No registration or passwords; no pop-up ads -- just aloha, fun, & answers.
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate earns from qualifying purchases).
Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Advertise
 
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
pub  Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989



-----

Antiquing or coloring galvanized sheet metal




Q. I am thinking about using galvanized sheet metal for my kitchen counters, anyone have any helpful info?

Pat Black
- Spring, Texas
2001



A. Hi, Pat. Actually, I don't think you should do that. Galvanized sheet metal is not meant to be used as a food surface and it is not a food-safe material.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, finishing.com
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey



Q. I manufacture solid wood furniture and I use galvanized sheet metal for various pierced tin projects like lanterns and tin pie safe panels. I need to know what I can use to "antique" or color galvanized metal, or if it is even possible to do so. Any suggestions.

Michael J. Burrow
- Yellville, Arkansas
1999



"Tin Craft"

on AbeBooks

or Amazon

(affil links)

"Tin Craft"

on AbeBooks

or Amazon

(affil links)

A. One episode of HGTV featured a home with kitchen cabinets that had large galvanized metal hinges and door pulls with a rustic appearance. I believe they mentioned that apple cider vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon], when left on the metal for a while, will "antique" the metal. It looked great, but I have not tried it.

L Mills
- Bryan, Texas
2001


A. I have submerged galvanized tins in a mixture of white and apple cider vinegar and left them overnight. They look fantastic, never know they were new.

Peter Hovestadt
- Wellington, Ontario, Canada
September 1, 2012



Tin Punching Sheet
on
Amazon

(affil links)

A. I do a lot of tin punch , and I use Galvanized metal because it is easy to find and it is cheap. To remove the Galvanized coating I use a solution of water and muriatic acid [affil links]. Mix the solution in a plastic tub . I mix about one gallon of water to one cup of acid. Please wear rubber gloves [on eBay or Amazon] when using this solution. Once it mixed it is not severe if you get it on your skin, but you will want to wash it off ASAP. read the cautions on the bottle . Place your pieces in the solution and make sure all surfaces are covered. Do this outside or in a well ventilated area. The stuff stinks! Check your piece every 10 minutes or so and flip it over about half way thru. You'll get the timing down after a few tries. When you think the piece is done to your satisfaction rinse it off thoroughly with water . When this is done let it dry completely. Use 00 steel wool [on eBay or Amazon] to buff out the finish and then seal with a protective finish as the metal will rust quickly if you don't. I use a clear lacquer spray on my pieces. just be careful with the muriatic acid . It isn't too bad to handle once you've diluted it. Never use it full strength. Hope this helps you out.

William R Caskey
- Montrose, Michigan
2001



Of course, even diluted, safety goggles [on eBay or Amazon] or face shield [affil links] must be worn to protect the eyes. An eyewash station (clear, clean water, able to be delivered quickly) should also be available at all times, even in the storage area of the chemical. Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is very dangerous, and should only be used by professionals under controlled conditions. And should always be stored in a secure location to avoid unauthorized use.

tom pullizzi animated    tomPullizziSignature
Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania
2001



2007

If I remember correctly we were told when mixing acid with water that it is safer to add the acid to the water than vice versus.
I would not do work with acid without eye protection, rubber gloves [on eBay or Amazon], eye wash solution for that purpose and reading all safety precautions that come with the product and then follow them closely.

Robert Ray
- coxs creek, Kentucky



June , 2008

Hi, folks. While there is probably nothing wrong with the above projects where galvanized sheet metal is being used for "tin inserts", please note that tin is not sheet steel; tin is an element, a non-toxic metal. People often call light gauge sheet steel "tin" but it really isn't. Steel sheet metal rusts, and galvanized (zinc coated) sheet metal is not food safe. Real tin is food safe; I suspect that most "punched tin" today is tin plated steel rather than solid tin, and that should be okay too.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, finishing.com
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey


I want to make a rustic sink out of a galvanized bucket. Any ideas?

Dorothy Eppich
homeowner - Basin City, Washington
February 16, 2010




(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories:

 
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g, Train'g
& Software


About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2024 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"