Rustproofing iron for outdoor use?

[SandmanNet]

So, I have both googled and searched the forum but haven't found any great information. I've just discovered the wonderful world of welding and want to weld as much as possible. And one plan I came up with was to build a patio table with iron legs and a wooden top, but then the first question obviously is - how will it withstand weather and wind?

So to rustproof regular square tubing you buy at the hardware store, what's the best method? When you google, many people talk about burning in linseed oil in the steel, but considering it's about a large outdoor table and these methods describe heating the iron to 250-300 degrees in a forge, I realize that's not a method that will work, plus some sources report that linseed oil burning doesn't protect against rust in the long run anyway.

Dinitrol 4010 seems to be a lacquer-like liquid used for engine rooms for rust protection, and apparently, it's what's used in museums to rustproof iron objects.

But does anyone here have a better suggestion?

 

[Claes Sörmland]

Steel outdoors rusts, and that is why it is galvanized or painted.

Isotrol is an anti-corrosion linseed oil alkyd that is clear and might be used if you brush on new layers over time? Or some clear coat?

 

[SandmanNet]

Steel outdoors rusts and that's why it is galvanized or painted.

Isotrol is a rust-protective linseed oil alkyd that is clear and might be used if you brush on new layers over time? Or some clear lacquer?

Yes, I initially considered some polyurethane lacquer myself. It isn't too glossy and should provide good protection, but I just wasn't sure if it was sufficient protection