storing sheet metal?

Question

Hi,I've got about a 4x4 piece of sheet metal for body work.  I've had it sincemid-summer in the shed (open eaves, drafty door).  I went out the other dayto find it has a light coating of rust in many places.  I don't do a lot ofbody work and want to keep this for several years (for whenever theinspection stickers on the cars run out).  I suppose I should put it in thebasement.  It has a concrete floor and walls, but it get a few damp spots inthe spring.  Would this be enough or should I do something to it now toprevent further rusting?Thanks,Shawn

Cheryl and Rob · Accepted Answer

put a coating of motor oil on it and put it in the basement

James P Crombie · Answer

give it a coat of primer, you can buff it off later if you are welding it. Or get some LPS #3, next best thing to cosmoline(waxy rust inhibitor)and coat with it.

Shawn Wilson · Answer

Thanks, I'll see if I can find this.  I've got a few other things that coulduse a spritz.  If not, I'll go with the motor oil.Shawn

Tim Williams · Answer

Our basement rusts *anything*, I have a piece of sheetmetal similarlytreated, clean like the day I oiled it.Tim--"I've got more trophies than Wayne Gretsky and the Pope combined!"    - Homer SimpsonWebsite @

Don Foreman · Answer

Yup. I prefer cheap primer for steel storage, even outdoors. Just a light coat of Wal-Mart's cheapest 99-cent-a-can primer does the job if the steel is undisturbed (not handled) while in storage.

LPS-3 is good stuff, but it makes the stock miserable to work with later. Dirt sticks to it, you must thoroughly clean it before painting, etc. The primer disappears instantly under a rotary sander for welding, and you can paint right over it. You can also weld right thru it once an arc is started; probably not a great idea for best possible welds but it'll work.

LPS-3 works great >give it a coat of primer, you can buff it off later if you are welding

storing sheet metal?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?