applying owatrol oil to steel

Owatrol Oil helps to transform a former slaughterhouse into a modern cultural space

We’re looking further afield with this case study to Madrid, Spain, where a former slaughterhouse has been beautifully and thoughtfully transformed into a multi-purpose cultural space as a venue for exhibitions, galleries and more. Something a little different and on a slightly different scale to our usual case studies. It might be a little more difficult to recreate this one at home!

Setting the scale to one side though, the principles remain the same. The end result of showcasing bare steel and brickwork can be achieved on a smaller scale too. Read on for instructions on applying Owatrol Oil to steel – you don’t need to have as much steel as they did in this project!

[©(c)Roland Halbe; Photocredit: Roland Halbe]
Image credit to Roland Halbe

Hangar 16 – showcasing the beauty of steel and brick

The large imposing building has retained its original brickwork and a lot of the steel work in the interior, with original hanging hooks being utilised for hanging art in exhibitions. The large, imposing steel doors are at the heart of the multi-purpose space as room partitions. With such a vast quantity of steel it was necessary to employ some corrosion protection and so Owatrol Oil was used. The finish is impressive and the building’s management can rest safely in the knowledge that the metal has long-lasting protection.

[©(c)Roland Halbe; Photocredit: Roland Halbe]
Image credit to Roland Halbe
Owatrol Oil is a colourless, penetrating rust inhibiting oil which drives air and moisture out of the metal and isolates it from damage. It can penetrate through residual rust to the sound metal below preventing further damage to already rusted metal. It can also be used as a preventative measure to prevent future problems caused by corrosion.

Applying Owatrol Oil to steel

Before applying Owatrol Oil to steel you must ensure that your metal is clean and free of any loose or flaking rust – do not remove firm rust or take the metal back to a bright clean finish. Your application process involves applying at least 2 coats of Owatrol Oil ‘wet-on-wet’. This means that as soon as the first coat has been absorbed you apply another without allowing it to dry. Depending on the condition of your steel you may need to use more than 2 coats. You should be left with a nice shine with the bare steel speaking for itself as a thing of beauty.

[©(c)Roland Halbe; Photocredit: Roland Halbe]
Image credit to Roland Halbe
You can read more about this project on the architect Inaqui Carnicero’s website. Images courtesy of Inaqui Carnicero.


We hope you found this post on Owatrol Oil helping to transform a former slaughterhouse into a modern cultural space interesting. If you have any other advice or top tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from you!

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Owatrol Team
About Owatrol Team

Our team are ready and willing to support you with your requirements whether it is protecting your newly laid deck or renovating a luxury yacht, whatever the application Owatrol has the solution you are looking for.

2 thoughts on “Owatrol Oil helps to transform a former slaughterhouse into a modern cultural space

  1. I have used owatrol oil paint conditioner on bikes ,steel framed wooden summer seats with A1 results.
    I have some window sills( concrete) that paint (weatherglaze) has peeled etc.I don’t think a good undercoat was used or if any.
    I have the windows cleaned of peeling,chiped paint.
    would it be a bad idea to paint the window sill with owatrol oil and then apply a exterior weatherglaze paint.
    Look forward to your reply

    1. Hi Bren,

      We would recommend using Owatrol’s Emulsa-Bond in your first coat of paint, this will help the paint to bond well to the surface and will stabilise it for further coats (which would not contain E-B). Please let us know if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks,
      The Owatrol Team

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