Protection of a Polished Cast Iron Fireplace

[sammybrush]

I have recently had a cast iron fireplace sand blasted and polished.

The fireplace is going to be put in a bedroom and used purely as a decorative item.

Before removal of paint

Untitled

• sammybrush
• 3 Jan 2012
• 1

After its been worked on (minus the cill)

Untitled

• sammybrush
• 3 Jan 2012
• 1

My question is what is the best way to protect the polished iron, as I am assuming that it will soon start to show rust at the slightest hint of moisture?

I preferably don't want to change the colour to black by using Zebrite or black grate polish. Does anybody know of anything on the market that will offer the fireplace some protection yet retaining the polished effect (gun metal colour)? The only thing I can think of at the moment is a clear polyurethane spray.

Many Thanks

 

[Alarm]

Works for me, we use it on external metal work as a final barrier after powder coating. Never had to go back yet.
Watch it, it can run, so go lightly.

Assuming that the fire is not used (as you mention) as it would probably tarnish with the heat.

 

[Lower]

Polyurethane spray should work, but you can get rust tracking underneath the coating.

If you are looking for a polish, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAISSAN...eAntiques_Collectables_EH&hash=item1e69b4bd97 should do the job for you.

 

[Oldfireplace]

If you paint it with that high temperature matt black stove paint, then use a grate polish after it has cured, it gives you that gun metal finish that you mention. It worked for me.

 

[sammybrush]

Thank you for the replies.

Plan is to do two test patches under the cill were you won't be able to see the effects.

Then decide which one I prefer and then complete that all over.

At the moment, I feel like the wax is the effect I am after plus the fact that my spray painting technique ability allot to be desired.

Thanks again