How to Seal Rusted Metal Patina to Prevent Stains
Do you like the way that rusted metal looks on your sculpture or architectural feature but hate the way that rust drips and stains?
Are rust stains ruining the look of your building? Rusted metal, including weathered steel and Corten, is a rising trend in architecture and art. Architects all over the world are embracing rust-weathered steel to enhance the patina. Unfortunately, rusted metal can cause stains that drip onto areas under the metal. Everbrite™ Coating seals rusted metal to protect the rusted patina, prevents further rusting and prevents the rust drip and staining problems.
Everbrite Coating will seal rust patina to prevent stains from getting on clothing or dripping on surfaces below the rusted objects. Rusted metal including Corten or weathering steel will have unsightly staining from water runoff and can stain surrounding paint, stucco and concrete. Rust can also rub off on clothing or people.
Everbrite Coatings are clear, strong protective coatings that seal the rust patina so it will not bleed or rub off onto other surfaces. Keep the rust on the metal, not on your walls, clothing or guests.
Everbrite™ Protective Coating provides the following benefits to rusted metal with every application:
Eliminate staining of surrounding areas from unsightly runoff and stains. Rusty drips on other substrates can ruin the look of a building.
Eliminate transfer of rust to people (hands & clothing).
Helps to extend the life of the steel by sealing out moisture that can cause further corrosion.
Give the surface a more finished, purposeful look.
Excellent adhesion on naturally or artificially rusted surfaces.
Everbrite™ is self annealing and will blend to itself to create complete protection.
Easy to apply – wipe, roll, paint or spray on completely clean and dry rusted metal.
Everbrite™ is available in a Clear finish and a Satin finish
Everbrite™ will seal moisture out of rusted metal to help prevent further corrosion and will prevent rust stains. On most metals, two coats of Everbrite™ Clear Protective Coating are recommended. On raw steel or rusted metal, 3 to 4 coats are recommended because the metal is very porous. Everbrite™ will seal the metal and will look great for years and can be maintained indefinitely.
Before and After Coating with Everbrite
Everbrite Coating will darken the metal 5 to 10 shades because the powdered rust does not allow for any reflection of light. If you want to see what your rusted metal patina will look like coated, you can wet it down. Water will replicate what the metal will look like coated. Of course, you will want it to dry completely to coat it.
The clear formula of Everbrite Coating can add some gloss on rusted or on dark-colored metals. Once the metal is coated, it will look like it does when it is wet. The Satin formula can be put on to reduce the sheen if the original is too glossy. The Satin finish has a sheen but not a shine. If a lower sheen finish is desired, we recommend the Satin finish of Everbrite for the final coat.
Instruction PDF
FAQs for Sealing Rusted Metal
Some people recommend rusting metal with dangerous chemicals like muriatic acid, sulphuric acid or combinations of chemicals. This is not only dangerous to your health but can damage other items as well.
First, make sure the metal is clean, remove all mill scale and any oil or dirt. You can sandblast the metal or use Scotchbrite pads to clean the surface.
One way to rust metal on purpose with household items is to spray vinegar and hydrogen peroxide separately on the metal. (Any kind will do – the cheaper the better). Spray the vinegar on the clean metal. Using a separate sprayer, apply the hydrogen peroxide over the vinegar right away. Do this several times a day and your metal will get rusty. This method takes time.
Make sure to neutralize the acid and rinse well. Let dry completely, solvent wipe and apply Everbrite Coating to seal and protect your rusted metal.
Rusted metal is very porous. The amount of Everbrite Coating necessary to encapsulate the rust will depend on the depth of the rust. Remove the blooming or loose rust with a Prep Pad or other abrasive pad to smooth out the rust. The metal will still have the rusty color. Enough coating must be applied on rusted metal to encapsulate the rust. Normally, 3 coats of Everbrite are sufficient but if the rust is thick or rough, it will take additional coats. Test to see if enough coating has been applied y wiping with a clean, white cloth after the coating is completely dry. If rust shows on the cloth, additional Everbrite Coating should be applied.
If you are not sure, we would recommend purchasing a container of both the Clear finish and the Satin finish of Everbrite Coating. Clean the metal and apply 2 coats of the clear Everbrite first. Let it dry and see if you like the finish. If so, add additional coats Everbrite clear finish. If it is too shiny, apply the Satin finish on top of the Everbrite that has already been applied.