When things rust, it's time to replace them or somehow get them back in good shape. With Edelrost, however, it is different, here metal is deliberately rusted in order to intentionally obtain the perfect rust look.
What is Edelrost?
While rust is an undesirable side effect of the weather and time spent on metal, with the noble rust the workpiece is specifically stimulated to rust. A wide variety of patterns and drawings of the patina are created using various techniques and methods
Metal look decoration
When it comes to interior design with wood, it is popular to combine old wood and new, solid pieces of furniture. In this way you make a statement for the material 'wood'. This mix of materials can also be transferred to metal: old metal, with or without grate, can be combined with modern shelves and wall elements, e.g. B. to live the industrial style in the home in an impressive way. You can be part of this mix Be metal plates that are print with photos permit. You don't have to do without metal for the photo wall and you can create a unique wall decoration.
The right material
When making patina yourself, you want to let a surface rust "quickly" and not wait for nature to develop. In order for this to work, a few things must be observed.
Rusting only works with ferrous metals, other metals react with air over time, but do not form the desired golden brown patina. For example, at some point copper will develop verdigris and aluminum will develop white-gray aluminum rust.
Zinc protective layer
Since galvanizing is a very effective protective layer against rust, it is advisable to organize non-galvanized steel material directly.
Ungalvanized smooth sheet steel is particularly suitable,
- since it is very stable
- not quite as intense in price
- because it rusts quickly and well
Tip: Test with a magnet whether the desired material also contains iron / magnetic
is.Remove zinc coating
Acetic acid can attack zinc and thus even remove the zinc coating. This is worthwhile if you want to give a tin can (tinplate) a rust look.
With the appropriate protective equipment, you can also use a swimming pool cleaner (with hydrochloride) to remove the protective zinc coating.
Tip: If it is possible, the still galvanized metal piece should be left in the respective acid overnight and then the next day with gloves and abrasives (wire brush, waterproof sandpaper) the rest of the galvanization remove.
Instructions for patina
Since the production of patina is always associated with a little dirt, you should definitely use the Protect the subsurface and do not do without a base, as rust stains are difficult to remove remove.
The easy way
- spray bottle
- Warm water
- salt
- Rubber glove
- Safety glasses (optional)
All you really need for this is water and salt. Commercially available table salt, which is available in every supermarket and discounter, is sufficient.
location
Working in a well-ventilated room or, even better, outdoors has many advantages for the production of patina:
- less odor nuisance
- often better to clean
- shorter drying times
- more effective chemical reaction (oxitation) -> it rusts faster
Step 1
Dissolve some salt in water. Add a teaspoonful of salt to the water, stir and wait for it to dissolve. Then fill the water-salt solution into a spray bottle.
step 2
A light spray mist is now applied to the metal. In this case less is more, the finer the droplets, the better the salt water can react with the subsoil and oxygen.
Tip: The work environment should be cool so that the water does not evaporate immediately. The slower the process, the better the result.
The first brown discoloration will appear after a short time. As soon as the surface is dry again, the next spray from the bottle follows.
Step 3: don't touch it!
Even if
it is very tempting to want to touch the first rusty success right away - NO - please be patient. These are very fragile first results that can be removed immediately with one wipe.
If you spray the plate diligently the whole (afternoon) day, let it dry and then again spray... and then leave the plate outside overnight, the results are better Results. The more time the rust has to develop, the more perfect the rust look will be.
For the patient
Just leave the metal plate outdoors and the weather will conjure up an incomparable patina. Edelrost can be motivated a little by letting some water run over the surface yourself (see The Easy-Way). But nature does most of the work for you here.
More home remedies
Acetic acid or vinegar essence with soda (alternatively emperor soda) can also have a good rust-promoting effect. Here, however, you should definitely pay attention to very good ventilation, as the permanent vinegar smell is not for everyone. Gloves and protective goggles should also be used here. The application and processing are carried out in the same way as with a salt water solution.
Note: Mix the two components very carefully, as it foams up very quickly and can also develop a lot of heat or heat.
Pure chemistry
Hydrochloric acid should also have a very good rust effect and, above all, be able to dissolve zinc plating very quickly. However, this is a fairly aggressive acid, which on the one hand is not that easy and on the other hand there is already some experience with chemicals in handling requirement.
Editor's note: We explicitly advise against the use of hydrochloric acid, as its use is not for laypeople. It is a dangerous good that represents a potential danger to health and the environment.
Save yourself the shocked expression on the pharmacy staff's face when they ask. The pharmacies that are allowed to sell hydrochloric acid are very manageable and difficult to find. However, they are only allowed to sell hydrochloric acid under very strict conditions.
Tip: If you have a chemistry kit or friends in a chemistry laboratory, you can try your luck there.
Mechanical techniques
In order to be able to make patina yourself, moisture and dryness are required over and over again so that the oxygen makes the sheet rust nicely. There are also different techniques for different patterns and rust looks.
Process the surface beforehand
With a wire brush, coarse or fine sandpaper, the surface can already be roughened and thus enlarged. The more attack surface the rust has, the wilder it can develop. Patterns or even fonts can be worked into the material beforehand. Different filigree results can be achieved with a burin or a flex.
Apply correctly
Spray
With a spray bottle you can work particularly comfortably, easily, quickly and cheaply. You should always rinse the bottles with clear water before long breaks so that the nozzle does not clog.
Dive
Here the workpiece is immersed in the appropriate liquid and then left to dry. Alternatively, you can also let the liquids run over the surface. The result is beautiful gradients.
sponge
Different patterns can be dabbed on with sponges. This technique is suitable when a good rusty base has already been created. Whether you use a natural sponge, normal kitchen sponge or scissors or Using prepared sponges for lacing is purely a matter of taste, leaving plenty of freedom for your own imagination.
Wiping / sanding
If the appearance of the patina is too wild for you, you can carefully smooth the surface with a cloth or fine sandpaper. You get an even, lighter surface.
Tip: Before you want to make changes to the grate, you should carefully test whether the The patina is already firmly in place with the subsurface or is still too loose on it lies.
Stop rusting
To stop the rust you have to take its breath away. The surface can be refined and sealed, but you should always keep in mind that as soon as air (oxygen) comes into contact with rust and metal, they will continue to rust.
Clear coat
Clear varnish is suitable for indoor use, so the surface can be sealed. However, you should always be careful where you keep the workpiece. If the humidity is high, further rusting can occur.
Rust impregnation
A rust seal with a creeping oil (OWATROL oil) is a possibility to temporarily stop the rust process.
There are a few advantages of this sealant:
- Rust no longer rubs off
- The surface can even be written on
- there are no rust spots on the surface
The only disadvantage in the outdoor area is that the sealing has to be renewed again and again in spring and autumn.
Epoxy resin
If the patina plate is to be used as a surface, it can also be sealed with epoxy resin.
Tip: Always keep an eye on Edelrost products, because if the rust continues to work, the perfect rust look can quickly spread over the substrate or the surrounding area.
Remove rust
If rust has formed in the wrong place or if you want to intervene directly in the rust pattern, you can work with vinegar essence. This is often used to remove rust. Often you will also find instructions in which you can make patina with vinegar essence and soda - unfortunately we were not convinced by the result.
Rust stains
"Rust is contagious"
When making the patina yourself, you should never do without a suitable underlay. Make sure you wear appropriate work clothing and ensure that it is properly stored, because rust stains off, and very much. Rust leaves stains that cannot be easily removed. But rust can also "jump over" to other rusty materials and all the metal parts will bloom in a golden brown - whether you like it or not.
More appearance than reality
You can use a few tricks to create the appearance of rusty rust. There are various options for making rust paint yourself:
- Buy finished rust paint (rust look)
- Collect the rust and mix with brown paint
- Make rust pigments yourself with steel wool (abrasives from hardware stores) and water