Low build spray finishes for hand tools

[Lon Crosby]

Has anyone tried the low build epoxy finishes (now being used on guns to protect against corrosion) on hand tools (planes, draw knives and chisels) to control rust?

[bridger berdel]

link? .

[David Weaver]

No. Paste wax for anything not used every day, and a very light coat of shellac on non wear surfaces that could get rust. Shellac can be removed easily any time.

I Would never put epoxy on any tool of any value.

[Cody Kemble]

I agree with David. Don't use epoxy. I use camellia oil on my tools that get used regularly and I coated them all with renaissance wax before I deployed last year. I came back without any rust. I don't think you would ever get the epoxy off and it could end up rough and hard to use.

[Lon Crosby]

Here is one example.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/metal-prep-coloring/paint-finishes/bake-on-aerosol-paints/gun-kote-trade-oven-cure-gun-finish-prod1150.aspx

Works on guns including metal on metal actions.

[Jacob Reverb]

Gun-Kote is great stuff for guns, never considered using it on tools – in part because you have to bake it at 300°F for an hour. I'd be leery of the heat drawing the temper out of hardened items.

There are a number of similar finishes, including one that (IIRC) leaves a permanent film of molybdenum disulfide on the part, serving as a permanent dry lubricant. But I think most of them you have to bake on.

[Dave Cullen]

I agree with David. Don't use epoxy. I use camellia oil on my tools that get used regularly and I coated them all with renaissance wax before I deployed last year. I came back without any rust. I don't think you would ever get the epoxy off and it could end up rough and hard to use.

Thanks for reminding me... I need more Renaissance Wax. Good thing a little goes a long way, the stuff is expensive.

[Lon Crosby]

Not much going on from a tempering perspective at 300 degrees F. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempering_(metallurgy). Beyond this, there are a whole bunch of protective coatings that appear useful such as diamond-like-carbon of EonCoat Ceramic.