Designers use wrought iron for outdoor metalwork.
Any iron object rusts in the proper conditions, even tough wrought iron. Wrought iron's durability comes from its manufacturing process. Metalworkers smelt wrought iron in the way that people who barbecue smoke ribs--low and slow. The long, gentle smelting process allows impurities to be identified and removed. While wrought iron withstands physical demands better than normal, more contaminated irons, it still can fall prey to the chemical reaction that forms rust. The corrosion occurs when oxygen and moisture combine on the surface of the metal. As such, moist conditions are the key to make wrought iron rust. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Store the wrought iron in an area with humidity greater than 65 percent. The high moisture content in the air will transfer to the surface of the wrought iron.
2. Dampen the wrought iron periodically if humidity in the air is not enough to maintain a moist sheen on the wrought iron's surface. Run a wet sponge over the metal, and do not dry the metal.
3. Minimize air flow. Avoid running fans and blowers near the wrought iron you want to rust. Circulating air can blow water droplets off the surface of the metal.
4. Spread a thin layer of salt over the wrought iron's surface. Salt helps to introduce moisture to the iron faster, which speeds the rusting process and allows rust to form in less-humid conditions.
5. Touch the wrought iron frequently with your bare hands to introduce skin oils that produce the same effect as salt.
Tags: wrought iron, iron surface, process allows, surface metal, wrought iron surface
