How to Rust Barbed Wire

How to Rust Barbed Wire
Published: Mar 16, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Thick gloves
  • Scrubbing pad or steel wool pad
  • Container or bucket
  • Salt
  • Paper towels

The secret is rusting the metal without hurting yourself.

  1. Put on thick gloves when handling the barbed wire to prevent cuts and other injuries.

  2. Scrub the barbed wire with a steel wool pad or scrubbing brush. This roughens the surface and also removes any rust-proof coating that is on the wire.

  3. Fill a large container or bucket with water. Add the barbed wire. Water is the most important ingredient for rusting metal.

  4. Add two to three tbsp. of salt to the water. A salt solution accelerates rusting.

  5. Leave the barbed wire in the saltwater for several hours.

  6. Remove the wire from the water, and place it on a surface covered with paper towels.

  7. Carry the barbed wire and paper towels outdoors into the sun. The heat accelerates the rusting. Make certain no children or animals can access the barbed wire.

  8. Repeat Steps 3 through 7 until you get the desired amount of rust on the barbed wire.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

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