Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Speeding up the oxidization of sheet metal!

Hello,

I am a graphite artist and I would like to draw on a metal surface that has oxidized (basically, that has that white chalky look to it, perhaps a little rust around the edges). I am trying to get a very rustic feel and look.

I would like to know if there is a product that will oxidize sheet metal; Or, is there a way to speed up the oxidization process.

I have used products in the past to patina copper, and rust metal. Hope someone can help, I think it would be a beautiful look and I'm dieing to try it out.

Thanks, Jennie

Jennie Norris
- Tucson, Arizona
May 20, 2009

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May 27, 2009

Hi Jennie,

Try these letters:
16573, 17327, 19949, 21160, 22706, 24061, 25871, 30790, and 31460. Per my notes, they should all deal with causing controlled rust and/or oxidation on various metals, and one or two of them also discuss how to then stop it and preserve it once you've got it looking the way you want. The letters are accessible through the home page.

Good luck!

Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA

Thank you for the links. I have through trial and error figured out how to quickly rust the metal, and it worked best on tin. It's is a white chalky look I'm more interested in. I have been experimenting, with not much luck. I will keep checking back. Thanks again!

Jennie Norris
- Tucson, Arizona
May 27, 2009