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Q&As since 1989


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I WANT it to rust!

I am trying to figure out how to rust corrugated metal. I have seen this on roofs and walls in architect mags, etc. Do the sheets have to be raw steel or can I use galvanized? Once I achieve the rust look how do I seal it?

Thanks!

Lisa Pauk
hobbyist - Casper, Wyoming, USA
2003

Hello,

I am a fellow Wyoming resident in the process of finishing our metal siding. We were told to use ferric chloride [on eBay or Amazon] or ferric nitrate to speed up the corrosion process. I understand that once you rinse of the product it is self limiting in terms of the corrosion it creates. If you should find more information about this, we would love to hear about it, as we have not yet ordered any of the chemicals.

Bonne chance.

Christina Cartier
Custom Furniture - Jackson, Wyoming
2003

I am an engineer in charge of roofing work with metal sheeting.., and this is the first time I have heard someone really wanting it to rust. There are a few things you have to think about. WHAT happens when it rusts. You lose the strength of the sheet.. even if you do manage to "limit" the rusting. This is unsafe for maintenance people who walk on the roof, and for the people who are living under the roof. What you want is a rust EFFECT.. yes.. why don't you try to paint it?

Ruchira Chandrasekera
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
2004