3 Ways to Rust Metal

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2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-12 03:32

Whether it's for a science experiment, to use rusty metal in a work of art, or if you just want to rust something, you'll need to follow the right steps. WikiHow is here to help you. Scroll to step 1 to learn how to rust different types of metal.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Using an Acid and Copper Solution

Step 1. Make sure the metal you are working with can rust

Only metals that contain iron can rust, although some iron alloys will rust very slowly, and others may even be immune to rust. Stainless steel, an alloy of iron and chromium, will be very difficult to rust. Cast iron and wrought iron, on the other hand, are the alloys that will rust more easily.

Step 2. Pour hydrochloric acid into a plastic bottle

Hydrochloric acid is readily available in low concentrations in stores, and is often sold under the name "muriatic acid". Handling it carefully, pour about 60ml into a thick plastic bottle. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses during the entire procedure.

Step 3. Dissolve some copper in hydrochloric acid

Dissolving the copper from the acid will create a bath that can speed up the rusting process. The best way to dissolve copper in acid is to twist a small copper wire in a spiral, then let it soak in the acid for about a week.

When you leave the copper immersed, do not tighten the bottle cap too much: the gases produced during the chemical reaction would increase the pressure inside the bottle itself. In addition, be sure to label the bottle in a recognizable way, and to keep it out of the reach of children and any pets.
The copper wire can be replaced with copper coins.

Step 4. Dilute the acid and copper solution with water

After some of the copper has dissolved in the acid, put on gloves and safety glasses and carefully remove the rest of the copper from the solution. You can also throw it away at this point. Dilute the solution with water, so that you have one part of acid for every fifty parts of water. If you used 60 ml of acid, then, you will need to add 3, 8 liters of water.

Step 5. Thoroughly clean the steel or iron to be rusted

The acid and copper solution works best if the metal it is applied to is very clean. There are several products on the market to remove scale and corrosion from metals, but a wash with soap and water will often suffice.

Step 6. Apply the acid solution

Apply a light coat of the solution to the metal, and give it time to air dry. The acid can be applied with a sprayer or a brush even if, being, in fact, acid, it will tend to corrode any metal component that may be contained in the sprayer mechanism. Wear protective rubber gloves and safety glasses when applying the acid solution, and work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.

Step 7. Give the metal time to rust

Within an hour you should start seeing clear signs of rust on the metal. There is no need to remove or rinse the acid solution off the metal; it will disappear naturally. If you want more rust, apply another layer of acid to the metal.

Step 8. Finished

Method 2 of 3: Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Salt

Step 1. Find a well-ventilated area to work in

Peroxide can be dangerous if you inhale too much of it. Choose a piece of metal in iron or tin, both of which will work with this method.

Step 2. Transfer the peroxide to a spray bottle

The sprayer will make it much easier to apply to metal. Spray your item with a considerable amount of peroxide - spraying a lot of it will help speed up the rusting process.

Step 3. Sprinkle some salt on the metal

You should do this while the peroxide is still fresh. The rusting process will begin immediately, and will be easily seen. You can use more or less salt depending on how thick you want the rust layer to be.

Step 4. Let the metal air dry

Unlike the bleach and vinegar method, here you have to air dry the metal, without help. If you rub off the salt with the still wet peroxide you will destroy the rusting process, and you will get a mottled rust. When everything is dry, you can remove the salt and enjoy the result.

Step 5. Experiment a little with this method

Now that you've learned the basics of using peroxide and salt, you can let your imagination run wild. Remove the salt and spray the peroxide again, then try using different amounts of salt, or soak the piece in water when it dries. Water will give the rust a smoother surface.

Method 3 of 3: Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar

Step 1. Protect your work surface if necessary

Step 2. Spread out the metal objects

Step 3. Spray the objects with hydrogen peroxide

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