I want to preserve a rusted bucket to keep the "rust" color. What type of finish can I use?

Question

I want to keep the rust from coming off. This bucket is the perfect color for my bathroom and I want to etch an outhouse on it to match what I already have going on in this bathroom. It is the right size to become the garbage can.

Answer 1

Rust-o-leum makes a clear polyurethane that will basically fix the rust color & prevent further rust. Be aware, though, the bucket must sit on some kind of protective liner to prevent rust from getting onto your flooring. Try using a cork plant "coaster" - you'll find them in the houseplant area of your local home repair store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc...).

Answer 2

I believe that it would be a good size for a bathroom garbage can. I just used a bucket and mine is antique copper. At Walmart I bought a spray can of "Excel", Clear Gloss Finish, for Outdoors. I used this on my garbage can. I also copper antiqued the mirror and window and door casings, and a hanging shelf. Then I sprayed this on, let it dry completely and gave it another coat. It has been a year and all items are still like the day that I did them. The spray is very potent, if possible do it outside, or definately in a well ventilated area.

I also used this on my outdoor garden ornaments and left them out all winter, looked great in the spring. I find this works very well, protects the items that I even had outside all winter.
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Try some spray on urethane finish (get it in the paint section at the local hardware store) ... do it in a corner or on a simililar piece of metal. It should work and it is a pretty tough finish. Use light coats because the rusted surface is very rough and you want to coat it, not smooth it out with paint.

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Answer 4

KBS RustSeal comes in clear. Unlike rustoleum, RustSeal's formulation allows it to seep deep down into all the rusted pores and seal them preventing further disintegration by leaving a rock hard finish. The beautiful color you're looking for will be totally preserved. First wirebrush all the loose flaky rust off to ensure good paint adhesion. Then wipe down with a waterbased cleaner. Let dry and apply two thin coats. May sure you etch your "outhouse" before sealing.
They sell RustSeal in 8 oz. cans which is more than you'll need.

Answer 5

hi
used a spray top clear coat on it
or
lacquer

Answer 6

I would use a clear verathane on it.