Simulating Rust

[EEvansHilton]

I'm going to be doing a simulated metal helmet prop post Xmas and I want to simulate dries rust. The helmet is plastic/resin with no actual metal involved so patina work is right out. What are some of the tools and techniques most commonly used. if you please? Thanks much!

 

[Odin82]

One I can highly recommend is the Modern Masters rust paints. Although highly expensive if you live outside the States. It's a three part rust effect, black iron paint, then rust activator, and then a fix to stop the rust continuing. Lots of coverage out of the smallest size kits. I have enough to paint an entire car left. Recently used it for a fake chainsaw blade for the Ash chainsaw hand.

http://www.modernmasters.com/products.asp?mode=group&gid=67

 

[Mike J.]

Or you could put some steel wool in vinegar (in an OPEN container), and wait for it to rust, then apply the resulting sludge to your helmet. This also works great for aging unfinished wood.


-MJ

 

[LTsmash1200]

This looks really good.

http://youtu.be/-0EWdr6t8m0

 

[robstyle]

If you want to use powders look for iron oxide powders.

 

[Collektor]

I've always used those metallic paints that you can add a solution to to create rust. You paint it on, let it dry for 24 hours then hit it with the solution and it oxidizes pretty quickly. Added plus is since you're applying a paint, you can add rust to just specific spots.

Another method I used was undercoating the whole part in a rust colored paint, then before spraying it with the main color I add some water to where I want the rust to be, then sprinkle table salt on the area. Once the salt is dry, I apply the main color, usually by rattle can or airbrush. Once that's dry I take a stiff brush and scrape off the salt. It leaves patches that look like they've corroded through the top surface.

 

[Teddz]

I forget where I saw it, probably youtube, but they were using ground cinnamon as rust. It looked real good. Probably smelled good too.

 

[Odin82]

Here's another video when I was researching rust paint alternatives a couple of years ago, this guy used vinegar rather than the Modern Masters Activator. Would sure cut down the cost of this method.

Cool video too: There's a longer video tutorial on the guy's channel. Will try and find it.

Full video:

 

[ZachWinks]

Two of the easiest ways I've seen have been using cinnamon, or pigment powder mixed with alcohol

 

[Darth Lars]

this guy used vinegar rather than the Modern Masters Activator. Would sure cut down the cost of this method.

Something that will make iron rust like crazy is vinegar, salt and hydrogen peroxide. You can heat the vinegar solution to be able to dissolve more salt in it.
The drawback to this method is that you could get salt crystals. You will also need to neutralize any acid residue when you are done.
Chlorine bleach is also known to create rust really quickly.

 

[Halliwax]

Here's another video when I was researching rust paint alternatives a couple of years ago, this guy used vinegar rather than the Modern Masters Activator. Would sure cut down the cost of this method.

Cool video too: There's a longer video tutorial on the guy's channel. Will try and find it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WIKOFgzSuE



Full video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9lJ17qCyNo

that is one beautiful model...

 

[Odin82]

The guy did a fantastic job of it! With the lights..... mesmerising! Would love to have that on a shelf some place

 

[ARKM]

This is so weird because I have successfully used vinegar to remove rust from metal parts. You guys are freaking me out.

 

[Odin82]

Vinegar is an acetic acid, but it only contains a fraction of acetic acid. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetic_acid

It probably all depends on what type of metal it was, and how long the vinegar was applied for etc. I wouldn't worry at all at all.

 

[EEvansHilton]

Wow! Sooooo many choices! Thus far I think the option that best fits my needs is going to be this one:
https://youtu.be/-0EWdr6t8m0
Thank you all for your instructions and suggestions this was immensely helpful!

 

[Mike J.]

I forget where I saw it, probably youtube, but they were using ground cinnamon as rust. It looked real good. Probably smelled good too.

Might attract bugs.