Corten steel is known for its warm, rusty-brown appearance and lively character. However, that typical colour is not always visible straight away. New corten steel products often initially have quite an even, steel-like look and only develop their natural rust layer over time. It is precisely this changing appearance that makes the material so special. At the same time, it is understandable that you may not always want to wait too long for the final result. That is why it is useful to know how to make corten steel rust more quickly.
In the garden, this effect is especially beautiful. A border edging gains more depth, a planter looks softer, and the overall look quickly feels more natural. With applications such as the Multi-Edge METAL and Multi-Edge ADVANCE border edging, or planters such as the Multi-Edge FLORA, the appearance changes noticeably as soon as the first rust layer starts to form. This also creates a warm, calm look, especially with round models.
Why speed up the rusting process?
Corten steel is designed to rust in a controlled way. The rust layer on the outside eventually forms a natural protective layer, without the base of the steel rusting through, keeping the material strong and durable. But before that protective layer becomes beautifully and evenly visible, you are dependent on moisture, oxygen and the weather conditions. During rainy periods, this often happens a little faster by itself, while in dry weeks the process can take longer. To achieve your desired final result more quickly, it makes sense to want to speed up the rusting process yourself. Fortunately, this is possible!
How can you speed up rusting on corten steel?
There are various rust accelerator products on the market that you can buy, but let’s be honest: you can achieve this effect simply with items from your kitchen cupboard!
There are several practical ways to speed up rusting on corten steel. The simplest method is also the most natural: regularly wet the steel and then let it dry again. It is precisely this alternation between moisture and dryness that sets the oxidation process in motion. With a little patience, you will soon see a difference in colour and texture.
If you want to stimulate the process a little more, you can choose a mixture of water and salt, for example. A little vinegar is also sometimes added to help start the oxidation process more quickly. These everyday household products are often used to make corten steel rust faster. See the step-by-step guide below.
What you need:
- Safety gloves
- Degreaser
- A cloth
- Water
- Salt
- Natural vinegar
- A plant sprayer to distribute the mixture evenly
- A bucket to make the mixture in
Step 1. For the best result, preparation is important: clean the surface and make it grease-free using a degreaser spray and a cloth. Carefully remove dust and dirt. Please note: wear safety gloves, as steel can be sharp.
Step 2. Fill the bucket with lukewarm water and add 3 tablespoons of salt. Then stir well.
Step 3. Next, add 3 tablespoons of natural vinegar and stir well again.
Step 4. Fill a plant sprayer with the mixture.
Step 5. Spray the corten steel surface evenly and leave it to dry.
Step 6. Spray the edging regularly over the next few days until it has reached the desired rust layer. Do not overdo it, as the rusting process will continue due to the weather conditions and this can take up to a year.
Please note: Rust water may appear during the rusting process. It is therefore best to speed up the process on a surface such as a piece of cardboard or plastic, so that your paving slabs do not get dirty. However, assembling edging can be more difficult if it has already rusted. You can therefore also install it in your garden first and then let the material rust. In that case, make sure your grass or plants do not come into contact with the mixture.
An appearance that grows with the garden
What makes corten steel so attractive is that the material is not static. It changes with the seasons and gains more character as time goes by. Whether it is a subtle border edging, a generous planter or a round shape as an eye-catcher: the rust layer gives every element more warmth and depth.
Those who choose to make corten steel rust faster usually do so not only to save time, but above all to create more quickly the atmosphere that corten steel is known for.
Are you curious to see how corten steel could enhance your garden? Feel free to take a look at our corten steel border edging and planters for even more inspiration.
