M - Rust Effect: Once Unwanted, Now a Welcome Element in Creative Work

Lately, especially with the growing popularity of the decoupage technique, our love of the past has reemerged. As a result, objects that look as if they came from long ago, covered with a layer of patina that evokes a family heirloom from Grandma, are valued and very popular.

With this trend, rust is also coming to the fore as a symbol of the past. Just as we found a way to add patina to new objects, we’ve also found a method for making objects look as if they’re covered in rust, without the unpleasant aspects, such as the smell.

If you take a closer look at rust and forget about its negative effects for a moment, you’ll see that the shades it creates are among the most beautiful in nature, and rust-effect products imitate nature very well.

Pentart, an excellent manufacturer of hobby supplies, has made sure you can choose from products that you can apply to create a rust effect on the surface of objects. They include: Liquid Rust, Rust Effect Powder, Rust Effect Activators, and even Acrylic Paints with this effect. The choice is yours, but don’t worry, they’re surprisingly easy to use.

Liquid Rust

Liquid Rust comes in a 20 ml bottle with a dropper applicator at the top, making it easy to use. Painters often use it because it’s ideal for canvas, especially contemporary artists who create collages on canvas using metal objects such as electrical wires or cans.

To create the effect of objects covered in rust on a canvas (or any other surface), first use a wide brush to apply a light acrylic paint or even white acrylic paint over gesso, then add the objects you want to rust to the surface.

Drip liquid rust onto them and watch the effect develop. The surface should be raised and almost vertical so the rust covers the entire object and the area around it. After 24 hours, the surface will be completely dry.

Rust Effect Powder

You can use rust effect powder with any product that has a paste-like texture, or with reactives. Mix the powder with the paste in equal parts. The mixture does not need to be homogeneous. You can mix the two in a bowl or directly on the surface you are working on.

Once they are thoroughly mixed, spread them evenly over the entire surface with a palette knife. For a stronger effect, add more powder to the mixture you have already spread and press it gently into the surface with a palette knife or your fingers. This creates the rust effect. To add more shades and make it look as natural as possible, use the reactives. They also have an applicator at the top for easy use.

Drip the desired amount onto different areas of the surface you are working on. The activators come in a set of 3, and each creates a different shade, so it is best to apply all three and gently press them into the surface with a paintbrush until they reach the desired color. Keep in mind that the color of the paste you first mixed with the powder will also affect the final shade.

Rust Effect Acrylic Paints

Rust effect acrylic paints are probably the easiest to use, and the effect is just as good as with the other products. Apply these paints to the surface as usual, with a brush or sponge. For a more realistic effect, we recommend using all the shades one after another, from lightest to darkest. Finish by adding the 3D powder included in the paint set to make the surface stand out.

You can apply all these products to both small and large surfaces. It is also good to know that you can add the powder and reactives to a surface coated with decoupage glue, in which case you will not need paste or gesso. You can create striking combinations with napkins or stencils to decorate the surface. The result will look so authentic that no one will believe you made the object today.