clear finish on brushed steel?

[gellfex]

A decade ago I made legs for a butcher block kitchen island out of 3.5" EMT steel conduit, brush finished on the 6" belt sander and then sprayed with clear water base urethane. The finish held up well except where chair legs, etc, bashed it.

It's now refinishing time for the top & legs, and I was wondering if there might be a better clear finish than what I used. It was tough to do because too heavy a 1st coat would result in a light rust under it. I shied away from an oil finish because I thought it wouldn't be as clear & bright as urethane. Any ideas out there?

[Swarf&Sparks]

clear powder coat?

[Alistair Hosie]

The oil base should be harder than water base and withstand the knocks better.Alistair

[gellfex]

The oil base should be harder than water base and withstand the knocks better.Alistair

If you mean oil base urethane, I was reluctant due the yellow caste it has. Looks good on oak, but steel?

Powder coat would do it, but even a good deal would be $1-200 if I waited till they were doing a clear run so I avoided a setup charge. I've thought about making a small oven setup, but an oven for 36" is a bit much.

[chipmaker4130]

Today's oil based Varathane brand INTERIOR polyurethane is very clear and very durable. The outdoor version does leave an amber cast. I've use other brands, and they all use a lower solids concentration which requires more coats to ge the same film depth. I think you'd be happy with the result.

Gordon