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Clear heat proof satin finish for mild steel kiln frame?

We are completing a large glass fusing kiln (3' x 6' silicon carbide hearth), constructed within a mild steel frame with rolled mesh walls. The raw steel has a very attractive patina left over from TIG welding, which we would like to preserve. The outer skin temperature will probably range from a low of 150 °F to a high of 350 °F (in localized areas). Moisture from mold burnouts will eventually rust the steel, so we need some sort of "invisible" and moderately heat resistant protection. Being an old woodworker, the oil-rubbed look (e.g. boiled linseed oil [affil links] ) was first to come to mind. I am looking for equivalent finishes which are more metal-specific. Kiln frame s 4' x 8' x 6', so we need to brush or spray. Baking the finish (other than by natural heating) would not be easy, although we could employ hot air blowers or lamps if necessary.







Thank you very much,

Bruce D. Hubbard
- Pasadena, California, USA
2006

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350 °F is in the range for some Novolac epoxies. Also check out Armco and Dampney for high temperature coatings.
Regards,

Jim Wood
- Concord, California, USA
2006

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Another option is to use vegetable cooking oil; be careful as this will obviously flash and burn, but if you get the temp just right you can get that glazed look with it. Just heat the metal until the oil smokes when you apply it.

If I didn't say this before, this is a bit dangerous as you are working with hot metal and flammable liquid.

Marc Banks
Blacksmith - Elizabeth City, North Carolina
2006