Can I treat the surface of weather resistant steels to hasten the weathering process, and how do I maintain the surface colour?
Weather resistant steels age by a wet-dry process. BlueScope Steel does not recommend applying chemicals to hasten this process and application of acid may pit the steel. During weathering, the steel initially goes orange, followed by brown, darker brown, and then to a dark purple. To maintain the orange colour, a clear lacquer can be applied but this coating must be maintained.
