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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET

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Need rusty finish on soup cans for crafts

Q. I want to use tin cans as containers for my candles. How do I get a rusty appearance on an empty "soup" can?

Lisa Taylor
candlemaking - West Salem, Illinois, USA
2003

Q. I would like to know how to rust tin cans. I have seen both completely rusted metal and partially rusted tin cans. I would like to be able to rust tin cans for art and floral projects. Maybe this is not a small project I could do. Please do not disregard me.

Jeanette Decker
hobbyist - Dowagiac, Michigan
2004

A. I've used battery acid ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] to rust metal. But it comes in 1/2 gallon size.You might use muriatic acid ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] do it in an open area. Keep a water hose nearby to wash acid off tools or skin if you get some on your self, allow to sit on piece till it shows discoloration rinse clean leave wet & outdoors till it rusts.

Dan Perusina
- Morgan Hill, California
2003

Q. I would like to use soup cans or cans from fruit to make candles. Is there any way to get these to rust?

Jennie Barnette
hobbyist - Buckhannon, West Virginia, USA
November 9, 2013

A. Hi Jennie. We appended your inquiry to a thread which answers it. Don't forget to wear goggles ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and rubber gloves ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] ; acid is dangerous.

You may find letter 17478, "How to Rust Steel on Purpose" inspirational. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 11, 2013

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