Modern sculptors employ ingenious methods to simulate centuries of weathering in new metal artworks. For iron and steel, accelerated rusting techniques involve applying acidic solutions or saltwater sprays to trigger oxidation, often enhanced by heating the metal to create textured corrosion. Bronze artists use chemical patinas—combinations of liver of sulfur, ferric nitrate, or cupric nitrate—to produce authentic-looking verdigris or weathered finishes through controlled reactions.

Mechanical distressing tools like sandblasters, chisels, and wire brushes create physical wear patterns mimicking natural erosion. Some artists bury metal pieces in compost or soil for months to achieve organic decay patterns through microbial action. Electrolytic processes using low-voltage electricity can precisely control rust formation, while newer techniques involve 3D-printed textures sealed under clear coatings for permanent "frozen decay" effects.

The most convincing results often combine multiple approaches—chemical treatments layered with manual texturing, followed by wax or lacquer sealing to stabilize the artificial aging. Master sculptors study real archaeological specimens to replicate authentic degradation patterns, creating contemporary pieces that whisper of imagined histories through their meticulously crafted surfaces.