Weathering Tips
Just regular tap water is perfect. We were spoiled over winter with lots of rainy days speeding up this process. In Spring, even dewy mornings will help kick-start the process. In the height of summer we tend to water twice a day - once in the morning and again at sunset.
We've noticed a big difference in the speed of weathering between our items that are flat vs standing up in our garden. If you notice pooling to one side, rotate the piece semi-regularly (weekly) for a more even finish.
A natural surface is best (wood or flat on the ground). Avoid plastic, as this can leave marks. Also avoid white surfaces in the short-term until the item is sealed & stop leaking rust.
Keep your sign out of direct sunlight, allow it to dry slowly
If the water sits on your sign a little longer before evaporating, it will speed up the process ever so slightly. This is why we recommend a sheltered spot out of direct sunlight. However, we understand this is not always possible.
Also note that metal in prolonged direct sunlight will get hot to touch - this is something to remember when deciding where to place your sign or ornament.
And if you're more of a hands-off person?