Keeping unpainted exterior metal shint - best laquer?

[James Carmichael]

Hi,

I have a manual pump for an old water well in my garden. It's nothing special, 1950s steel pump body attached to brass fittings and copper pipe.

I've just paint stripped off years of flaking paint and it's now all bright and shiny. I quite like the steam punk effect and want to put it back in the garden bare metal showing.

What's the best laquer/varnish/coating to use to keep it look nice and bright outdoors? I don't mind the idea of having to do annual top-up maintanance to keep it looking tip-top.

Thanks

James

 

[JohnD]

the steel body may be cast iron and will rust if not painted.

the brass will tarnish. you can lacquer it and strip/relacquer it every year for the rest of your life.