Finishing Talk Forums - The Online Surface Finishing Community - Exposed Metal for Vintage Steelcase Tanker Desk - Polish,wax,Burnish?

Re: Exposed Metal for Vintage Steelcase Tanker Desk - Polish,wax,Burnish?

info@finishingtalk.com (DustinGebhardt) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:54:08 +0000

Any automotive grade clear coat should be more than adequate for your purpose. I'm assuing, of course, that the desk will see only indoor use, right? As for a hobbyist product . . . .I'm not sure. I don't think it would be difficult to find come sort of cream of solution for antiquing brass, but steel may be another matter. See if there are any furniture restoration services near you, or on the 'net. They might be able to help more.

Re: Exposed Metal for Vintage Steelcase Tanker Desk - Polish,wax,Burnish?

info@finishingtalk.com (Jeremy) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:06:59 +0000

Thanks for the info. I have every intention of applying a solid clear coat to this. I'd like to do once, and do it right. That sucker is pretty heavy, even when its taken apart. Do you happen to know of a name brand or product type I could look for at the local home improvement store, or would any steel wax/laquer work? I'm a complete hobbyist and probably wouldn't know what to ask for. Also, any suggestions for some heavy grade clear coat product? I was planning on going to the local automotive paint store and talking to the guys there about which clear coat to use, but if you (or anyone) has worked with a different type worthy of suggestion let me know. thanks again for the help.

Re: Exposed Metal for Vintage Steelcase Tanker Desk - Polish,wax,Burnish?

info@finishingtalk.com (DustinGebhardt) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:41:43 +0000

Nickel tends to be more yellow than normal mild steel. I would suggest that you try a different finishing method. Blasting will give a different look than brushing, which will be different than polishing, etc. If you have already sand blasted it, try brushing it with a heavy duty abrasive pad, like Scotchbrite or similar. Note that the pads you find at the grocery store probably won't work, you may need to go to a hardware store to pick up the more industrial grades. You can also try using a different media in your sand blaster, like aluminum oxide or a more exotic material. Or try a finer or coarser grade. You will also change the look of it somewhat by applying a wax, oil, or laquer. Test a small area and see how it looks. Since the material is steel, expect it to require frequent touchups or rust may begin to show through, especially with a wax or oil coating. From a chemical perspective, they make several types of antiquing chemicals for steel. These chemicals will darken the metal. Most of them are fairly dangerous, and should not be used without the correct permits and knowledge. Look around in your area for somebody that does black oxide or gun blueing. You may be able to have them darken your entire desk, which you can then try to partially remove to create a darker steel look.

Re: Exposed Metal for Vintage Steelcase Tanker Desk - Polish,wax,Burnish?

info@finishingtalk.com (zurv) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:17:23 +0000

Jeremy,

I'm not sure but that a really cool finish, love the brushed look of the drawers look (I hope thats what you were referring to).

I'm sure one of our many Surface Finishing Experts will be able to answer your question. At the moment I think people are just getting used to the new Finishing Talk design.

Hope to see more of you in our Metal Finishing Community.

Exposed Metal for Vintage Steelcase Tanker Desk - Polish,wax,Burnish?

info@finishingtalk.com (Jeremy) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:28:28 +0000

I am just a hobbyist with an air compressor sandblaster and paint sprayer and a couple other tools. I'd like to achieve an exposed metal look on a vintage steelcase tanker desk that I own. I have sandblasted down to the metal on one piece of my desk and noticed the color of the steel to be a 'light shiny aluminum' look. I would much prefer a darker nickeled almost graphite look to the exposed steel. Am I stuck with the color of steel that I have or can I apply a polish, clear coat, wax to the metal to achieve this look? Something similar to this:[img]http://www.jeremyandkimberly.com/misc/desk1.jpg[/img]