Metal door frames - keep them unpainted?

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/51897747d13a7-.jpg

We’re reno’ing a Deco-era space and have just stripped the paint off the door and window frames. Our broker mentioned having seen a place in 30 Ocean that had left these unpainted, and we think they have a really cool, semi-industrial look, but I haven’t been able to find any info about this online. Has anyone left their frames unpainted, and if so, how did you seal them to prevent rust? Most appear to be in good condition but there is some rusting on the windowsills. I’m wondering if it’s possible to do a sort of dark glaze to mask some of the imperfections while also sealing against moisture.

slopette

in Decorative 12 years and 3 months ago

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mbshaw | 11 years and 3 months ago

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I’m thinking of doing the same with my metal door and window frames. What did you use to strip them, chemicals or heat? I, too, have been wondering how best to seal them.

stevecym | 12 years and 3 months ago

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and looking a the pics, I see the imperfections or residue.  you may want to go to an automotive body shop and talk to them.  a little acid wash may help with that and prep the surface for what you find you can put over it.  also if you ever tried to blue it like I suggest above, acid wash would be a neccessary step (when I use acid wash on the hardware, I used the stuff sold by the gun dealers).  Auto body suppliers may be able to suggest a clear coat.  also, Abbott Paint on Eagle street may be able to suggest a clear coat.

stevecym | 12 years and 3 months ago

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You would have to lacquer them to keep them from rusting.  also, lacquer does come in satin, so you can do low gloss on them.  You can also have the lacquer tinted so hide of the imperfections.  Now, spray on lacquer should not be done in a building as it can cause a fire.  there are ways around this, but I would not suggest you try to do this yourselves without learning more about it.   want to do something way cool?  gun blue the frames.  I sometimes do this too hinges and hardware for customers.  looks cool.  also, must be lacquered with clear lacquer to prevent rust.   As I am writing this, I am wondering if clear water base poly can go on metal.  that may be a way around the hazards fo lacquer.  also, clear poly can be tinted.   Steve