weathering aluminum metal roof

[Bill Gill]

This was an experiment I tried several years ago to lightly oxidize a standing seam metal roof (aluminum) on a general store model. I liked the results:


I didn't have ferric chloride, and I didn't particularly want to try it as it can very quickly etch the aluminum way beyond what I wanted.

I tried ordinary chlorine bleach to see if it might do anything. It did, and if the thin aluminum was left in the slightly diluted solution too long , it did etch holes through the metal.

I think I left the pieces in the bleach for about an hour and then rinsed them in plain water and changed the water several times to make sure the etching had completely stopped.
I liked the results, not corroded or heavily rusted, but just lost its shine and showing  mild corrosion if you look closely.

[lab-dad]

Thanks Bill!
Couldn't figure out how to reply directly.
This works.
Wish I knew about this 2 weeks ago.
Mj

[Bernhard]

That looks very realistic, and doesn't seem to take much effort.

Bernhard

[Bill Gill]

Marty, maybe you can try this technique on some future roof.

Bernhard, It is simple, but experiment a little before jumping in with both feet because the aluminum can react differently and the amount of dilution changes the rate of "weathering". It may not look like much is happening for a while, but if left too long, the bleach can eat through thin foil.

[lab-dad]

Oh Bill.
Yes!
I have a couple more roofs to do.
MJinTN