Preserving Patina

[Tgtack 779]

Okay, I have a model 400 and a model 401 that I am considering leaving in it's "work clothes". I have searched but have not found a definitive method to preserve the patina. So, to the experts, I ask, what is the best method to use? Both of these do have a small amount of dark red oxide primer on them that blends in. Should I just leave that as well or try and remove it? Knowing the person I bought these from, I suspect it is there because of possible metal repairs, so don't want to expose bare metal. Model 400 with white seat on the trailer, model 401 with red seat off the trailer. Also, what is your opinion regarding the rims, the 400 has refinished rims in white, but the rears on the 401 are somewhat rusty, leave as is, or clean them up and spray all of them in a linen beige?

 

Please share your methods and tips.

Edited September 1, 2017 by Tgtack

[AMC RULES 37,141]

My favorite product for preserving original  paint. 

[Tgtack 779]

32 minutes ago, AMC RULES said:

My favorite product for preserving original  paint. 

@AMC RULES, I use that on my refinished gun stocks, love the smell. Do you use it over the rusty areas as well? If you didn't figure it out, I am asking about the patina because of your urging not to refinish them!

[AMC RULES 37,141]

Just choose your method of cleaning first...

I like to start by pressure washing mine, then a light buff job using a red scotch brite pad...

then seal it with the Johnson's paste wax.  

You can take all, or none of the rust off, it's up to you...I prefer mine smooth to the touch.  

It's also OK if you get down to bare metal in places...the Johnson's will protect it. 

My "custom" 551 has been bare metal for over two years now. 

 

 

Edited September 1, 2017 by AMC RULES

[19richie66 17,531]

Both of them look great just the way they are!

[WHX?? 49,486]

I prefer just to wipe them down occasionally with boiled linseed oil. try on a small area first to see if you will like it. Gives it that antique look. A sample here but might not be able to tell from pics.  

[N3PUY 1,031]

I prefer none of the above methods 

DIRTY WORK CLOTHES 

 

 

[DJL50 11]

I use Johnson past wax on all my woodworking equipment cast iron tops, Works very well.

Would it be better to use a automotive wax on equipment used outdoors?

[Chris G 3,296]

I took mine all apart and cleaned thoroughly. Then lightly scuffed the heavy rust off with a few different scotch brite pads. Only scrubbed enough to remove heavy rust and debris. Then freshened up and replaced what was needed. Ended with a couple coats of Eastwood patina preserver and one coat of gloss clear to give it a little more of a shine. Here's a before and after.

Edited September 2, 2017 by Chris G

[cschannuth 3,817]

A good cleaning and a couple coats of matte clear and it will look exactly like it does now. And it will stay that way for the rest of its life if you keep it indoors. 

13 hours ago, Tgtack said:

Okay, I have a model 400 and a model 401 that I am considering leaving in it's "work clothes". I have searched but have not found a definitive method to preserve the patina. So, to the experts, I ask, what is the best method to use? Both of these do have a small amount of dark red oxide primer on them that blends in. Should I just leave that as well or try and remove it? Knowing the person I bought these from, I suspect it is there because of possible metal repairs, so don't want to expose bare metal. Model 400 with white seat on the trailer, model 401 with red seat off the trailer. Also, what is your opinion regarding the rims, the 400 has refinished rims in white, but the rears on the 401 are somewhat rusty, leave as is, or clean them up and spray all of them in a linen beige?

 

Please share your methods and tips.

.