Seal in that rusty tank goodness

[Finnigan]

Right now I've got a raw tank on my frame, slowly getting less shiny and its gotten to the point where I'd like to seal it. I've seen some architecture where they lacquer or clear coat exposed I beams so they look red and rusted. Has anyone tried that with tanks? If so what would you use to seal it without making it too shiny (effectively stopping the rust but keeping the look)

Or maybe its not possible...I dont even know at this point

 

[VonYinzer]

You'll never stop the rust.

Look up chemical treatments for metal that simulate rust but actually protect the metal.

 

[Maritime]

I believe POR-15 make some of what Von speaks off

 

[kicker]

You could just spray a flat clear coat on it and leave as is, it'll definitely slow it down for a while

 

[pawn]

if you're trying to get a rust color then you have to rust the tank. If you do it this way it will create a layer that doesn't break down as quickly as leaving it just open to air, and the rust itself creates a layer on top of the metal, similar to that steel building in pittsburgh:

wash the outside with white vinegar. Let the vinegar sit on it for about 2 hours, essentially pickle the metal. Then wash it off with hydrogen peroxide and let sit for 30 minutes. It will rust completely in that time. Rinse with soap and water, and dry it off, then clear coat it. You will have sealed in a layer of rust that sits on top of the metal. As long as the clear coat is not pours (glisten pc from pro-15) it will take many years for any noticeable breakdown to occur. I did it to a tank and have run it for 3 years with no change to the appearance. I'm only getting rid of it now, because I'm going back to my stock tank for more fuel capacity. It was a cool experiment with a free tank though.