Thanks to its characteristic patina, Corten steel changes its external colours and structures again and again and is therefore increasingly used as a decorative metal element.

OD-CUBE processes the structural steel in a bright-rolled condition. The objects are usually only slightly rusty at the time of delivery.

Patina: A prerequisite for the formation of a good barrier layer is the alternation between dry and humid weather. The optical formation of the surface begins after two to three weeks. If the surface is not exposed to changing weather conditions, there is no formation of the „living“patina.
Depending on the weather conditions, this process is usually completed after two to three years.

Acceleration: OD-CUBE starts russeting immediately after shaping with our special process. This „artificial weathering“begins within a few hours before it is continued in the customer‘s garden or living area. The more light and weather (heat, cold, sunshine) act on the objects used, the quicker the typical Corten surface structure will take shape.

Missing air (e.g. airtight packaging) can turn a still young surface black, although a first layer of stainless steel is already present.
Protective films applied directly to the surface should not interrupt the missing air supply for too long. There is no need to worry, however. The rust-coloured surface will usually  reappear automatically under natural weathering after a few days. If it is cold and too humid, a darker surface colour can be produced. Different colours become more and more similar as the weathering progresses.