How To Rust Corrugated Metal

By  Laurie Brenner

Things Needed

  • Safety goggles

  • Gloves

  • Bucket

  • Liquid dishwashing degreaser

  • Sponge

  • Wire brush

  • Three-percent hydrogen peroxide design element

  • Spray bottle

  • Table salt

  • Rag

  • White vinegar

  • Household bleach

  • Sealer, acrylic or polyurethane

  • Stripper

  • Large flat pan (optional)

Tip

If the corrugated metal has a seal coat on it, you need to remove that first with a stripper.

If you have a large flat pan that holds the corrugated metal, put the vinegar and bleach solution into the pan and set the corrugated metal in the solution for a rusted effect on both sides of the corrugated tin.

Warning

Discard the bleach and vinegar solution safely. In most cases, you can pour it down a laundry sink.

Keep small children and pets out of the work area and chemicals out of their reach.

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Ever since corrugated metal has come indoors as a design element, a touch of rust may add character to the Shabby Chic style or country theme in a home. If you cannot wait until the weather rusts your corrugated metal through exposure, it's pretty simple to speed the process — as long as the metal contains iron, tin or iron alloys. Wear protective gloves when working with corrugated metal to avoid cuts.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Salt

Step 1

Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Put on safety goggles and gloves.

Step 2

Fill a bucket with water and add enough liquid degreasing dishwasher detergent to create suds.

Step 3

Clean the corrugated metal with the solution to remove all dirt, grease or grime. Rinse it clean and wipe it dry or let it air dry. Use a wire brush that can scratch up the surface of new corrugated metal to help it rust better.

Step 4

Pour a generous portion of hydrogen peroxide into the spray bottle.

Step 5

Spray the cleaned corrugated metal with the peroxide as it lays on a flat surface.

Step 6

Sprinkle the table salt on the metal while the hydrogen peroxide is wet. Cover the hydrogen peroxide with a thin coat of salt so it interacts with the hydrogen peroxide. As you sprinkle the salt, you can see it begin to work with the hydrogen peroxide.

Step 7

Rub the item with a rag to remove the salt after it has dried. Repeat Step 4 through 6 until you achieve the rusted look you want.

Step 8

Apply a sealing coat if you don't want the rust to rub off, such as a polyurethane or acrylic spray.

White Vinegar and Bleach

Step 1

Mix 1 part of vinegar to 2 parts of bleach in a bucket.

Step 2

Pour or spray the solution onto the corrugated metal.

Step 3

Let the corrugated metal air dry. Wipe off excess rust if desired.

Step 4

Spray the item with an acrylic high-gloss or matte sealer based on your preferences.

References

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