Corten steel is often referred to as Cor–Ten and broken down into two key elements. Cor refers to the corrosion resistance and Ten is for the Tensile strength. This is also known as “Atmospheric Corrosion Resistant” enabling the surface to “rust” whist maintaining its structural integrity. The surface rust (known as oxidation) can take up to six months to appear, however applying a vinegar-based solution can accelerate the oxidation to hours rather than months.
The rust that forms offers a protective barrier and prevents further rusting while giving a natural aged effect to any product it is used in (seating, Sculpture etc). Consideration needs to be taken where to locate the finished product as over a long period of time, weathering can make the colour run.
