What are ways to distress my plate armor?
The distressing of plate armor to make it look worn can be done with two relatively simple processes. Firstly, it needs to be dented and scratched a bit. The second step is adding rust.
Dents and scratches
Creating dents and scratches is not difficult to do. Take some tools, such as a axe, hammer, or metal file and a block to place the armor on, like a large stone or a wooden block. It is important that the part of the armor you are going to hit is supported by the block, so you don't bend or break the armor out of shape too much. When you hit the supported part of the armor with a axe or hammer, you make a dent that resembles the dent the armor would receive in battle. You can use the edge of the metal file to make scratches on the steel.
Adding rust
Adding rust to steel armor can be done in two ways.
The simplest way is to leave the armor in the rain for a while and let it dry without wiping off the water. You can also bury the armor in wet soil for some time. The steel will rust, giving it an aged appearance. After the steel has rusted, you can remove some of it again with some steel wool or very fine black sandpaper.
Another method to age steel is by using vinegar and salt.
Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and a generous amount of salt. Spray the mixture on the steel object and let it sit for a few days. The more vinegar and salt solution you use and the longer you let it sit, the greater the effect. If you want a slower process for more control over the effect, you can dilute the solution with water. You can neutralize the rusting process with a solution of baking soda and water. As with the first method, you can remove some of the rust with steel wool or very fine black sandpaper.
Watch this video for more detailed instructions on how to distress your plate armor.
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