Dipping Metal in my Vat

Q: I have come across some pieces of scrap metal that I would like to try to wrap my fabric around to see what kinds of patterns it might make when dipped in my indigo vat.  Will the metal affect my vat?  What if the metal has rust on it?

A: The metal will not affect the vat.  If the metal has rust on it, the rust may transfer onto the fabric and make orange/brown stains.  These stains can be removed with a simmer in citric acid.