Easiest Ways To Age Metal

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Aged metal has been used for years for buckets and planters around the world. Antique floral containers and French galvanized metal planters are some of the most collected and sot after vintage items but sometimes we can’t always find those aged or perfectly patinated vintage items! This easy DIY project shows you how to age galvanized metal planters and containers in a matter of minutes. 

I love the look of vintage metal containers, planters and decor! In fact, my galvanized top kitchen island has been one of my favorite features in this space for many years! Over the years, I have tried a few different ways to rust galvanized metal, some have worked better than others, so let’s get to it!

Why Metal?

Galvanized metal was first invented roughly 300 years ago when a chemist decided to try immersing clean iron into molten zinc. This process coated the iron with a protective layer of zinc that prevented the metal from rusting or corroding . They called this process Galvanization.

This metal has changed the way so many modern-day materials and machinery are made, handled and stored. The properties have made it ideal for both interior and exterior applications such as garden planters, wash basins, car bodies and more. 

Durability

Although it does not last infinitely, galvanizing metal makes it an unparalleled corrosion-resistant material to most metals.

Corrosion Resistance

Adding a layer of zinc to the surface of the metal makes this material extremely red rust or corrosion resistant! Although resistant to red rust, galvanized steel can develop white rust over time if exposed to moisture. 

Recyclable

Galvanized metal can be recycled and reused by melting it down to make other metal products. 

Appearance

The surface of Galvanized metal is bright and beautiful. 

Paintability

Although the galvanized layer doesn’t require paint, the zinc coating is easily paintable and can even be powder coated. 

Formability

The ability to form galvanized metal into other useful products and metals without damaging the metal make is extremely formable.

Abrasion Resistant

With such a durable product as Galvanized metal, this also makes it very resistant to scratches and marks. 

Using Aged Galvanized Planters for Gardening

With all the amazing properties of galvanized metal, it isn’t hard to see why it would make the perfect gardening planters or flower pots.  For over a hundred years, florists and gardeners from around the world have been using galvanized planters as containers and continue to do so in modern times. Let’s review some of the pros and cons of using galvanized planters for gardening purposes. 

There are certainly some pros and cons to using galvanized metal as planter boxes, you can find a few of them in the chart below. 

Pros	Cons
Very Durable  Easily Setup  Attractive Appearance Long Lasting	Low Insulation Value Costly Heavy to Move

The top advantage of galvanizing metal is its durability! Depending on what you use galvanized metal for, it can last anywhere from 35 to 170 years! If you are using a galvanized metal product as a flower pot or gardening container, the longevity won’t be as long due to the breakdown from holding dirt and water. It is still however an excellent option for gardening purposes.

DIY Images and original tutorial by Brittany Dawn.

How To Age Metal To Look Old

Follow along with this simple DIY project to create an aged galvanized container for your space!

Tools and Supplies

• Galvanized Metal Container
• Muriatic Acid
• Black Spray Paint
• Gunmetal or Grey Spray Paint
• High Quality Mask
• Thick Acid Proof Gloves
• Clothes

Step by Step Tutorial

1. Make sure you wear a proper industrial mask and some lined plastic gloves that can handle being exposed to acid. Also do not attempt this project indoors!
2. Take Muriatic Acid and either add it to a spray bottle or dump it directly onto the galvanized metal. It will eat away at the shiny coating very fast.

This will work fast so be careful not to over apply or leave too long. It will corrode fast. If you go too far through the layers of coating then this will cause rusting., which may be okay depending on your project. 

3. Use a rag to wipe around the Muriatic Acid. You will see the metal losing its shine quite quickly. 
4. Use a combination of black and grey spray paints. Lightly spray the container from approximately 18 inches away so that you are only lightly applying colour to the galvanized metal container. 

You do not need to cover the entire container. The spray paints just add to the depth and variation of the colours.

5. You can either be done at this point or you can go over the container again with a bit more muriatic acid. If you got too much paint in areas then you can remove it with the Muriatic Acid as well. 
6. Clean the container with mild soap and water to stop the acid from reacting.

If you love the vintage look but not the price tag, check out how you can age your very own terra cotta flower pots!

Before…

After!

Antiquing Metal Tips And Tricks

• Make sure you are wearing the proper PPE equipment for handling Muriatic Acid. It is highly corrosive. (You can find Muriatic Acid at Home Hardware Stores)
• Don’t be afraid of having it not turn out. Authentic metal containers have tones of imperfections. 
• Does your container need to hold water? If it does then don’t apply as much Muriatic Acid because when you remove all of the layers of coating the container will rust within a few hours.

Using a Patina Kit

Another way I have aged my galvanized planters in the past is by using a rust or patina kit! This kit works by oxidizing the metal and changing the tone to rust, green or blue! I love to use this process when I am antiquing smaller containers or looking for a quick and easy solution! Here is how my pots turned out after using the patina kit.

This kit has three different patina color shades. I love the look of the rust for my flower pots and planters.

More Ways To Make Metal Look Aged

There are a few more ways to age metal. If you want to make galvanized metal look old and rusty without using muriatic acid or a patina kit, there are a few other methods you can try:

Vinegar and Salt

Mix equal parts of vinegar and salt in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the galvanized metal. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then rinse it off with water. This will create a rust-like effect on the surface of the metal.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Salt

Mix 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of salt in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the galvanized metal. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then rinse it off with water. This will create a rust-like effect on the surface of the metal.

Paint and Sandpaper

Paint the galvanized metal with a coat of dark-colored paint, such as black or brown. Once the paint is dry, use sandpaper to scuff up the surface of the metal in areas where rust would naturally form. This will create a weathered, rusty look.
It’s important to note that these methods may not produce the same effect as actual rust, and they may also damage the protective zinc coating on the galvanized metal. Use these methods at your own risk and discretion.

Now that your galvanized planter is aged to perfection, you are all ready to fill it with plenty of little green plants. If your try this DIY, make sure to rate it and leave me a message in the comments about your project. You can also always find me over on Instagram too. 

Shop Metal Containers To Age

More DIY Projects

• How to Age Terra Cotta Pots
• 6 Steps How to Refinish Wooden Furniture to a Raw Wood or Natural Wood Finish
• How To Build An Outdoor Wood Fireplace 

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