[Closed] Can White Metal models get rusty? Just wondering. I hope it isn't a silly question.

Arthur, I suppose almost any metal can rust or corrode except stainless, I owned a Volvo 122 which had galvanized steel body panels, it had no problem rusting. A white metal model should not rust unless you leave it out in the rain or drive it on roads treated with Kosher salt. LOL.

Because of the lead content, freshly scraped or sanded white metal will be shiny. Clear-coated, I would expect it to stay that way. However, my unfounded opinion is that it will slowly dull with time, but not rust.

The only metals that 'rusts' are those with an iron content .....

so this includes steel etc....

White metal and zinc alloy will corrode if kept/stored in unsuitable conditions. Zinc alloy does not like damp conditions. Just look at, for example, a Matchbox model in which the bright work was represented by bare zinc alloy that has been stored in damp areas. Here the corrosion takes the form of dulling the surface as indicated by Harv.

BTW the 'tinplate' bases used by Corgi/Dinky at al that so signs of rusting are not tinplate but pressed steel.

So Arthur to ensure any model looks it's best over time keep it in a suitable environment.

Hope this helps.

Cheers Chris