating is in order but I've never tackled a project like this. Anyone have some advice?

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/30/2020 05:24PM by mattkime.

If you have the equipment. Sand blast and powder coat. If not, sand and wire brush, clean, fill with Bondo, sand again, then primer paint/clear coat.

If you want to keep the old worn look, just wire brush, maybe sand some areas, primer/paint/clearcoat



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/30/2020 05:44PM by Carm.

You could try this.

[www.homedepot.com]

ABOUT RUST REFORMER
Stop rust in its tracks with Rust-Oleum® Stops Rust® Rust Reformer. A layer of this flat-black coating bonds with rusty metal and instantly transforms it into a non-rusting surface. No need to sand down to bare metal, simply spray directly onto rust.

Indoor/outdoor
Durable, corrosion-resistant

[www.rustoleum.com]

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Roswell, GA (Atlanta suburb)

Start with least destructive means and progress to more destructive (i.e. abrasives) only when necessary. A really great, relatively benign, product available from hardware stores is Evaporust.

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"In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." (1987) -- Carl Sagan

....in your likeness.....???

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_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Looks like a good job for one of those high-powered laser lights. [www.drivespark.com]

Too bad they cost five figures. I wonder if they are rentable yet...

I like it just as it is. It looks like something out of a Dickens novel and has terrific ambience. I can see Scrooge carrying it around to light his way on a dark night while being accompanied by a ghost.

Quote
davester
Start with least destructive means and progress to more destructive (i.e. abrasives) only when necessary. A really great, relatively benign, product available from hardware stores is Evaporust.

ooo, Evaporust looks perfect.

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My first suggestion would have been DIY electrolysis with washing soda, but the guy that does Project Farm did like Evapo-Rust. The big problem is trying to cover large open object like the lights with Evapo-Rust and preventing it from evaporating.

Project Farm did a test of Electrolysis versus Evapo-Rust.
[www.youtube.com]

Rust Remover Showdown (CLR, Krud Kutter, Evap-Rust, Loctite Naval Jelly). Will Evapo-Rust prevail?
[youtu.be]

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In tha 360. MRF User Map

I like it just like that...if you could just arrest the process of any more deterioration.

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“Live your life, love your life, don’t regret…live, learn and move forward positively.” – CR Johnson
Loving life in Lake Tahoe, CA

Quote
Markintosh
if you could just arrest the process of any more deterioration.

Thats the goal!

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Disassemble. Naval Jelly to get the rust. Paint with a proper rust Prevention paint. Go over it to present a weathered look. Multiple layers of clear to protect it. Reassemble and enjoy.

If you're going to do anything to it, take a look at the wiring and sockets. They may need to be replaced.

How To Deal With Rust, The Easy Way - QTT w/ Salvage Dawgs

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2020 07:22AM by bazookaman.

Take the glass out, if you can, then take them to your favorite auto-body shop for sand blasting and repainting. I think a black, high gloss enamel would be appropriate.

Quote
mattkime
We have two of these in front of our house. Sure, I could allow them to deteriorate in place as they have for decades but I'd prefer to provide some protection for the metal.

I suspect that rust removal and powder coating is in order but I've never tackled a project like this. Anyone have some advice?

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Ed (modelamac)

I think I will just put an OUT OF ORDER
sticker on my head and call it a day.

.....everything is better when you refinish it off.....with a dollop of whip cream......

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_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Quote
modelamac
Take the glass out, if you can,

Yes that in itself will be a challenge I think.