I have been using your RUST F/X and overall have been very pleased with the product. I have been getting inconsistent results though. I am using the product on 14 gauge steel that has been laser-cut. When I get the steel back from the laser-cutter, I clean the pieces with dish soap and water to remove the greasy film. I let dry and then spray with your product. During the summer, I spray them outside and get a nice evenly rusted finish. During the winter, I spray them in the basement and then get a finish that has a lot variation in color and texture. I get black areas, some areas rust much faster than other areas and also the texture ranges from smooth to the usual “sandy texture” rust finish. Am I do something wrong? How do I get a more consistent finish.
Thank you for your help!
Mark F.
ANSWER:
Hi Mark,
Warmer temperatures, both in ambient air & metal, aid in the rusting process using RUST F/X™.
A couple of things you can try:
Keep the area you’re working in as warm as possible w/o running up your electric bill too much. A space heater or infrared poultry (brooding) lamp, directed at the piece would be helpful.
Always try to keep the surface wet for the first hr. or two. Repeated mist applications of the RUST F/X™ (3 or 4) is helpful. Subsequent misting can be done with plain water, but not to the point of ‘run-off’.
Work with the piece horizontal whenever possible.
In the spring, summer & early fall, I prefer to do the rusting outside to allow the sunlight/heat to aid in the process.
One last thing you might try: (NOTE: I have NOT tried this, so I can’t personally vouch for it.) After 2, 3 or 4 Mistings of the RUST F/X™, and while the surface is still damp or wet, mist on some H202 (Hydrogen Peroxide). It’s usually in the strength range of 3%, as found in the drugstore or grocery store.
The reason this might work is simple: It’s an oxidizer, containing two molecules of Oxygen:1 molecule of Hydrogen.
3 things affect the speed & quality of the rusting process/finish:
My name is Bill Worden. I am the founder & owner of STEEL F/X Patinas, which began officially in the fall of 2006.
I had my first exposure to metal-finishing when I was 14 yrs. old. (1968)
My Chemistry teacher showed me how to silver-plate a copper penny without heat or electricity. The whole process, which I found incredibly cool, took only a minute or two. I was hooked on what could be done chemically, to transform the surface of varying metals.
I have been a metalsmith since 1972, working with precious metals originally, and currently focusing primarily on CNC cut steel art and chemically induced Color Case-Hardening of firearms & custom knives.
I have developed many steel patina formulas that react safely with the steel to bring out a myriad of colors & effects without hiding the polished steel beneath.
I have also developed a one-of-a-kind patina, (STAINLESS F/X™), which works equally well on Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel & Copper.
My greatest reward is teaching & helping other metal artisans to produce finished products that are beyond the norm of painting or powder-coating.
I truly love working in the lab, experimenting with what will work & developing new products.
Many of my customers, in a very short time, have become masters of steel patinas on their own work and are producing some heirloom quality works of art!
I live in St. George, Utah with my wife, Kris and my two sons, Tyler & Trevor..
I welcome your calls & emails & will do my very best to provide you with all the help & product innovation possible.
The STEEL F/X® PATINAS Company Motto is "KAI-ZEN", a Japanese word that loosely translates to: "CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT"
Thank you for helping to make STEEL F/X® PATINAS a Reality...Without all of my loyal customers, we wouldn't exist. Keep Up The Good Work!
Bill D. Worden,
STEEL F/X®, LLC
(STEEL F/X® PATINAS)
1.800.710.1273
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