Rust Coating for Steel Sculpture.

[Nagaforce]

I have pretty much given up the concept of rust avoidance for outside steel sculpture. Does anyone have any experience of working with rust on mild steel? Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to fix the rust when you like the effect. I am thinking of an oil coating for a very dark rust look.

Has anyone worked with penetrol.

Don't want to have the hassle of working with Corten as one must keep Corten separate from mild and is alot more expensive.

Any thoughts, especially on the possiblity of having a permanent varigated rust finish. I can make the most beautiful rust finishes of yellow, red and orange, but they always blend into one uniform color.

Thanks

[RuBert]

Hi, yes outdoor steel sculpture rusts so it all comes down to how you can slow it or control it. There is a pretty good thread of information going on this topic in the help section that I've been following. You might check here: http://sculpture.net/community/showthread.php?t=752

Personally I've had good results with the burnt oil treatments, but what might work best depends on scale, exposure, location and the aesthetic you are trying to achieve.

Check the other thread and see if it helps, you might also try searching the community for the word penetrol and check what else shows up.

[PeterG]

Hello,

I have been actively rusting my steel sculptures because my customers like the colour. To stop the rust advancing I spray it with a 70%:30% mix of turps and linseed oil. The turps is just there to thin the oil out a little (you can vary the ratios, but dont lay it on too thick or it will make your work sticky). This will need to be replaced now and then but a fresh coat can be sprayed on ( I use a cheapy plastic trigger sprayer) without having to cut back the previous coat.

The result is a dark, originally gloss colour that becomes matt as it dries. (1-5 days)

A more durable, darker coating can be achieved by heating the metal then spraying the oil mix on to the surface. It takes a while to get the technique right. The oill should smoke on the surface, but not burn away completely. Be careful with this! The final result is a dark, almost lacquered finish which is durable and still retains the look of steel.

I have been trying to retain some of the more attractive rust phases without success. If you have any luck, please let me know.

What is "Corten"?

Happy Rusting!

peter

[sculptorsam]

Hi Peter,

Cor-ten, also known as Weathering Steel, is mild steel with nickel and copper added. It oxidizes to a certain point and then forms a protective "skin" that prevents further rusting. It's used on bridges and overpasses a lot. Follow the link Russ posted above and there is more information.

Welcome!

Sam