I just recieved the latest (2004, October) Fine Scale Modeler Magazine, and the cover story is about washing techniques for realism. In the article, there is a mention of an off the shelf product, called the "Rustall System", which consists of three different shades of wash and a dust powder. Does anyone have an experience with this product? I would like some feedback on this, both positive and negative. I would be interested in trying it out!!

Thanks
Gunny

I use Rustall, although I think the whole 3 part biz is a little overblown. I say this because I primarily use only the actual rust wash. The other three parts are: A black wash, with a slightly blueish/purpleish hue; a flat coat; and a bottle of dirt (yep, dirt). The washes appear to be alcohol or water based, definitely nothing stronger. I rarely use the black wash (which appears to be an ink wash), because I find it tends to dry like most acrylic washes--rather blotchy. I've not used the flat coat at all, so I can't comment on that. And the dirt is, well, just dirt. It still needs to be sifted for most uses.
Now, those negatives aside, I will say that I love the centerpiece of the "system," the rust wash. I use this as my primary rusting treatment and it works very well. I just basecoat the piece in either black or dark gray, then apply several coats of the rust wash. A little bit of graphite or maybe silver drybrushing, and there you have it, an easy way to replicate rusty tools, tow cables, etc. The number of coats applied determine how rusty the piece will look. I'm not sure, but there may be a way to just purchase the rust wash. If that is the case, you will probably not be missing much by skipping the other parts of the so-called system.

As Steve described in his post, the Rustall group comes with four bottles of product, and I have used them all and have been happy with the results.

The "rust" bottle is by far the most useful portion of the whole set, but I have also used the dark wash with some success.

I've applied the fine dirt mixed with the flat wash fluid and it has worked out pretty well for me.

It does seem a tad pricey however. I don't believe you would be disappointed with purchasing the set, but I believe Squadron sells individual bottles--if so-- go for the Rust.

Good luck.

Steve

Thanks for the feedback, gentlemen...I really do appreciate it. I just needed to know of some other users of this system before I give it a shot...Yes the system is a little pricey, but if results are good I feel it's definately worth it.

Gunny

Gunny,

I have tried the rust part of the Rustall system and I think that it works well. You may also want to check out the Instant Rust system. It is a 2 part rusting process that works very well. First you apply an "iron" coating then another coating over that that creates the rust effect. Check it out at www.discountmodels.com. They have some great pics of the results.

Thanks Frag, Will do...

Gunny