How can I speed up RUSTING STEEL?

[samadams]

I want to make a sheet of 1/4" steel rust through completely in a short amount
of time (2-3 weeks).

What is the best way to accomplish this, if possible?

 

[Thrafgig]

add high heat and moisture. Simplest way to speed up oxidization.

 

[Borek]

Sprinkle it with salt solution.

 

[phinds]

high heat, salt, and coca cola for the moisture (there's probably some commercially available acid that will speed it up even more, although that might not count as rusting)

 

[samadams]

So a torch it, wet it with water, and/or salt and an acid, and repeat?

That will continue to oxidize and eat thru that much steel?

 

[rollcast]

You could use electrolysis to make the steel rust.

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andyspatch/rust.htm

Basically follow that but reverse the polarity of the electrodes.

 

[Borek]

I wonder what your plan is...

 

[Thrafgig]

whatever it is, if he can make watching metal rust interesting, he has succeeded

samadams, you might find this useful. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust"

 

[samadams]

I'm beginning to believe that deep rust can't happen overnight,
as I'm only seeing surface rust with the different things I've tried.

But a strong acid, like hydrochloric or sulfuric would eat thru the metal
rather quickly?