rust spots on my GSO dob-whats the fix?

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

noticed rust starting in a number of areas on my dob-a Bintel/GSO..what does everyone do to protect the solid tube from the elements-mainly dew of course?
Narayan

[Astro78]

sand it off will be the mid term solution. Paint with rust guard. You need a darn smooth surface to slow the rust demon.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Another alternative is to strip it down completely and get it Powder Coated.
I haven't cost it lately, but if you go with the standard colours (the ones they use on security screens and doors) you should be able to get it at a more reasonable price because they'll tack your ota onto the end of another job.
Part of the process is an acid bath that will kill that rust dead.