Corten steel is widely recognised as an excellent choice for signage thanks to its unique combination of strength, durability, and visual appeal. Unlike standard steels, corten is designed to form a protective surface layer when exposed to the elements. This patina develops naturally over time, shielding the material from further corrosion while creating a distinctive look. For signage, this means long-lasting resilience without the need for extensive maintenance.

From a practical standpoint, corten steel can withstand a variety of environmental conditions, making it a suitable choice for both indoor and outdoor settings. It is resistant to extreme weather, retains structural integrity for many years, and requires little intervention. Its durability makes it a reliable material for businesses, organisations, and private properties looking to invest in signage that will endure.

Beyond its practical qualities, corten steel also adds character and warmth to a space. Its earthy tones and evolving surface create a sense of depth and individuality, meaning no two signs will ever look identical. This makes corten a particularly attractive option for those seeking a sign that blends modern engineering with a natural aesthetic.

The material also conveys a sense of permanence and stability, qualities that are often desirable in commercial, retail, and hospitality environments. Whether it is used for a business entrance, directional signage, or decorative branding, corten steel stands out without appearing overbearing. Its warm, rusted hues contrast effectively with other design materials such as glass, timber, or stone, ensuring it integrates perfectly into both contemporary and traditional surroundings.

In short, corten steel is more than just a functional signage material. It is a design choice that reflects reliability, individuality, and style, offering a timeless solution that grows more visually interesting as it ages. For clients who value durability alongside aesthetic richness, corten steel is undoubtedly a strong option.

In this image: Rusted Corten steel cladding and signage panels installed within the lift lobby at the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool. The large illuminated number ‘1’ and directional signage were precision laser cut and finished with a controlled rust patina, then sealed for long-term durability. This project, completed with Artworks Solutions, demonstrates how Corten steel can be integrated into commercial interiors to create a bold, industrial aesthetic.

Read the full case study on the use of rusted Corten steel at the Royal Liver Building for more details.

We are specialists in crafting rusted Corten steel signs, with the installation at Farncombe Estate serving as a strong example of our work. This particular sign features the inscription “Farncombe Estate” and has been expertly weathered to achieve a deep, characterful patina. The naturally developed rusted finish allows the sign to sit harmoniously within its surroundings, blending effortlessly with the estate’s greenery and traditional stonework. The rich, earthy tones of the Corten steel not only provide a striking contrast against the lush landscape but also add a sense of permanence and maturity to the space. Every element, from the choice of material to the weathering technique, has been carefully considered to ensure the sign will continue to develop beautifully over time. This installation highlights our skill in producing durable, visually striking signage solutions that enhance outdoor environments while offering long-term resilience and minimal maintenance.

At Metal Sheets Ltd, we design and manufacture custom Corten steel signs for commercial, residential, and architectural projects across the UK. Every sign is laser cut, fabricated, and patinated in-house, ensuring consistent quality, accurate detailing, and a rusted finish tailored to your preferred tone — from bright orange to deep, aged brown.

Whether you need estate signage, business branding, directional panels, house numbers, or decorative feature pieces, our team produce Corten steel signs that are durable, weather-resistant, and visually striking. Each project is made to order, giving you complete flexibility over size, thickness, lettering style, and finish.

Image: Rusted Corten steel sign for Foley House, produced with laser-cut lettering and a controlled pre-weathered patina in our Liverpool workshop.

Direction Signage in Corten Steel – Laser Cut Panels
Bespoke Corten steel directional signage featuring precision laser-cut lettering and symbols. These durable, weathered panels are designed for Limeyard and include clearly marked delivery and service directions. The rusted patina gives a natural industrial look that blends seamlessly with modern architecture.

Laser Cut Corten Steel Sign – ‘Sunlight Forest’ Logo for Customer-Finished Rusting
Bespoke laser-cut sign in Corten steel, designed for the client to allow natural rusting over time. Featuring the ‘Sunlight Forest’ logo with clean cut-out detailing, this untreated sign will weather naturally to form a rich patina, creating an earthy, characterful finish. Supplied in raw Corten for exterior or rustic branding applications.

Rusted & Unrusted Corten Steel Numbers – Custom Cut Signage
A side-by-side comparison of laser-cut Corten steel numbers in both rusted and unrusted states. The darker number shows Corten in its pre-weathered condition, which will naturally develop a rich, protective patina when exposed to the elements. The rusted number demonstrates the final weathered appearance. These large format “44” numerals are ideal for house numbers, commercial units, or architectural signage where a raw industrial finish is desired.

Corrugated rusted corten steel signage combines the distinctive weathered patina of corten with the texture and dimensionality of corrugated metal. The rusted finish provides the same protective qualities and earthy tones as standard corten, while the corrugated surface adds depth, movement, and shadow, creating a striking visual effect.

This combination of patina and form makes corrugated corten signage particularly suited to design schemes where industrial or architectural themes are emphasised. The texture enhances visual interest, making signs more prominent and eye-catching, whether installed indoors or outdoors. In commercial applications, such as bars, breweries, or creative studios, it can project an image of strength, originality, and bold design choice.

From an interior design perspective, corrugated rusted corten signage introduces a tactile element that contrasts effectively with smooth materials like glass or polished concrete. The shadows cast by the corrugation give the sign a sense of depth and dynamism, while the rusted hues add warmth and authenticity. Outdoors, corrugated corten maintains durability and resilience, continuing to protect itself against weathering while evolving aesthetically over time.

Overall, corrugated rusted corten steel signage is both practical and expressive, combining the enduring qualities of corten with the architectural impact of corrugated metal. It is a versatile option for businesses or individuals looking for signage that is as much a design feature as it is a functional element.

Rustic black corten steel signage offers an alternative finish to the traditional rusted appearance. This antique-style patina develops through specialised treatments that darken the steel, producing deep charcoal and blackened tones with subtle variations in texture. The effect is sophisticated, understated, and versatile, providing a different kind of character to standard rusted corten.

The rustic black patina is particularly effective in interior design, where its darkened hues create ambience and refinement. It works well in modern and minimalist spaces, offering a sleek alternative to brighter metals while still providing texture and individuality. For hospitality venues or high-end retail environments, rustic black corten signage can project a sense of elegance and exclusivity.

From a practical point of view, rustic black corten shares the same durability and protective qualities as traditional corten steel. The surface patina safeguards the material from corrosion while ensuring a long lifespan, making it a reliable option for both indoor and outdoor use. Its darker tones also provide excellent contrast for engraved or cut lettering, enhancing legibility and visual impact.

This style of signage is well suited to settings that call for a more refined or dramatic atmosphere. Whether paired with natural timber, exposed brick, or polished stone, rustic black corten steel signage integrates well into diverse design schemes while maintaining its distinctive identity. For those seeking a signage solution that is durable, characterful, and subtly striking, rustic black corten is an excellent choice.

Metal Sheets had the privilege of supporting Millmead Optical Group and acclaimed designer Yair Neuman in the creation of a striking Corten steel sculpture entitled Heavy Light, exhibited at the Open Eye Gallery. The artwork was formed from a hollow column constructed using precision-fabricated 2mm thick Corten steel, which was securely welded to a plinth also made from Corten steel for stability and cohesion. Following fabrication, the sculpture underwent a controlled rusting process to achieve a consistent patina, after which it was carefully clear lacquered to preserve the desired finish while protecting the surface from further weathering. This project highlights not only our technical abilities in working with Corten steel but also our commitment to supporting artists and designers in realising their creative visions with artisanship and attention to detail.

Metal Sheets Ltd supplied the rusted Corten steel sheet metal used to create this impressive wall art feature. The sheet was carefully weathered to develop the distinctive, textured patina that Corten steel is known for, introducing a natural and rustic character to the installation. The rich tones and organic surface patterns of the material allow the Corten wall art to blend with its surroundings, whether in an outdoor landscape or an architectural setting. This project demonstrates how Corten wall art can add both visual interest and structural strength to creative designs. Its inherent durability and evolving appearance make it a superb choice for installations that seek to bridge traditional engineering with modern aesthetics, providing a timeless quality that continues to develop with age.

If you have a project in mind and would like to discuss your requirements, we would be pleased to hear from you. Whether you’re at the early planning stage or have detailed specifications ready, our team is available to offer advice and provide guidance on how we can help bring your ideas to life. You can contact us directly by sending an email to sales@metalsheets.co.uk, or you can give us a call on 0151 526 4777 to speak with a member of our team. Alternatively, you are welcome to fill out the contact form on our website, and we will respond promptly to your enquiry.

We are committed to delivering a professional, helpful service and look forward to working with you on your Corten steel signs or wider metal signage projects, including stainless steel signage.

If you already know what you need, you can also shop for sheet metals online safely and securely through our website, where you can purchase a wide range of sheet metals directly with ease and confidence.

Q: How long does Corten steel take to rust?
A: Outdoors, Corten steel begins forming its protective rusted patina within a few weeks, reaching a mature finish within 3–12 months depending on weather exposure. For projects needing an immediate weathered appearance, we pre-rust the steel in our patina studio.

Q: Will a Corten steel sign stain walls or paving?
A: In the early rusting stages, Corten can produce light run-off if rainwater flows over the surface. This stops once the patina stabilises. For indoor use or locations where staining must be avoided, we can apply a clear lacquer or wax coating to seal the surface.

Q: Can you supply Corten signs pre-rusted?
A: Yes. We pre-weather Corten steel in-house, carefully accelerating and controlling the rusting process to create consistent tones from bright orange to deep aged brown. This means your sign arrives with a fully developed, even patina that’s ready to install immediately.

Q: Do Corten steel signs need maintenance?
A: Very little. Outdoors, Corten naturally protects itself and requires no paint or ongoing treatment. Indoors, we recommend sealing the sign with wax or clear lacquer. This prevents rust “rub-off” onto clothing or hands and keeps the surface clean and easy to handle.

Q: Can Corten signs be laser cut or engraved?
A: Absolutely. We produce laser-cut lettering, logos, decorative panels, and CNC-engraved Corten plaques. All signs are manufactured using advanced CAD and CNC equipment for precise, clean edges.

Q: Are Corten steel signs suitable for indoor use?
A: Yes — Corten steel works extremely well indoors when sealed with wax or lacquer. The coating stabilises the patina, prevents rust transfer onto clothes or hands, and keeps the colour consistent over time.

Q: Can you fabricate large freestanding Corten signs?
A: Yes. We regularly manufacture estate signs, entrance markers, and large-format Corten panels with folded bases or welded supports for stability.

Image: Laser-cut Corten steel signage supplied in its raw, unrusted state. This finish can be left to weather naturally or sealed for indoor use to prevent rust transfer.