When to Choose Raw Steel

Raw steel means uncoated "mild" or "carbon" steel, which will rust over time. If it rusts, why do we sell it?! Find out in this guide.

Natural Property of Steel

Rusting is a natural property of all steels, unless they are specific stainless grades or are treated, painted or coater in another way.

Why Choose Raw Steel?

Rusted / Rustic Look

Some people want a rusted look. To achieve this you should:

• Buy raw steel legs

• Remove the protective oil using a degreaser

• Leave outside or in a humid area. You can accelerate the process using an acid such as citric acid or lemon juice.

• One the desired level of rusting has been achieved, we suggest "locking" it off with Owatrol Oil Paint Conditioner. This product can be applied neat, allowing a few days to fully dry.

Paint or Finish Yourself

If you plan to paint or finish the legs yourself, then buying raw steel will get you off to a great start.

pageHow to Paint Over Raw Steel or PaintpageSelf Finishing Options For Raw Steel

How Long Does Raw Steel Take to Rust?

Indoors

Raw steel legs will eventually rust indoors due to natural moisture in the air. The rate at which they will rust depends entirely on this - how humid or dry your particular home is. We have seen raw steel legs in our own homes last a few months without too much rust however we have also had reports of our customers legs rusting within a matter of weeks.

Raw steel legs can be upkept in the home by giving them a good scrub every now and again with some WD40 and a scouring pad.

Outdoors

If it rains your raw steel legs will rust within a matter of hours.