If you’ve been searching for the perfect rustic look, weathered steel will take your expectations to a new level. Truten A606 is a finish that will be completely unique to every project, every time.
How Does Weathering Steel Work?
Weathering steel, or Truten A606, is a finish that creates an unbelievable, one-of-a-kind look. As the finish is exposed to different types of weather and precipitation, it begins to rust into a gorgeous, rustic look over time.
The finish begins with a top coat made of copper, phosphorus, and silicon. It forms a textured oxide surface film on the panel and as time passes, and the panel is exposed to the different weather elements like rain or snow, it begins rusting into a unique color.
Weathering steel is extremely resistant to corrosion caused by weather and other atmospheric conditions. Once the top coating is gone, the steel ionizes, which makes it so the steel does not continue to rust and you won’t have to worry about the panel being rusted all the way through. The base layer of steel will last just as long as other finishes — so you can expect your roof or siding to last between 40 and 70 years.
Weathered steel finishes outperform many carbon steels that display a coarse, flaky oxide. This finish is becoming more and more popular for homeowners, builders, and commercial property owners because each panel rusts into its own one-of-a-kind color and look.
Depending on the area and climate you live in, the panels will weather differently. Some may take slightly longer to weather and some could potentially be slightly different colors. That’s the beauty of weathering steel — it’s completely unique to you.
What Does Weathering Steel Look Like?
Weathering steel creates a rusted, unique look that is perfect for those aiming to achieve many different styles, including traditional and modern.
As you can see, each example of weathering steel looks slightly different from one another. The unique rusting process that weathered steel undergoes creates a look that is unmatched and can never be replicated.
FAQs About Weathering Steel
1. How thick is weathering steel?
Weathering steel is available in 22 gauge.
2. What panel types are available in the finish?
The weathered steel finish is available on the following types of metal panels:
- 1”, 1.5”, & 2” Mechanical Lock
- 1”, 1.5”, & 1.75” Tru Snap
- Ultra Batten
- Snap Batten
- ⅞” Corrugated
- ½” Corrugated
- ¼” Corrugated
3. Will the rust stain the surrounding areas?
Yes. As the steel rusts, it will run and potentially stain any other materials around it.
4. Does weathering steel come pre-rusted?
No. You will receive the panels with top coat completely intact. As the panels are exposed to the weather over time, they will then begin to rust. It’s a process that takes a little time, but is worth it.
5. Can we weather the panels ourselves?
Yes, any moisture added to the panel will help it weather faster. You can use a mixture of detergent (like dish soap) and water solution to start the process. Basically any added moisture or water will speed up the weathering process by removing the oil coating. If you’re aiming for the weathered steel look on an interior project, you will need to rust the panels yourself (since they won’t be outside in any type of environment).