Aging Mild Steel - Rust Patina

[Centaur]

With the combined knowledge & experience in this forum, this one should be easy.

How do you "rust patina" mild steel? The Smith that I work with has made some great garden arbors, and wants to rust patina them. If possible, some kind of solution that could be brushed on. I was thinking common bleach and salt.

Also, is there a chemical that you could dip galvanized metal into that would take off the zinc coat?

Thanks in advance!

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Glen AKA Centaur
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
- Isaac Newton

 

[mikeS]

Instant Rust: 1 Tablespoon muratic acid to one pint hydrogen peroxide.
Cholorox for a more aggressive rust.
Salt water works.
Sandblast and spray with water.

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Sola Fide

 

[Lynn]

OK, now you have rust. I assume then you sand or steel wool and do it again several times. Then how do you finish?
Thanks, Lynn

 

[AchimW]

Finish depends on the used steel. If it's corten steel (thats how we call copper alloy ship construction steel in europe) you don't need to finish it, even if used out of doors. For indoor use of other steels there is no finish required IMHO. For outdoor use of other steels you may think about coating the whole piece with a clear lacquer. Polyurethane works well.

Achim