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Keeping rust at bay when you're near the ocean

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photography542
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Moved to a coastal area recently, and man, I love the view and the fresh air, but I'm quickly learning that salt spray is no joke. My bike, tools, even some patio furniture started showing rust spots way faster than I expected. Did a bit of digging around online and chatting with neighbors who've been here longer, and found a pretty handy trick that's been working well so far.

Basically, I've started wiping down metal surfaces with WD-40 or silicone spray every couple weeks. Seems simple enough, but it's made a noticeable difference already. Also heard from one neighbor who swears by waxing metal surfaces (like car wax) to create a protective barrier—haven't tried that yet myself but might give it a go soon.

Another thing I learned the hard way: rinsing stuff off regularly with fresh water helps more than you'd think. Salt buildup is sneaky—you don't really notice it until rust starts popping up everywhere. Now I just hose down my bike and outdoor gear every few days if it's been windy or stormy.

Curious if anyone else has tips or tricks they've picked up living near saltwater. Maybe something homemade or unconventional? Always open to new ideas since I'm still figuring this out as I go along...

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paulclimber8506
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You're definitely on the right track with WD-40 and silicone spray—those are lifesavers. Waxing metal surfaces actually works pretty well too, especially for things like patio furniture or grills. Learned that trick after losing a nice grill to rust a few years back...ouch. Regular freshwater rinses are key, like you said. Coastal living has its quirks, but sounds like you're adapting fast. Keep at it, you'll find your rhythm soon enough.

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natepoet
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"Waxing metal surfaces actually works pretty well too, especially for things like patio furniture or grills."

Funny you mention waxing—I remember a homeowner who swore by car wax for his metal flashing near the beach. Thought he was nuts at first, but turns out he was onto something. The salt air eats through everything eventually, but regular maintenance really slows it down. You're spot-on about freshwater rinses too; simple but effective. Sounds like you're getting the hang of coastal living quicker than most folks I've seen.

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Waxing metal sounded odd to me at first too, but honestly, it makes sense when you think about it. Salt air is relentless, and anything that creates a barrier helps. Still, I wonder how often you'd need to reapply wax to keep things rust-free long-term... seems like it could get tedious after a while. But hey, if it saves replacing furniture every couple years, probably worth the effort.

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photography542
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I've been doing the wax thing on my outdoor furniture for a couple years now. It does help, but to be honest, it's not a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Every 2-3 months seems about right—maybe more often if you're getting heavy storms or constant sea spray. I usually clean the surface thoroughly first, dry it completely, then apply a thin coat of car wax. It's kind of tedious, but beats sanding and repainting rust spots every season.

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