[Rhodes22-list] Penetrol on metal-Robert, Brad

[Joe Babb]

Robert, Brad,
I've used Penetrol on steel for several years now.  In addition to being 
an electronics engineer, I am an artist blacksmith and make decorative 
ironwork and sculptures for the home.  I have found Penetrol to be a 
very tough long lasting finish just by itself. But if I use Penetrol for 
the base coat and Rustoleum clear coat over it, the finish becomes very 
durable indeed. 
I finished one sundial with two coats of Penetrol and set it outside as 
a test.  It lasted at least 2 years before rust started in.

I have found that Penetrol is very thin, which is a good attribute as it 
gets into cracks and crevises that spray enamel never would.  The 
downside is that I have to babysit the stuff for 30 minutes to catch 
drips because it is so thin.  You don't want to let those drips harden 
because they are very difficult to remove without forming a blemish in 
the finish.

I've also mixed a little Penetrol with oil based paints with good 
success for spraying.  I'm getting ready to build a little plywood dingy 
according to one of Bolger's plans called the Elegant Punt.  I thought I 
would try using Penetrol as a sealer before I finish with oil paint.  
We'll see how it goes.

I am inexperienced with fiberglass so I have been very interested in 
this thread on Penetrol.  I didn't realize it would work so well for 
that application.
Joe