Whether you're conducting a scientific experiment, using rusted metal for a piece of art, or simply want to try to rust something, rusting metal is easy when done the right way. There are several methods to choose from here.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Acid and Copper Solution
Step 1. Make sure the metal you are going to use can rust
Only metals containing iron will rust and some ferrous alloys will rust slowly or not at all. Stainless steel / steel made from a mixture of iron and chromium will be very difficult to rust. While cast iron or wrought iron is the easiest type to rust.
Step 2. Measure the hydrochloric acid into a plastic bottle
Low concentrations of hydrochloric acid are readily available in hardware stores and are often labeled with the name muriatic acid. Carefully pour about 2 ounces (60 ml) of hydrochloric acid into a thick plastic bottle. You should wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when doing this.
Step 3. Dissolve a small amount of copper in hydrochloric acid
Dissolving copper in a hydrochloric acid solution will speed up the rusting process. The best way to dissolve copper in acid is to wrap a not very long copper wire around a coil and soak it in the acid for about a week.
- When you allow the copper to absorb, do not close the bottle tightly. The gas produced from the chemical reaction that takes place will cause pressure from inside the bottle. Make sure bottles are clearly labeled and stored out of reach of children or pets.
- Coins made of copper can also be used. Make sure the coin contains more copper, for example coins from the United States made after 1982 contain only 2.5% copper. However, coins made before 1982 contain 95% copper.
Step 4. Add water to the acid and copper solution
Once some of the copper has dissolved into the acid, put on protective gloves and carefully remove the copper from the solution. As soon as the copper is removed from the solution, you can immediately throw it away. Dilute the acid with water using a ratio of about 1 part acid mixed with 50 parts water. If you're using 2 ounces (60 ml) of hydrochloric acid, you'll need to mix it with about a gallon (3.8 liters) of water.
Step 5. Clean the steel or iron thoroughly
Acid and copper solutions work best when the metal is very clean. There are several commercial products on the market that are designed to descale and corrode metal, but washing and washing them with soap and water is generally sufficient.
Step 6. Apply the acid solution
Apply a thin layer to the metal and then let it dry. The acid solution can be applied with a brush or sprayed with a spray bottle although the acid will quickly damage any metal components of the spray bottle. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when applying it, and work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
Step 7. Let the metal rust
Within an hour, the metal will be clearly rusted. You don't need to wipe or rinse off the remaining acid as the acid will go away on its own. If you want a heavier layer of rust, reapply the acid solution.
Step 8. Done
Method 2 of 3: Peroxide and Salt
Step 1. Choose a room with good ventilation to work
Peroxide can be dangerous if too much is inhaled at a time. Choose a piece of metal either iron or tin, both of which can be used in this method.
Step 2. Put the peroxide in a spray bottle
Using a spray bottle will make your job of applying the peroxide to the metal much easier. Spray the metal scraps with a fair amount of peroxide. Spraying more peroxide will help to speed up the rusting process.
Step 3. Sprinkle salt over the metal pieces
You should do this while the peroxide is still wet. The rusting process is about to start and it's actually quite easy to see. You can sprinkle more or less salt depending on how thick you want the rust to be.
Step 4. Let the metal piece dry
Unlike the bleach and vinegar method, you must allow the metal to dry. If you wipe off the salt while the peroxide is still wet, this will interfere with the rusting process and cause spotting. Once dry, rub the salt off and admire your handiwork.
Step 5. Experiment with this method
Even if you've just read about the basics of using peroxide and salt to rust metals, there's no limit to how you can use this technique. Scrub the salt off and then re-spray the peroxide onto the metal piece. Try sprinkling different amounts of salt or dipping your metal in water as soon as it dries. The water will make the rust smoother.
Method 3 of 3: Vinegar and Peroxide
Step 1. Protect the surface of your workbench if necessary
Step 2. Place the metal pieces
Step 3. Spray the metal scraps with hydrogen peroxide
Step 4. Then immediately spray the metal pieces with white vinegar
