How to Antique Galvanized Steel

Many crafters enjoy using galvanized steel for painting, decorating and replicating tin punch. To give your piece a rustic look, try antiquing the galvanized steel before you create your work of art. With caution, this can be done in relatively short amount of time. Your lanterns, wall art and candle holders will look like historic remnants of the Old West.

Things You'll Need

• Protective gloves
• Safety goggles or face shield
• Muriatic acid
• Water
• Large plastic tub or trash can
• Galvanized steel
• Steel wool
• Clear lacquer spray

Instructions

Safety preparation

1. 

   Always wear eye protection when working with acid

   Use protective gloves and safety goggles or a face shield for this project. Muriatic acid (hydrocloric acid) is extremely dangerous if inhaled, ingested or drops onto skin. Cover your body well.

2. 

   Remove galvanized coating from steel by using a mixture of muriatic acid and water. In a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, mix 1 gallon of water to 1 cup of acid in a plastic tub large enough to cover the entire piece.

3. Place your piece in the solution and ensure all surfaces are well covered. Flip the piece every 10 minutes or so to fully soak your galvanized steel.

4. Remove the piece when it has achieved the antiqued look you want.

5. 

   Rinse thoroughly

   Rinse the steel with clean water to remove all of the solution and let dry completely.

6. Buff the finish of the steel with a piece of steel wool.

7. Spray the entire piece with a clear lacquer spray to keep the metal from rusting further.

Tips & Warnings

• Concentrated hydrochloric acid (fuming hydrochloric acid) can form a mist which can have a corrosive effect on human tissue and the potential to damage respiratory organs, eyes, skin, and intestines.

• Keep a neutralizing agent close at hand in the event of spills.

• Muriatic acid is the same as hydrocloric acid which can be very dangerous if not handled properly. If the acid gets on your skin, rinse with water immediately. It is also wise to keep a clean supply of water available to rinse your eyes should they come in contact with the acid. Concentrated hydrochloric acid (fuming hydrochloric acid) can form a mist which can have a corrosive effect on human tissue and the potential to damage respiratory organs, eyes, skin and intestines.

• Always store muriatic acid safely from the reach of children in a clearly marked container.

References

• Finishing