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Corten steel, or weathering steel, is a type metal that develops a unique rusty patina over time. Its name is derived from the two main properties of Corten steel: a good 'cor'rosion resistance and a good 'ten'sile strength. Corten steel has an altered chemical composition which makes it reactive to water and oxygen, allowing a protective layer of rust to develop on the surface whilst keeping the structural integrity of the steel layer under the rust in tact.
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Corten steel is economical, long-lasting, easily recyclable and is a zero maintenance finish, making it a very sustainable material and eco-friendly material. Even though its appearance is rusty, this rust forms a protective layer over underlying steel, preventing further corrosion once the rust layer has fully developed. Corten steel has been fashioned into a huge variety of products for your outdoor space, such as firebowls, planters, garden screens and even letter boxes.
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While many of our Corten steel products are sold weathered, we do have some collections and products (such as the Flame Firebowls and our plain or decorative fence panels) which are supplied pre-weathered. This means that the item will look like a typical steel product when delivered to you, but will begin to develop its rusty patina over a few weeks when left outdoors. You can speed this process up by rubbing the surface with salt and/or vinegar with a cloth.
This material produces a carbon run off which may stain surfaces it is in contact with during the weathering process, especially stone or concrete. Ensure that all Corten steel products are raised on small feet, lifting the product and preventing direct contact with the flooring material during the weathering process. We also recommend building a simple French drain to catch rust run off when installing Corten steel screens.
Lastly, take note of the area you would like to place your Corten steel products as there can be factors that affect how your products cortenise. - Weather The sea air, humidity, heavy rain, and/or persistent fog are areas not suitable for Corten steel. - Environment To maintain the final Corten steel finish, take note of the flow of rainwater in or around your products. Ensure the rainwater is able to be free flowing and not stagnating, and keep Corten steel well drained and away from damp or wet leaves if your product is not part of a water feature. You'll also find that the dirty water containing the rusty patina could stain adjacent surfaces and potentially pollute the local aquatic environment. - Maintenance Your Corten steel products will need to be kept away from mud, grease, dirt, oils, paint, cement or mortar in order to keep them naturally oxidising. If any of the above is found on your products, it could affect the cortenising process. - Other Metals Take note of placing your Corten steel next to other metals as there will be a difference in the electrolytic potentials, and could also affect the natural oxidisation process.
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If you have purchased a Corten steel product that is constantly in contact with water, i.e. water bowls, ponds, tables, and pond walls, and you are running into some difficulties with it cortenising, there may be a couple of things you can do to help. Water pH Level
The pH of your water is important to take note of. The value of the water should always be pH 7, and if any different, it could cause deterioration of the material, and could result in the Corten steel flaking off faster than it normally should. There are a number of factors that could affect your water's pH level:
• Rain • Sunlight/Shade • Falling leaves
Luckily, you can fix the pH level by following these steps:
• STEP 1 Empty out all water, and ensure everything is thoroughly dry. • STEP 2 Remove all loose rusty parts (e.g. with a putty knife). If this does not work, sand the parts lightly (This can be done with a sander if necessary). • STEP 3 Refill with tap water. • STEP 4 Make sure the pH of the water remains neutral at pH 7. ✭ TOP TIP: Our advice is to measure your water using pH sticks. If you find the water is at a higher or lower pH, you can adjust the water using specialist equipment known as pH+ or pH-.
For those that have Corten steel products in coastal towns, there are a couple of things you can do to protect your protective rust layer. 1. Regular Maintenance Salt and moisture can affect your Corten steel while in a coastal environment, so make sure you regularly clean your products to remove any salt deposits. 2. InstallationInstall the product on an elevated base to avoid direct contact with moisture on the ground. This helps to stop rusting on the base. 3. Protective CoatingYou can apply a varnish as an additional protective layer against salt and moisture. 4. WeatheringBefore installing your piece, allow the Corten steel to complete the weather process so it may create a stable rust layer.
Please get in touch with us if you need any advice regarding Corten steel or our products - we are more than happy to help!
Our phone number is 0345 605 2505, or you can email us at customerservices@worm.co.uk if that is what you would prefer. See our Corten Steel collection
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