Are you inquisitive like me? Need to know more?

What is Weathering Steel/Corten Steel?

Corten steel derives its name from its two main properties: corrosion resistance and high tensile strength.
Other properties include Weather Resistance, Low Maintenance, Aesthetic Appeal, and Cost-Effectiveness.

Wikipedia says (I know you are going to Google it, so I’ll save you some time 😊)

“Weathering steel, often referred to by the genericised trademark COR-TEN steel and sometimes written without the hyphen as corten steel, is a group of steel alloys that form a stable external layer of rust that eliminates the need for painting”.

Please note the stable external layer (Patina) part.

Corten surface rusts rapidly (within +/- 6 months, depending on treatment and weather) before the process slows down significantly, and a stable external layer (Patina) is formed, which prevents further rusting. As a result, products will last for many years without rusting.

If you choose Corten steel because of its practical benefits or for its appearance (rusty, orange-brown patina), take note that it is silver in its original state, just like standard steel. If left alone, it will take 2-4 years to reach its peak patina when exposed to weather and will remain in that state with very little change.

Because, like me, you probably can’t wait for your Corten product to develop the warm tones that come with the patina, we can pickle it for you.

By using a specific mixture and lightly spraying the Corten product, we can accelerate the surface ageing process (Patina), and it will develop a darker, more consistent look over time.