how to preserve patina?

Hi guys,

I was looking at this pic

https://i1.wp.com/detourblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kevin_Squid_NYC_Outside-e1542068421678.jpg?w=2000

and I'm actually about to buy a vintage unpainted fork that has got a bit of patina to it. I'd like to preserve it as it, without painting it.

How can I achieve this?

thanks a lot

actually I found this

https://www.frost.co.uk/eastwood-patina-preserver-aerosol-14995-invisible-rust-protection-coat.html

maybe this will do?

you always see engineers in period dramas and old documentaries rubbing everything down with an oily rag, get some 3 in 1 oil on a cloth and give it a rub down, it'll shield it from water ingress and stop rust

alternatively a good wash and clean and clearcoat it

Just scrup it a little with sandpaper, then saltwater’ it. I did the same and it works pretty well, with time comes patina.

yeah but my question is, how do you stop it from becoming rust aka an issue? Will this become an issue eventually right?

haha actually I never asked myself why they would be always rubbing stuff down , it makes sense now..

I'm slightly concerned that the oil and rug system would work at the beginning, but with time I'd be afraid of water going through the steering tube where I won't be able to see what s really going on.
Also I was reading somewhere else that the clearcoat would eventually wear off and leave a yellowish tone? I was reading this on an old post on another forum, not sure

Well I had a few rusty parts on my Car to get a “ratlook” years ago. I also used clearcoat, felt like it doesnt stop it but slows the process down. A bike-fork is way more material than for ex. a fender on a car so I think its some time till it becomes an issue.

Clear lacquer will slow rust down a bit but not much. In my experience it works well at first, then you’ll get a little rust, then it’ll just go to shit all of a sudden.

Linseed oil kinda similar.

I just had a raw steel frame powder coated clear. It’s a nice finish but I don’t think its gonna last too well, it cracked and chipped off the track ends like crystalised sugar or something when I cranked up the wheel nuts.