When you want a rustic and charming indoor or outdoor space, Corten Steel planters are a great choice. Whether you use them to grow flowers, vegetables, herbs, a decorative element, or something else, there’s something almost magical about watching the rusting process of these planters. It’s a world where the passage of time doesn’t diminish beauty. It enhances it.
Discover the unique charm of rusting Corten Steel planters, a choice that marries durability with evolving aesthetics. Perfect for gardeners, landscape designers, architecture firms, and homeowners seeking an exclusive touch to their outdoor spaces. Shop for your weathering steel planters today.
Corten Steel, also known as weathering steel, transforms from its original state of a gray metal color to a beautiful orange-brown color. This process takes place over about three to 12 months, depending on how much the steel is exposed to the elements. While you may think of steel rusting as negative, the rust on the Corten Steel actually makes it more durable. This patina is stable, unlike layers of rust on standard steel. This patina acts as a barrier against water, humidity, oxygen, and pollutants.
Your new Corten Steel Planter arrives with a sleek, metallic finish, poised to begin its transformation. You can add in your favorite gardening soil and start planting, or begin the manual rusting process as outlined below.
Witness the initial stages of the rusting process, where the planter starts to showcase its rugged charm. You’ll see different parts of your planter rust into unique patterns as the whole patina slowly takes shape.
After about a year, your planter will have a full, deep rust finish that gives it a timeless, earthy look. It will be protected and blend perfectly with the natural elements of your outdoor space for years to come.
Rusting Corten Steel is not just about waiting. It’s about witnessing a natural art form right in your garden. With our planters, the weathering process is a visual spectacle, evolving with time to unveil a stunning, rich patina that stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of nature. Shop today for the Corten Steel planters of your dreams, and watch the transformation happen in your own or your client’s garden.
For those eager to fast-track the weathering process, we have a simple, do-it-yourself solution. Here’s how to rust Corten Steel manually at home:
Place your planter where it can safely begin its transformation. You should be careful to place it away from pavement or stone, as these materials could experience rust stains from this process.
Next, you need to mix the ingredients that will begin the Corten Steel weathering process. Combine 32 oz. hydrogen peroxide, 4 oz. white vinegar, and 1 tsp. salt in a spray bottle.* Shake the mixture well.
Apply the mixture evenly across the surface of the entire planter. You’ll want to repeat this process several times a day, for 3-5 days, until desired rust color is achieved.
Once you’ve achieved your desired rust color, all that’s left is to rinse off your planter with a hose and prepare for planting!
*CAUTION: Handle the mixture with care, using safety gloves and glasses to avoid irritation, as this acidic mixture can irritate the skin and eyes. Do not swallow and keep away from children and pets. PlanterCraft does not take responsibility for any damage or harm to humans or animals as a result of using this solution.
Elevate your outdoor spaces with Corten Steel planters that promise durability, elegance, and a unique aesthetic evolution. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a creative landscape designer, an architecture firm, or a homeowner with an eye for exceptional design, these planters are designed to inspire. Shop for Corten Steel planters today and start your journey towards creating a landscape that grows more beautiful with time.
While rusting Corten Steel is beautiful to the eye, many homeowners and landscape designers have questions about its use and practicality. Check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions here.
Naturally, the rust forms on Corten Steel planter over 3-12 months, depending on how often it is exposed to weather, climate, and other environmental factors.
Yes, during the rusting process, it's normal for runoff to stain nearby surfaces. We recommend washing affected areas 1-2 times a month with a chemical rust remover for concrete. The runoff will end once the Corten Steel weathering process has finished and your planter or edging is fully rusted.
The final rust color can vary based on several factors, such as rain, water frequency, sun exposure, and humidity. While manually rushed rust shades might initially differ slightly, your rusting Corten Steel planter will develop its intended beautiful rust color over time.
