How can I speed up rust process

[Russ59]

I don't know if speeding up rusting can be done or whether its just a matter of leaving the item out side to weather naturally.
I have been given a WW2 German helmet, I know don't laugh but I've always wanted one but won't pay top notch money for a original good condition one.
The one I have been given is just the shell but has lost all its paint and is solid but rusty but in displayable condition, for me anyway.
So what I have done is bought some repro bits to finish it off, chin strap which is new but has been weathered and does look old, new headlining which I will weather and new rivets to hold the headlining in but will show on the outside so its these I want to rust up as much as possible.
I can remove them all again if I want to sell the original shell.
So if anyone knows a way of speeding rust, let me know.

Russ

 

[Sim_Simma]

Salt water is what I've heard. Can't help any more sorry!

 

[-Tom-]

If you have a utility room with a condensing dryer in there ... Then there. Knackered the new drive train on my mountain bike a treat, just after it was serviced.

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[Sim_Simma]

Bet your lass sabotaged it for leaving the bike in the house :lol:

 

[Jaw]

acid and copper helps..

hydrochloric acid, disolve a bit of copper in it for about 6 days, dilute with water, spray on and some rust will start to appear within a few hours. repeat.

or peroxide and salt works too apparantly.. A few people I know used it to get the rat look a vw golf

 

[dbarton62]

If you can find muriatic acid it works a treat and quickly.

 

[-Tom-]

Bet your lass sabotaged it for leaving the bike in the house :lol:

Most likely! As she curses it "when she's sorting the washing" hahaha.

But yes I guess most acids, diluted would do the job.

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[jimmybell]

Out of interest - where will you be wearing this?!

 

[Russ59]

Out of interest - where will you be wearing this?!

Not wearing just my personal display.

 

[Oakandacorns]

I think you need to be careful with hydrochloric acid by the way, or any type of acid, as a non-lab professional etc, you need to be cautious okay? Interesting thread though. Hm.. can you buy brown rivets?!

Edit: this might be way out but what about soaking the rivets in wheel alloy cleaner?? See if they can get stripped.

 

[DR-Z]

salt and vinegar.