Crafts/Rusting wire, pins etc

Advertisement

Expert: Carolyn Whitehorn - 11/16/2005


Question
Hi carolyn, Could you tell me how to make the wire, safety pins, etc look old and rusty? Someone said to use clorox but I'd like an experts advice. =) Thanks much in advance! Donna

Answer
Anything that will oxidize iron will create rust on IRON and some forms of STEEL. Stainless steel and other metals do not rust.
Most safety pins contain significant amounts of nickel in the alloy for the express purpose of retarding rusting or oxydizing, so I do not know what to suggest.

You can certainly try clorox - it would work as well as anything else.

Crafts

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Carolyn Whitehorn

Expertise

I can answer questions about all aspects of creating bronze - modle making, mold making, wax casting and chasing, detailing, and patinas, and carving and polishing stone. I also can recommend tools and materials, and know where to get sculpture supplies of all sorts.

Experience

I am a professional sculptor (it is how I earn my living)with about 20 years experience working in bronze, alabaster, and marble. I also have some experience in stoneware sculpture.

Organizations
I am a Colleague of the National Sculpture Society

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.