Protecting top on a new welding table

[YanmarFever]

Im putting together a 4'x'8'x1/2 table with 4"x4" legs to do a few projects.
What is the best liquid, wax, or polish to keep it from rusting? This is my third table this size and the previous ones never rusted because I lived in a state that rust wasnt a problem.
However, now I live 10 miles from the ocean and rust has become a problem.

The other tables I would just spray them with spatter spray, wipe them down and call it good. Also I used them for 8 -12 hrs 6 days a week, which was probably the best thing I could of done.

Now that I'm retired I wont be using it as much, sooo are there any suggestions for keeping the rust off?
No oil, it transfers to your project then its a pain to paint later.

I will post pictures later...

 

[jonsstihl]

following for the replies but Maybe black stove polish. seems to work in high heat applications but may make a mess on projects and no idea if it affects welds or paint after

 

[YanmarFever]

You would think that there is some kind of wax that would do it...

 

[jyoutz]

You would think that there is some kind of wax that would do it...

Plain old carnuba wax is pretty good at protecting unpainted steel.

 

[Bearsixty7]

I wonder if slickcote or glidecote would work??

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I always just wipe mine down with Amsoil MP

 

[workinonit]

Mine get greasy and oily from use but when they do get rust or grime I just clean them with the side grinder before I use them for welding.

 

[California]

Mine get greasy and oily from use but when they do get rust or grime I just clean them with the side grinder before I use them for welding.

Yeah. I was going to say a Belt Sander.

 

[/pine]

Buy some cheap vinyl (disposable) table cloths...covering the table will greatly cut down on the rust...they are only a couple bucks...maybe even cheaper at the dollar stores...
Running a dehumidifier when there is high humidity will make a big difference...

 

[WranglerX]

Wipe down with ligh coat of oil occasionally..... No it does not have to be "wet"....

 

[ovrszd]

My is made from what I assume is mild steel, 1" thick. I built it 12 years ago. Only way it tries to rust is when I get stupid and sit an iced drink on it and forget. 3-4 times a year I spray it with PB Blaster and wipe it down just because my conscience bothers me that I'm neglecting it.

I weld on mine a lot so a paint coat wouldn't work for me. I expect to clamp the welder ground to the table, throw something on it, and start welding.