Valve chest cover finish

I have polished up the outside edges of the valve chest covers fo my engine but am not sure how to finish off and stop them going rusty. I am interested to know what people have done to their covers. I would like them to remain bright and shiny if possible but is the only way to get them chrome plated? Will oiling them work or has anyone used a varnish that will stand up to the heat?

Thanks,
John

Mine is black and plain metal. No bare metal parts have any rust due to the oiling and cleaning

That is helpful Lynn do you have to pay special attention after you have been out in poor weather. Like you I can't expect too much sunshine and dry weather.

Not really. As Crystal does have a rain hood. Unlike me.

Even when she did not have a roof. When in steam the rain cant really stay long enough and as you clean and oil that sorts it out. Th ebiggest problem was when she was cold display at a couple events the lagging got very wet and fortunately I discovered it earlier enough and removed all the wool blanket and replaced with wood.

Thanks, that also answers another thought that I have had as to whether I use the fibre lagging or go for wood. Looking on this site I think a few seem to have gone for wood lagging.

My covers were polished and nickel plated.

I also polished all my motion and so far not a spot of rust, I do wipe over with an oily rag regularly which I'm sure helps.

I'll be using wood when I come to do my lagging next year.  I'll have to dig out the invoice to see what was recommended through.