How to age/etch/oxidize metals?

[2cool2hear]

What do you call this technique where you give the metal surface a rugged/aged look like the star in this picture? Is there a link on how to do that? Can I finish-seal it for protection?



I'm in school for metal fabrication and this is going to be my first project (for a female friend of course). It'll look good in my my portfolio too.

Many thanks.

 

[VersionOne]

Muriatic acid, diluted of course. Here's a post I found to confirm. This is quoted from finishing.com.

"I am an artist that has been using rusted steel canvasses for a few years. What I have found to rust evenly and the most time efficiently is muriatic acidamazoninfo. I use very diluted acid/water mix and apply it to cold rolled steel and within 24 hours the 5x3 foot canvass is pretty covered. For three to four more days I spray the metal down with warm water only (add a little salt to speed things up). The water baths remove most of the acid compound. The metal will continue to rust and pit so you must stop the process at desired aesthetic. I use hydrogen peroxideamazoninfo to stop the chemical process (this is a tip I picked up in an old chemistry book). After I have finished painting, sanding, etching etc. etc. I apply two coats of water based polyurethane. I have sold paintings to people who display them outside on their patios and I have yet to find unwanted rust anywhere on the metal. I would also advise recoating with clear coat every few years."

 

[2cool2hear]

Muriatic acid, diluted of course. Here's a post I found to confirm. This is quoted from finishing.com.

"I am an artist that has been using rusted steel canvasses for a few years. What I have found to rust evenly and the most time efficiently is muriatic acidamazoninfo. I use very diluted acid/water mix and apply it to cold rolled steel and within 24 hours the 5x3 foot canvass is pretty covered. For three to four more days I spray the metal down with warm water only (add a little salt to speed things up). The water baths remove most of the acid compound. The metal will continue to rust and pit so you must stop the process at desired aesthetic. I use hydrogen peroxideamazoninfo to stop the chemical process (this is a tip I picked up in an old chemistry book). After I have finished painting, sanding, etching etc. etc. I apply two coats of water based polyurethane. I have sold paintings to people who display them outside on their patios and I have yet to find unwanted rust anywhere on the metal. I would also advise recoating with clear coat every few years."

That was informative! That's what I needed, thank you very much.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Vinegar does the same thing, 'n it's easier to find,...

 

[laser3kw]

I found some steels have a natural "skin" and the acid will not affect them like you think it should. In those cases, "break" the surface with your favorite abrasive - comet, steel wool, sand paper etc. Sometimes a liberal cleaning with lacquer thinner or brake Kleen will do it. But ! beware when applying your acid over ANY other chemical. You may have a reaction that produces bad stuff.
AND! do this outside. Acid will produce vapor as it works on the metal. Do not breath the vapor. That vapor will settle on everything and then you will have that nice rust patina on unintended places - your tools, workbench, law equipment...