I do modern sculptures out of bits of waste metal,just wondering?

Question

if anyone knows of products that i could get hold of that would melt the metal (pref something like corrosive acid etc) and also something that i could spray on to make it rust quickly? It would have to be something i could buy over the counter.

Answer 1

Put liquid bleach in a spray bottle and get busy! Chlorine is an oxidizer. Oxidation=rust. This will work on steel and other iron containing metals. Copper and bronze will simply turn green.

Answer 2

Hello;
.....I am familiar with the metal raw "steel" as an acquaintance made a yard ornament for me that I painted but prior to painting with rustoleum, the ornament within about 2 days began to rust; I had simply left it out in the rain. Not sure on other metals, although aluminum will not rust until it has been exposed to weather for months (depending on the grade).
....Over the counter, cheap and simple is "Comet" cleaner, the chemical content seems to be able to rust almost anything except porcelein (sp?)....but not sure on the time frame. Ellen

Answer 3

Ok To remove rust use muratic acid (in pool supplies) its strong so be careful.To do it slowly try a battery charger with the metal in a weak saline solution (if I remember correctly its the neg lead that will oxidize (see electrolysis) to add rust coat with a caustic solution (lie,bleach etc) be careful as they burn skin(or just reverse battery charger leads).If you have the time the electrolysis method is preferred(more control,and you can do copper patinas)