I recently purchased several of these 4×4 bases for a rooftop very close to the ocean. They have not been installed yet.
After about a month I notice that one of them has a little rust spot where the base is welded.
Before installing them, is there anything not too expensive that I can apply so that they don't rust?
I was also thinking of covering them with something after installing them, since these bases aren't attractive. Maybe I can cover them with something attractive that would also protect them from rust?
Best Answer
I would spray them with a cold process galvanizing or Zinc-rich spray paint. This will prevent the rusting and can be done in place, use a wire brush to clean the rust off shake the can 2x of the instructions and recoat the area.
I use this method after welding galvanized parts together because I grind the galvanized coating off to allow a clean weld and not have the nasties in the vapor (welding on galvanized is dangerous--if welding inside I place a fan to blow the vapors if any away).