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Steel I Beam Preservation and Finish

I am an aspiring artist, by trade a plumber and am saving an older home from falling in the ocean....I have 4... 25' steel I beams approximately 6x6. I want to leave 8' exposed to the outdoors. What finish will preserve the steel and yet look like rust? Varied colors welcome. The home is my primary res on the Howe Sound so the salt exposure is minimal with good humidity.

Scott Poppinga
tradesman....artist - Langdale, BC Canada
September 20, 2008

September , 2008

Hi, Scott. Since these are not Corten beams, I don't think you can just let them rust. You might be best doing proper prep and prime and then finding a rust color paint.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.

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