Bare metal coating

[Angrywood]

I’m in the process of redoing by 62 fleetside bedwood. I took the metal strips off and cleaned them up down to bare metal. I like the look of it. What kind of clear coat or poly would be good to preserve this look? I know im going to use a marine grade poly on the wood when I get there. Can i use that for the metal? Any advice will be appreciated.

[mikelom]

I was told before that bare metals will still rust under the clear.

[tinydb84]

You can use clear coat on the bare metal. It will rust eventually but it will slow it down some. They make clear powdercoat which will stop the rust but turns yellow. It is be parked out doors? If you don't see rain you can do linseed oil and it will slow the rust down as well.

[Angrywood]

After doing some research on the internet i found a guy/article/videos and this is what i did and we’ll see how it works. I put a coat of FLOOD Penetrol on the bare metal strip. After letting it really dry i put 2 coats of an oil based polyurethane on top of the Penetrol. I used Minwax helsman spar urethane. From what I’ve read this is the best rated for outdoor use and UV protectant. I’m planning on using this on the wood as well on top of the stain. Looks really good and hope it lasts awhile.