Blazer Side Step Treatment

[truckster]

I have thread on the general discussion about rustproofing, but I know some of you have bought the side steps that mount on the rocker boxes and I'm wondering what you've done for rustproofing them that's worked well. I thought they were stainless, but only the tubular frame is stainless; the expanded metal is mild steel, and it turns out it rusts pretty easily.

So is there anything you've done that has worked to prevent rust on the steps?