Curved Water Bowl - Corten Steel from Harrod Horticultural New

The Water Bowls are available in 60cm and 80cm Diameter and come with a welded base to keep the water bowl stable. The 60cm diameter has a 22.5cm ring base, 80cm diameter has a 25.5cm ring base. 

The Corten Steel develops a rich, rust patina over time. This rust layer acts as a barrier protecting the blue steel beneath making the steel extremely strong and durable. During the weathering process the water bowls may have some carbon or rust run off which can cause staining.

• Corten Water Bowls
• 5 Year Manufacturer's Guarantee
• Adds simple, stylish elegance to the garden
• 60cm Diameter x 12cm High - 22.5cm ring base 
• 80cm Diameter x 16.5cm High - 25.5cm ring base 
• Made from 3mm thick corten steel
• Weathers to develop a rich rust patina
• Rust layer protects blue steel beneath for great strength

Weathering New Corten Steel Products can take from 2 months to 2 years, depending on ambient conditions of where the corten is placed. Corten steel will produce a oxide run-off (rust, in a very fine particulate form) when weathering that will stain paved/stone/concrete (any porous surface). The run-off is perfectly normal and will decrease over time as the steel matures.

Water bowls - as they weather whilst containing water will get a residue in the water. This is the oxide run-off that is suspended in the water. You can refresh the water as required, with care where the old water is deposited as it will cause staining if poured on to a paved surface (as above).

If possible, we recommend weathering your water bowl on its side to weather ‘dry’, then applying a varnish, like ‘Owatrol Rust Oil’ to seal the steel from the water. This process will give the clearest water. Owatrol Oil is safe for birds and dogs - please allow 2 weeks to fully cure before allowing animals to use the bowl. We would also advise rinsing and drying before adding drinking water for the first time.

Do not scrub the inside of the water bowls ever as this will expose new steel and cause the water to be coloured by the oxide particulates, making it orange. Rinse off with a garden hose any excess residue when refreshing the water in the corten water bowl.

More information about Corten Steel:-

Corten Steel is a special steel originally developed for bridge building and skyscraper construction due to its incredible strength. When the steel weathers it develops a dense oxidisation layer which protects the blue steel inside. If this protective layer is compromised, it will simply form a a new skin to protect itself. This makes Corten Steel extremely durable and gives it far higher resistance to atmospheric corrosion than other steels.

When you first receive your Corten Steel products they will arrive in an un-weathered or partly weathered condition. Once placed outside the weathering process will begin. This can take some time; Corten Steel has a reactive patina period of between 3 and 9 months depending on location and climate. The patina or rust acts as a protective barrier - it will not penetrate or compromise the structural integrity of the material. The colouration of each item will vary as the weathering process takes place, eventually producing a rusty brown patina.

Stage 1 - Freshly manufactured Corten Steel. At this stage the dark oily residue coats the Corten Steel.

Stage 2 - The oily residue is beginning to break down, as the Corten Steel begins to weather.

Stage 3 & 4 - The “Run-Off” stage – This can take around 3-9 months depending on weather and positioning.

Stage 5 & 6 - The final stages of the weathering process. Some “Run-Off” may still occur as the Corten Steels patina develops to a striking more consistent appearance.

During the weathering process the Corten Steel produces carbon run off or staining to adjacent materials such as stone or concrete. To reduce this possible staining, some Corten Steel products are supplied with small feet or a stand, lifting the product and preventing direct contact with the flooring material. After the initial reactive period Corten Steel will cure and self-seal with little to no carbon run off. The weathering process of Corten Steel is integral to this product and as such we will not accept any responsibility for damage caused to surrounding materials as a result of carbon run off from Corten Steel products. Please ensure you do not place your product on any surface that may be damaged during the weathering process.