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Need rusty finish on soup cans for crafts

Q. I want to use tin cans as containers for my candles. How do I get a rusty appearance on an empty "soup" can?

Lisa Taylor
candlemaking - West Salem, Illinois, USA
2003

Q. I would like to know how to rust tin cans. I have seen both completely rusted metal and partially rusted tin cans. I would like to be able to rust tin cans for art and floral projects. Maybe this is not a small project I could do. Please do not disregard me.

Jeanette Decker
hobbyist - Dowagiac, Michigan
2004

A. I've used battery acid ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] to rust metal. But it comes in 1/2 gallon size.You might use muriatic acid ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] do it in an open area. Keep a water hose nearby to wash acid off tools or skin if you get some on your self, allow to sit on piece till it shows discoloration rinse clean leave wet & outdoors till it rusts.

Dan Perusina
- Morgan Hill, California
2003

Q. I would like to use soup cans or cans from fruit to make candles. Is there any way to get these to rust?

Jennie Barnette
hobbyist - Buckhannon, West Virginia, USA
November 9, 2013

A. Hi Jennie. We appended your inquiry to a thread which answers it. Don't forget to wear goggles ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] and rubber gloves ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] ; acid is dangerous.

You may find letter 17478, "How to Rust Steel on Purpose" inspirational. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
(Ted is available for instant or longterm help)
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 11, 2013

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