 ArtMetalsocial networking for the metal arts |
|
Uncertainty - detail Uncertainty
visitor -
Saturday, June 23, 2007 - 7:21am
Gossamer - Thank you for your comments! The metals that I have used in the base are 1/4 inch plate steel. I usually try and get the steel that does not have the gray, mill scale coating, as it accepts the finish much better. The uprights on the piece are steel I-Beams and the 3 circular tops are steel and concrete. What I have used on this piece to coat the steel is a mixture of linseed oil, mineral spirits and japan drier. I mix 1 part oil, 3 parts mineral spirits and just a dash of japan drier. It seems to work very good, but I occasionally go back over the piece again in about 5-6 months...only because it helps to maintain the rust as well as giving it a deeper and richer looking finish. I love your work
Paula -
Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 9:33am
Paul, Paula Uncertainty
visitor -
Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 3:03pm
Paula - Thank you so much. I hope that the info on the linseed oil was helpful. It is a great way to finish steel...it enriches the natural beauty of the metal itself and increases the color depth of the steel. All the Best, paul  Welcome Paul
SteelyJan -
Monday, June 25, 2007 - 6:10am
Welcome Paul, This is a beautiful and haunting piece. Thanks for the technical info. I want to do some outdoor pieces but really don't want to paint them so I will print out your info. Sorry Paul
SteelyJan -
Monday, June 25, 2007 - 6:34am
I didn't realise you have been part of this network for a while.... Anyway the important thing is ....great piece...and thanks for the info Janet R.  Uncertainty
paul b hill -
Monday, June 25, 2007 - 7:33am
Janet - Thank you for the compliments on my work...I'm glad you like the piece - it is the first in a series of 5 pieces that will be, more or less, a story telling of a life journey. Just now starting the second piece, which will be much more viewer interactive. Glad to share what I know...that's one of many of the great benefits from this fantastic web site...everyone is willing to help one another! All the best, Paul The great rust battle
PeterG -
Sunday, July 8, 2007 - 2:27am
Hi Paul. Great work!!! I usually work in steel and most of it ends up outside. I long ago gave up fighting the rust. None of the clearcoats on the market will stop the rust. My sealing recipie is similar to yours. I mix linseed oil and mineral terpintine in equalish volumes then add a splash of terebine which accelerates the drying time of the oil. The only reason I dilute the oil with turps is to thin it so I can spray it on to the sculpture. I inform my customers that they will have to reapply it every 6-12 months. Most of them dont mind as they like the natural look. The finish is a dark rusty lacquered look. Peter uncertainty
paul b hill -
Sunday, July 8, 2007 - 7:28am
Thanx Peter - Yep...I agree with you...It's generally going to rust anyway if it's going to be outdoors! i really like using the linseed oil and the appearance of the final finish on the steel. And I do the same thing that you do, in that I just re-coat the surfaces, but usually i thin the linseed oil out a good bit more as more coats are applied - it seems to keep the layered build-up to a minimum. Thanx again for your support! All the Best, Paul |
|
ArtMetal
materials
Hi Paul
What a beautiful piece!
I am a metal artist and usually work in steel but I've used it in a couple of outdoor applications and it failed due to rust (it was coloured with heat and sealed with an industrial clear coat). I certainly don't want to abandon working on outdoor pieces (and I'm not interested in powder coating finishes) so I am searching for new material and processes. I have abandoned the heat colouring due to its instability. I've moved on to patinas and dyes.
I wondered what materials (metals and coatings) you have used in "Uncertainty"