Coating screws with enamel/clear coat for rust prevention?

[TokyoProf]

Coming from a very humid climate...means I often get rust on screws and various metal parts on my vintage buggies. I understand that WD40 or distilled vinegar is an easy way to remove the rust.

Is rustoleum or some protective gloss enamel good for future rust prevention? Come to think of it, do you coat your screws and metal parts / dogbones / etc. before assembly of your kits? Any advice or recommendations appreciated.

[Frankentruck]

I've been experimenting with Birchwood gun bluing after I remove the rust. It's not perfect but seems to be similar to original black finish.

[juicedcoupe]

I'm not sure what is available in your area, but I use Corrosion X and Corrosion Block on lots of things. And I live in a humid, coastal area.

[Lowgear]

I came across the following site a few years ago when I got into trying to protect some bare steel sprockets. Maybe it can help you or anyone else here:

COMPREHENSIVE CORROSION TEST: 46 PRODUCTS COMPARED
https://dayattherange.com/?page_id=3667

[TokyoProf]

I came across the following site a few years ago when I got into trying to protect some bare steel sprockets. Maybe it can help you or anyone else here:

COMPREHENSIVE CORROSION TEST: 46 PRODUCTS COMPARED
https://dayattherange.com/?page_id=3667

WD40 Specialist seems to get the job done right. Pretty impressive experiments.

[Lowgear]

I've never tried the WD40 Specialist but I did try the other two winners. The Frog Lube, and the Hornady One Shot.

I can't remember too much about the Frog Lube other than I didn't like the smell. There was (still is?) controversy surrounding it after people found out it's basically just expensive coconut oil.

The Hornady One Shot is what I ultimately decided to use, as it offered the most benefits over the others. Well specifically the Hornady One Shot HD-Extreme version that's now discontinued unfortunately. I placed 5 bare metal sprockets on a plate 3 years ago and gave them a few coats of the product with drying time in between each. They are still sitting on the plate untouched (don't ask ) and look as good as the day I sprayed them so it worked in that regard. I don't know how long the protection would have lasted with real world usage.