Rust Essentials Bundle

Using Rusty Powder

If you love warm, natural rust colours, Rustypowder is perfect for you. Rustypowder consists of iron filings, which gives the most natural rust shades in all the colours rust can appear in nature. The effect is also very experimental, the more you work with it, the better you’ll understand the effects. 

Follow These Steps for Optimal Rust Results

1. Choose a light Powertex colour such as Ivory, Yellow Ochre, Terracotta, or Red.
2. Coat your object completely with a layer of Powertex and let it dry.
3. Meanwhile, prepare a spatula-able paste in a cup with:
   1. Powertex
   2. A pinch of 3D Sand
4. Add 10–25% Rustypowder until you get a mouse-grey colour.
5. Add a few drops of kitchen vinegar and a splash of water, then mix well.
6. Apply a layer of this paste onto the object using a brush or palette knife.

For different colour effects:

• Sprinkle a little Rustypowder on the still-wet paste and rub it into the clay.
• The more Rustypowder you use, the darker the result.
• The more vinegar you use, the darker and faster the rust effect.
• Fill a spray bottle with water and a maximum of 50% vinegar.
• Regularly mist the object to keep it moist.
• Let it dry overnight.
• The full rust effect will be visible the next morning.

Tip

• Always add a little Easy 3D Sand to the mixture. This gives:
  • Lighter shades of warm colours
  • More texture, making your piece look more like real rust and metal
• On coarse surfaces, your work can almost be indistinguishable from actual rusted objects.

Please note

• When placing your rusted objects outdoors, the surface underneath may also rust.
• Preferably place your object on grass or soil, not on tiles or natural stone patios.
• Protect the surface by placing the object on a pedestal or stand.

Use Rustypowder in your paintings for added texture and natural rust effects.