Patina Acceleration Recipe
16 oz of hydrogen peroxide
2oz of white vinegar
1/2 table spoon of salt
1. Prepare the Surface
Ensure that the corten steel surface is clean and free from any dirt, grease, or debris. Wipe down the Corten with an acetone or an alcohol type product to remove any oil or grease.
2. Sand by Hand
Sanding by hand, with a belt sander or orbital sander is not necessary but will help accelerate the rusting process by removing or etching the mill scale.
3. Mix & Apply Solution
Mix the above together and spray or roll on with a foam paint roller. Make sure the surfaces are wet but avoid puddling (puddles left on the Corten actually slow down the rusting process)
4. Brush and Allow Oxidation
Once dry brush off with a soft bristled brush to remove loose rust. This keeps the loose rust from absorbing additonal applications of the mixture.
5. Repeat if Desired
If you want a deeper or more pronounced patina, you can repeat the vinegar solution application process. Allow the steel to dry between each application and assess the color and texture of the patina before deciding if additional applications are needed.
Note: It's important to consider the specific instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the corten steel you are working with, as different brands or types of corten steel may have specific guidelines for achieving the desired patina.