Thread: Raw Steel Finish

I'm planning a bookshelf using 25x25 steel and timber (see links if interested). I still haven't decided which design but the look is what's most important to me.

Option 1 - https://a360.co/39Yzd1X

Option 2 - https://a360.co/3vw9iYd

My usual supplier has blue painted steel but I'm wanting an raw finish that's not shiny - Like the picture I've attached. Does anyone know if you can buy steel that hasn't been painted or galvanised in Melbourne or is this a job for a wire wheel on the grinder?


Raw Steel Finish.jpg

https://melbournesteelsales.com.au/s...i-bright-6-1m/

https://robotbuildingsupplies.com.au...t-square-tube/

https://handysteel.com.au/erw-tube-semi-bright-square

Probably plenty of others around. The first one is likely to be one of the cheapest around if you're out that way.

Thankyou! That's the term I was missing. That'll make the search easier.

Originally Posted by lewisc

My usual supplier has blue painted steel but I'm wanting an raw finish that's not shiny.

Are you planning to apply a coating? It will rust eventually, even inside.

Oven cleaner will strip the blue paint and leave the matte finish like your picture.
Soda blasting will also

I’d look at upping the size of the steel on the corner posts in your design. 25 SHS will bow or twist if you’re a real bookworm and fill that with books. It also looks anemic in tall designs like book shelves. I generally don’t spec less than 40SHS for tall applications like that.

Are you planning to apply a coating? It will rust eventually, even inside.

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Yes, I'm going to apply a clear spray coat over the steel.

I’d look at upping the size of the steel on the corner posts in your design. 25 SHS will bow or twist if you’re a real bookworm and fill that with books. It also looks anemic in tall designs like book shelves. I generally don’t spec less than 40SHS for tall applications like that.

I might have to make the frame a bit more ridged in places. I'm a fan of the 25x25.
It's not going to be full of books. Aa few display things as well. Thanks for the advice though.