Faux Rust Technique Tutorial

Hello, everyone!

Branka here and today is my turn to bring you an Inspirational post. 

I like to use faux rust elements in my projects and there are so many tutorials out there about how to achieve the rust effect but the one I would like to share with you today is probably my favourite.  It's cheap, easy to do and quick technique with awesome results.

For this technique you would need:

- black gesso (black acrylic paint is optional)

I am using my Decoart media black gesso but you can use any brand you have

- Americana Decor chalky finish paint in Rustic (you can use any acrylic paint in brown tone but I found that this one works best for this technique)

- Golden Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold Open acrylic paint (you can use any Quinacridone gold paint you have)

- Cinnamon (ground cinnamon from the spice rack)

- something to protect your working surface

- a brush or a cosmetic sponge

- heat tool

This technique will work on any surface you want to rust. For this particular tutorial I am using a wooden cog from my stash.

First step is to put a coat of black gesso all over the item/s you'd like to rust.

Next step is to dab a layer of Rustic Americana decor paint or any other brown acrylic paint using your brush or a cosmetic sponge. Since, you want to imitate rust make sure to vary the intensity of the paint coverage.

While the paint is still wet, sprinkle a random layer of cinnamon over the surface. Gently tap the surface to press the powder into the wet paint, creating a good bond.

Allow this to dry (you can use your heat tool to speed up the process if you want) and then dab a small amount of the Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold (or any other Quinacridone Gold paint you have) over your sprinkled areas to mimic the rust effect.

Here is the final result:

It looks yummy, isn't it? And it smells yummy, too. 

Here are some of the projects where I used this technique recently.

Rusted vintage baking tin mold.

Rusted corrugated cardboard butterfly.

Rusted filigree metal butterfly.

Rusted cardboard frame.

I hope I have inspired you to try this wonderful faux rust technique and to join in our 'The Colors Of Autumn' challenge at Stamps and Stencils!

Hugs! Branka xx