Need help with finishing a bare metal surface

[_fifth_]

I wish I had seen that before I actually wet sanded it. It looked amazing but I could see the rust forming before my eyes after I dried it. I had to dry it and clear coat it immediately to stop it from rusting out any more. I'm going it give it a few days outside to see if the rust stops, but I have a feeling I'm going to have to start the whole process again, although the small rust swirls look kinda cool for the rat bike look I'm going for.
I have the feeling I will have to sand it all over again in a few days while I'm working on mounting the engine to the frame. BOOOOO

[elsolo]

I say go ahead and wet sand with water until at least 400 grit, then switch to solvent to wet the sandpaper.
Eastwood makes some polished metal clearcoat products, and a bunch of other stuff you might find useful on this project.