Can I make galvanized steel look old and worn?

Question

I just bought this Hyllis shelf unit from Ikea, and I want to make the metal look old-ish. 
 I have read that if you soak zink/galvanized metal in vinegar, it will get that old look. But I can't just as easily soak a whole shelf unit in vinegar, now can I? Does anyone have any clever tips on how to make new, shiny metal look old?

Robin Robinson · Answer

Following, because I've heard you can't age galvanized, and I would love to hear otherwise.

Elizabeth · Answer

I would also like to know about this. Following.

Elizabeth · Answer

So I JUST found this. It might not be what you are looking for but it is an option. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/faux-aged-steel-ikea-cabinet-inspired-by-restoration-hardware-608753

Tone · Answer

Now I found this: http://www.stonegableblog.com/how-to-age-galvanized-metal/ But not sure if it is ideal for a whole shelving...

Tone · Answer

and here http://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/planters/aging-galvanized-metal-477723

William Tillis · Answer

My dad was a building contractor and when I worked with him in the summers, I remember seeing the painters wash the galvanized drip strip on the edge of the roof. They would then rinse it with vinegar before painting.My dad explained that any grease, even finger grease will prevent a good bond. The vinegar rinse was to rid the metal of any zinc oxide that may have formed by being exposed to the weather.I have followed that formula myself and so far haven't had any paint peel.What ever is on the surface is what you are bonding to,if it isn't bonded well, your finish won't be either. If I was going to attempt to age the finish, I would buy some crinkle finish paint. A long time age the adding machines all had this finish. When the crinkle is dry, a contrasting color could be wiped on so that the high points get painted. It is kind of an antique finish.This is my best guess since I can't see the picture of what you want ,that is in your mind.

Cynthia - Clockworkinteriors · Answer

I've read that you can 'paint' on Lysol Toiled Bowl cleaner of all things! I've just bought some and will be trying it on some Ikea cheap pots first. I'll def post if all goes well!

Colleen · Answer

I aged a galvanized metal bucket by spritzing it with vinegar and rubbing it down with steel wool (didn't want to mess with toilet bowl cleaner) ..I was following this tutorial to start with - http://www.itsallconnected.ca/2011/10/all-that-glitters-is-not-gold-wm.html. You could just apply the vinegar alone because If you let it sit in contact with the metal long enough, it will age it, but I found that just the vinegar was not giving me enough of the distressed look I wanted. The steel wool helped greatly and sped things up as well. I repeated the process a few times, letting the bucket sit for about 30 minutes in between treatments.You could give that a try, as even though your piece is large, it doesn't have a huge surface area....I found only minimal elbow grease was required.

Can I make galvanized steel look old and worn?

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Can I make galvanized steel look old and worn?

Faux Aged Steel Ikea Cabinet Inspired By Restoration Hardware

Aging Galvanized Metal

Suggested Project Book