Rust takes three things to happen. Metal, moisture and air. If you can completely seal it, so moisture and air cannot get to it, you will likely win. There are lots of products on the market for it.
I think the bigger concern is using the NuMetal epoxy instead of welding I. metal patches. It’s super solid, but I just want longevity, and if I decide to sell it I wouldn’t want to screw the next guy.
