How to accelerate the corrosion of Corten steel?

Weathering steel is widely used in decorative applications due to its unique appearance and inherent durability. However, for practical reasons, weathering steel may be delivered in a rust-free state. To avoid waiting for months, we will introduce a very simple method to accelerate its corrosion.

How to speed up the rusting process of weathering steel?

Depending on climate conditions and plate size, weathering steel can take several months to stabilize. Ideally, it must endure alternating wet and dry conditions to allow the rust layer to form evenly until the metal surface displays a beautiful orange hue. However, if the weather is unpredictable, this process can be exceptionally lengthy.

I have a little trick to speed up the rusting process: regularly spray the panel with salt water and then let it air dry. Repeat this step every day, and you'll definitely see rust form quickly.

To show you how all this works, we asked our agents to repeat the process in mid-May.

The cat was abandoned in the garden and exposed to bad weather.

The frog is regularly soaked in salt water and then air-dried naturally under the balcony.

The photos were taken on D1, D3, and D11.

Salt water significantly accelerates the corrosion process; the entire surface can corrode rapidly in just 10 days.

The cat was left outdoors for 10 days and its fur became rusty.

The frog has rust on its body because it is often soaked in salt water (for 10 days).

Ten days later, the rust layer on the frog's body will not be fully formed. This process can be repeated until the desired effect is achieved. You can also let it corrode naturally in the air until the rust stabilizes.