I am having a logo water-jet cut out of some new mill finish hot rolled 1/4" steel. This is for an interior lobby application. Client wants the steel to be very rusted, pitted if possible.
I will be sandblasting the mill scale finish off of the letters, and I know that this oxidation process will occur naturally. However I would like to speed up this process and was wondering if there may be a faster way other than salt, water and time.
Curt Stenz
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Curt
Acids speed up the process. I'd try muriatic (sp?) it's available at your local building or concrete supply.
Simulated pitting could be done with a blunt punch first. or welders chipping hammer. Wear ear plugs.
I would neutralize the rust process when you are satisfied... ie rinse well and maybe even the baking powder route to make sure you slow down the process.
Above all be careful with acid. It burns. Ask me how I know.
-dan
[ January 27, 2002: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
In my early days I used to use acid on steel to give it that aged look.
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
Acid..specially muriatic ..needs to be used outdoors.. I used it one time in the shop...all the hand saws on the tool board turned orange..I had the door open. Gloves,goggles,fresh air. Salt/water will accelerate oxidation..as well as portland cement/water. Might give different effects.
