How to Age Tin Siding

New tin siding has a cold, industrial feel. Transform tin siding so it feels warm and rustic by imbuing it with a rust patina. A rust patina will give the tin the feeling that it has seen many seasons come and go. Real rust, however, can grow and eventually compromise the integrity of the siding. Give tin a patina rust that will not directly affect the tin itself by coating the surface with reactive metallic paint.

Laundry detergent
Mop
Garden hose
Acid-blocking metal primer
Paintbrushes, roller or sprayer
Iron paint
Rust activator
Sea sponge (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Make sure the tin siding is clean and free from contaminants. Clean the siding using a mop and a solution of hot water and laundry detergent. Rinse the tin with a hose then allow it to dry.
- 2
  Paint the tin siding with an acid-blocking metal primer. Apply the primer with a brush, roller or paint sprayer. Leave the primer to dry overnight.
- 3
  Coat the tin siding with iron paint. Iron paint contains metal particles that will support the rust patina. Allow the coat to dry for approximately half an hour then add a second coat. Allow the second coat to dry for approximately an hour.
- 4
  Treat the layer of iron paint with rust activator, applying a thin, mottled coating with a brush or sea sponge.

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