Jerry Foster wrote:
I have several ideas on this, but I'm sure some other folks have better
ones.

An artist friend of mine asked how to impart a "rust" patina to a welded
steel sculpture. The object in question is made of steel rod/tubing and is
MIG welded together. It is too big to dip in any ordinary container, but
small enough that one man can handle it easily.

I suppose he could wash it in something like laquer thinner and leave it
outside (heavy dew, misty rain, etc. this time of the year). Or maybe spray
it with some mild acid...

Ideas?

Thanks,

Jerry

A strictly non-tech answer. Go to any craft store, ask for bottle of
instant rust. Good stuff - no idea whats in it. Also have instant
bronze patina, copper, etc. Amazing really.... all the stuff
metalworkers try hard to avoid......

Andrew VK3BFA.