....just for what its worth dept about other surface rust...
I usually bead blast and clean up the drums and put a coat of primer/paint on them as if they're finished.
The guy, just up the road, that does my turning is good about not "throwing your stuff around". That way I don't have to worry about overspray or anything else. Just pick them up and use them or wrap'em up and let them set. It just maks such a neat job to paint and then turn them....yes, its overboard but I do that on some things!
