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

Fire.

Set it on a safe surface, spray it with something flammable, and light
it. The fire will remove any oils that are preventing fast rusting. Less
fun, use a degreaser or detergent and scrub it clean. Then use some salt
water or acid as you see fit.

Cheers
trevor Jones