It was somewhere outside Barstow when (DIY Novice)
wrote:

I've put some WD40 on it for the time being until I decide whether or
not to paint it

FFS No !

Get a tin of Liberon's black patinating wax (Axminster have it) and
use that. It's no use on a fire that you light, but it's great for
one that stays cold.

If you are going to light it, get some Zebo (supermarket or hardware
shop - black and yellow tube). This is heatproof, but it can smear if
you lean against it.