Clearcoat for Lightsabers

[E-Wan]

What clearcoat is best to maintain the shine and protect aluminum and steel lightsabers from corrosion?

I have some Testors, Tamiya and Krylon clearcoats to try, but I wondered if anyone had any advice before I got to sprayin'.

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

Use a metal polish, metal protective, or oil. Care for it like a metal kitchen knife.

On smooth metal a clear coat will probably run badly when applied and chip over time.

 

[Sith_Lord_Hritz]

I am wondering the same thing I recently weathered my russ steel obi emitter and within about 2 weeks it is starting to rust. If a spray is not the best what polish do you guys use to seal in the weathering and stop further rust and corrosion?
Thanks

 

[Dann]

I used testors dull coat on my weathered obi emitter and i think it looks great. Dont have any photos atm though.

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

I use dull coat on my Obi weathered parts as well.

If you're talking steel parts, dull is fine. For aluminum sabers, like a Luke ROTJ, rust should not be an issue and again any good metal polish will shine and protect.

 

[E-Wan]

Nice, thanks for the advice James. I've been using Mother's Mag on the aluminum ones and I'll give my ANH Obi a blast with the Dullcoat.

 

[Dann]

Though I like the dull look on the Luke ROTJ as well. Most I see are just too darn shiny...

 

[Asp9mm]

Ren wax is the best stuff, and you can use it for damn near anything. It's what museums use and it does not visually change the original finish in anyway. It can also be handled alot and will not come off.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_Wax

 

[TheRealMcFly]

Avoid clearcoat on metal sabers at all costs. The Renaissance Wax is great stuff btw.

But if you've gotta have clearcoat; I'd recommend heading to the auto parts store. I just used some Rustoleum Wheel Clearcoat on some floormat emblems (brushed aluminum) and it went on perfectly. Its made for wheels and seems to harden much better than a standard clear.

 

[TallDarknWeirdo]

What clearcoat is best to maintain the shine and protect aluminum and steel lightsabers from corrosion?

I'd try Ren Wax as the other guys have mentioned as a first resort, but if you feel that your solution must come in the form of an aerosol I've had good luck clear coating smooth aluminum with Permalac, which is often used by by guys doing chemical patina work to arrest the progress of chemical patinas. I've only done this a few times, but it's never been an issue. Obviously your mileage may vary.

TD&W