Paint Missing on Reynolds 531 (Not rusted yet)

Hi,

I've had this frame hung up in my dry but cold, windy garage for more or less 18 months. Before I hung it up I applied a little carnauba wax to those two spots on the top tube that are entirely missing paint. To my surprise I don't think the areas have shown any rust, luckily I guess. Maybe around the edges has gotten a little darker.

What should I do to ensure my frame is somewhat protected now that it is getting ridden outside almost every single day (although only in the wet when I get caught out)?

I really hate the uneven bumpy feeling/look you can get from touch-up paint or nail polish. Will regularly waxing the area continue to protect my frame or is that not enough now that it's being used regularly? Do I just need to accept that throwing a little paint on top of the steel is the safest option?

The inside of the tubes is rust free having had a good look down them with a torch, the vast majority of the paint is in great condition. I think the steel must have been well treated in the factory all those years ago.

Thanks for your help.

How about touching it in with phosphoric acid? (One trade name for this is 'Kurust').

Don't forget to degrease it first - that is, remove the wax you put on it.

Many steel frames were said to be 'Bonderized' which was a form of phosphating, and it's quite possible that's why your frame hasn't rusted already.

I would touch it in with paint afterwards. If you can find a matt or eggshell touch up colour it will be less noticeable than using gloss.

Thanks, I'll do just that. I'm thinking about covering the chips in black nail polish (or clear nail polish if I find it will protect as well as black) after the phosphoric treatment. I'm fine with my frame having the odd imperfection and think I'd make a bigger mess if I try to make such a large area of touch up "seamless" by trying to colour match the green.

Thank you for the advice.