Rusted Steel

A seamless metal texture with a rusted steel surface. The image represents a physical area of 1024 x 2115 mm (40.3 x 83.3 inches) in total.

Steel is an Iron-carbon alloy with excellent fracture resistance and tensile strength. Due to the ease of manufacture, wide availability of basic raw materials and low manufacturing cost, steel is the most commonly used material in the modern era for the construction of buildings, road, rail and other civic infrastructure projects such as electricity pylons or lampposts; trains, boats, machinery, weapons, domestic and commercial tools, electronics and in the armament and defence industries for armour, military vehicles and weapons. This steel texture is partially rusted, with areas of small blemishes to larger areas of corrosion, creating a grunge-like effect through the scarification of the alloy. This occurs when the steel is not treated to protect from corrosion and is exposed to oxygen in air or water, the surface begins to rust when the chemicals in the alloy react negatively due to a loss of electrons in a process known as oxidisation. Sodium accelerates this process, be it through contact with salt water, or salt used to grit roads in cold, icy climates. Steels with lower carbon content, such as mild steel, are more susceptible. Including chrome (stainless steel), Aluminium-silicon alloy or Zinc (galvanised steel) coatings help to protect from corrosion. With appropriate care and quick action, the rust can be removed and is normally only superficial, meaning once the rust is removed and the steel adequately protected, the layer beneath that which is damaged is not affected. The colours, staining, blotches and patches of rust are natural in colour, with hues of rusty orange, silver grey, and burnt reds, which can form an attractive, varied and dynamic finish for building facades, cladding, and decorative landscape pieces; to create a rustic, worn aesthetic; or to replicate abandoned or dilapidated structures and spaces. The etching, scratches, blotches, stains and roughness can evoke an industrial, informal vibe highly sought after in residential, office, civic, and commercial buildings alike.

This image is seamless, meaning it can be tiled repeatedly for use in architectural drawings and 3D models. It can be used as a SketchUp texture, Revit material or imported into Photoshop for use in 2D illustrations. You can download a high resolution version of this texture and a matching bump map or CAD hatch (compatible with AutoCAD and Revit) using Architextures Create with a Pro Subscription.