How to Make Metal Rust With Potatoes
I've been working on a project that required me to make some nails and hardware rusty. I wanted to go the easiest route (of course) so I tried the vinegar and salt method which I had used before, but it just wasn't happening fast enough, meanwhile, my husband was chopping potatoes for stew: lightbulb!
The metal started to turn dark immediately and after soaking for about an hour, I took them out and rust began to form.
The metal started to turn dark immediately and after soaking for about an hour, I took them out and rust began to form.
I let the potatoes oxidize for a while, then dropped them in a vinegar salt mixture.
I used standard nails - not zinc or galvanized
The rust really begins to form once exposed to air.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
Join the conversation
5 of 28 comments
-
fresh apples will rust things fast too i learned this from expressing juice to make hard cider..... anything metal will rust in about two days
-
@Rainy Odessy I had no idea that apples would work too. I will be trying your method. Thanks so much for sharing and I'm sorry for the delayed reply~ Amy
-
-
I understand Coke does, too. Never have tried it.
- See 1 previous
-
Coke removes rust, given enough time. It will also completely dissolve a tooth. (See the Mythbusters tv show.)
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?