Preventing wrought rust

[P. McKinley]

I've been playin' around with some old wrought iron wagon wheel lately. I've made a couple of guards and some smaller fittings so far. Interesting and beautiful..... I love working with it.

But, after shaping, etching and polishing the high ridges with 2000 grit, I'm unable to prevent it from rusting up in the etched depressions.

What's your trick?

 

[mete]

Etching ? Some etchant material may be in the depressions. After etching boil in a solution of baking soda to netralize the acid.

 

[blindhogg]

I scrub mine with a toothbrush and baking soda mixed with water to kill the etchant. Next I heat w a heat gun and melt Ren wax all over it and call it good.
CW