I've seen models that use this effect very well and figure I should try it sometime soon, so, how do you folks do it? Do you airbrush paint, use pastels, pencils, other? Any guidance is appreciated.

I used Testors Rust thinned with thinner.

Nate
Wisc. USA

I like to use actual rust. I use SOS pads and put them in a bit of vinegar and let it sit. It makes a huge ball of rust. Then I simply use the finer rust powder, with a little water and a fine paint brush, applt it to where I want it, using the brush to "drag" it down until I get the streak effect I want.

Leo:
What's the total cost on that? I'm guessing it's a lot less than Rust-all and similar products.
Now are you sure real rust has the right scale effect? #:-) (j/K)


Nate
Wisc. USA

And that really works? I have to try this, sounds like a cost effective solution, and you can't beat using the real thing.

I aslo use real rust, the powder that I collect (some methode as Leo's) is very fine after you grind it in a pestel and morter.

I use a licht basecoat of very diluted burnt sienna oil paint and "paint'' the rust over that.

I've tried the ol' Steel Wool in vinegar trick, and if that's what you're gonna try, a word to the wise, DON'T open in container near your face. After about one or two days the vinegar really starts to smell like rank, I suggest wearing a bandana or a gas mask if ya got one, lol. What I've tried for rust is finding real rust, like off an I-beam in yoru basement or such, and then putting the fine bits in water. It is a lot less tiem consuming and a lot better smelling than making your own rust.

In my opinion, real rust works the best.
If you do not want to wait for the vinegar to rust the steel wool, you can use fine sand paper to sand some rust off an old piece of metal that is hanging out in the garage. Just sand it over a sheet of paper to collect the dust.

I use burnt seinna acryllic, thinned down with water or alcohol to an ink or wash consistancy. Then apply in streaks.

Thinner is better, as you can builp up the color.

I have to agree with Sancho, the smell is a little strong. However I leave the bottle(babyfood jar) in my shed with no top so it gets the air it needs to oxidize. For large areas like mufflers or vehicle undercarriages, I use a coat of burnt sienna craft paint then coat it with the rust/water mixture. Gives a nice base coat so even if you miss a spot or two, you get that mottled rust look.

Ola Everybody

If I want to create ruststreaks I take a rust color enamel (don`t know the number wich i do it with but any rustcolor will do. I lay something on a pallette. then I soak my brush with turpentine and thin the paint down. Then I add a streak where I want that to.
While the streak is still wet I take another brush and I stroke in the direction where the water normally goes when it rains. so normally downwarths and with this you make the streak much more softer.
the result should be something like this:


any questions?? Just Ask

Quick and simple way to get rust streaks is to use redish brown pastels. They create a nice fade pattern from top to bottom and errors can be quickly and completely be washed off with water without any effect on the finish below.

I use a very simple and old technique that´s very effective. Look in the Tiger I Early Feature.