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How To: Rust Metal Free shipping on $45

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Lend a centuries-old look to metal accents in under an hour with this rusting tutorial.
By Manasa Reddigari

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Photo: istockphoto.com

Though unwelcome on gardening tools and patio furnishings, rust isn’t always
something to remove. In fact, with rustic and industrial decorating schemes
trending, more and more people are embracing the look of aged metal to the
point of encouraging corrosion on newer metal housewares. Metals made of iron
or iron alloys like iron and steel will, of course, rust naturally with enough exposure
to moisture and oxygen, but savvy do-it-yourselfers can speed up the process and
nab aged metal accents sooner by whipping up a secret rusting solution.

Whether you wish to rust hinges and hardware to further disguise the age of
distressed wooden chest or you prefer the look of older metal candlesticks atop
your farmhouse table, follow these easy steps for how to rust metal and you can
transform any object around your home. It only takes an hour to add years to your
metal accents!

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– Paint stripper (optional)

– Paint scraper (optional)
– Sandpaper (100grit or higher)
– Plastic bin
– Gloves
– Safety goggles
– Plastic spray bottles (2)
– White vinegar
– Hydrogen peroxide
– Table salt
– Clear acrylic spray sealer

STEP 1
Move the metal object you want to rust
out to a yard or open garage on a hot
day. Direct sunlight helps speed up the
rusting process. Plus, hydrogen
peroxide and vinegar can give o a
moderate level of fumes, so you’ll want
to work in a well-ventilated space
anyway.

STEP 2 (optional)
If your metal is painted, apply a paint
stripper to the entire surface of the
object according to the manufacturer’s
instructions to remove this layer of Photo: istockphoto.com

color. Gently scu o any remaining

ecks of paint using a paint scraper.

STEP 3
Lightly sand the entire surface of the metal with a ne-grit sandpaper to shed any
protective coating present that might prevent the object from rusting. Place the
sanded object in the center of a plastic bin that’s rested on either hard ground or a
at work surface in the garage.

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STEP 4
Donning gloves and goggles to protect yourself from splashes, pour white vinegar
into a plastic spray bottle, then generously spray the metal.

Let the object air-dry in the sun ( ve minutes or longer depending on the size of the
object). As it dries, the acid will begin to corrode the surface of the metal and you
will start to see rust appear.

STEP 5
Pour two cups of hydrogen peroxide, four tablespoons of white vinegar, and one-
and-a-half teaspoons of table salt into a plastic spray bottle. Vigorously swirl the
bottle to mix the contents. Once the salt has dissolved, spray the solution over the
object to coat it partially or completely, depending on the desired e ect.
The peroxide should begin to bubble on contact with the metal, and rust will start
forming immediately. Let the object air-dry in the sun for another ve minutes or
longer, depending on the size of the object.

A single application of the solution should produce a subtle rusted patina on your
metal object. For a deeper and more distinct patina, though, repeat the application
of this rusting solution up to four more times.

STEP 6
Remove your rusted metal from the plastic bin, then ll with water to dilute
whatever rusting solution has collected in the bottom from your thorough sprays.
Discard the contents of the bin.

STEP 7
Finally, spray a thin coating of clear acrylic sealer to the dry rusted object. Though
the aerosol can might specify that your chosen sealer prevents rust, it won’t undo
your work. It will set the rust and preserve the aged appearance for years to come
while providing an acrylic barrier that keeps it from inadvertently staining any other
metal or wood with which it comes into contact in the future.

How to Rust Metal (on Purpose!)

Photo: istockphoto.com

Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an

affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to
Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

TAGS: how to maintain metal

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