How To Rust Metal Fast With These 3 Household Ingredients

If you like the look of a rusty tin can for rustic decorating, you’ll love learning how to rust metal faster with these simple ingredients. Tin can’s, and other metals will rust naturally when exposed to moisture and oxygen. However, the process isn’t fast, but you can quickly turn a new metal piece into a vintage-inspired treasure with this technique.

I wanted to use rusty tin cans for fall decorating but only had a couple that had rusted naturally over time.

I decided I needed to speed up the process, and here’s what I did.

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Why Rust Tin Cans?

Y’all know I’m all about recycling tin cans, and I’ve used them for many projects.

A few of my cans had been left outside over the summer and had aged naturally. When I noticed the patina, I knew they would be perfect for fall decorating. I had a few ideas for projects but would need several rusted cans to achieve my desired results.

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How to Rust Metal Supplies

• White Vinegar
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Salt
• Spray Bottle
• Protective gloves
• Goggles
• Steel Wool

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How To Mix Ingredients To Create Rust On Tin Cans

• Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to your spray bottle.
• Next, add three tablespoons of vinegar.
• Two tablespoons of salt.

Place the cap on the bottle and shake until the salt is dissolved.

Be sure your metal is clean, and if there are any oils, they have been neutralized.

At this point, you want to break up the surface of your metal with steel wool. I only scratched the surface, and the rusting process was slow to take effect.

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How To Set Up A WorkSpace

I recommend taking your metal outside and placing it on a protected surface.

I used a simple piece of cardboard and set it on the gravel drive.

Be sure the area around your workspace is open, and nothing that could potentially be damaged is close by.

You also want to protect your hands and eyes because the spray will splatter. Wear protective goggles and gloves.

In addition, wear old clothing that you don’t mind damaging. The ingredients can stain or bleach fabric colors.

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Spray To Create Rusty Tin Cans

In order to create rusty tin cans, you will need to completely cover your metal pieces or tin cans with the spray mixture.

Leave the cans to dry in the sun if possible. The heat from the sun will help to speed up the process.

After One Application

This is what my cans looked like after the first application. I was less than impressed.

However, I knew it would be necessary to repeat this process several times.

I was more impressed after the second application, and you can see the results below.

After 4 applications, I was getting somewhere, but not all tin cans are created equal, and you can see what I mean below.

All 3 cans have received the same treatment, but two are slower to show the results. It would have been a good idea to use more steel wool on these cans.

Next time I will know better.

Because I plan to use most of these cans for an outdoor project, I didn’t continue to repeat this process.

I did apply one additional coat to the cans that showed less rust.

Because we had some rain, it took 4 days to get these results, and I applied 4 to 5 applications to the cans to get these rusty tin cans.

I also left the cans out in the rain, which also slowed down the process as the rain most likely washed away the mixture I applied.

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My Rating For How to Rust Metal Faster

I believe that I made some mistakes in my judgment, and if I had taken additional extra time, this method would have been a simple and cost-effective way to accelerate rusting of metal.

Rusty Tin Can Projects

I love how the cans look alone but wait until you see what I did with them for a DIY Fall Wreath. Scroll down for a preview.

Here is a preview of the DIY Rusted Tin Can Wreath project.

Other Tin Can Projects

• How to Cover Tin Cans With Twigs
• Gorgeous Tin Can Centerpiece with Napkins
• How to Make DIY Plant Pockets with Tin and Aluminum Cans
• 7 Eco-friendly Recycle & Reuse Projects
• DIY Rusted Can Fall Wreath Tutorial

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.

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