How I Paint Rust

Information and questions about modelling techniques to create that masterpiece.
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Vincent Power
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How I Paint Rust

Post by Vincent Power »

While I decided what finish to do for my entry in the Shelf Queen Group Build it dawned on me that I could kill two birds with one stone. (Not that I am advocating cruelty to birds :? ) I did agree ages ago to do an SBS on Rust so I figured this was a good time to put it together. I like doing rusty vehicles and machinery. There is something compelling about seeing a man made object slowly succumb to the elements.
Anyway on with the SBS. This is how I paint rust.

I used the AK Rust set here but I will be replacing it. It doesn't perform very well in the Airbrush and it frustrates me no end. :x
1 AK Rust set.jpg
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First up we need a base colour on which to add our rust. I chose the Shadow Rust and Old Rust from the set and applied them individually in a random manner. I also added a bit of Tamiya Flat Brown as well.
2 Base coat.jpg
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Next up I flicked some dark and light specks over the base colour to simulate the spots you see on rusty metal.
3 flick spots.jpg
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4 close up spots.jpg
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Over the brown I sprayed some Chipping fluid. I find this stuff is far easier to control than hairspray. :)
5 chipping fluid.jpg
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Once it was dry I put on the basic camo colour. I used Dunkelgelb base as well as the light and highlights from the modulation set. Even though modulation is not important here I do like to have lighter colours up top and darker below. Call it personal preference. I sprayed light coats and I didn't need full coverage either.
6 camo.jpg
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7 camo 2.jpg
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Next step is the Chipping. I like this part :D
Last edited by Vincent Power on 21 May 2018, 06:33, edited 3 times in total.
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Vincent Power
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Re: How I paint Rust

Post by Vincent Power »

To chip the paint simply moisten a brush with water and paint the surface of the model. Give it a little time to react with the paint then gently rub the surface with a variety of tools. I use a small stiff brush, a soft brush and a toothpick to create scratches. Go slowly so you don't take off too much.
8 chipping.jpg
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9 chipping 2.jpg
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When you are happy with the result its time to take the next step. Unfortunately I forgot to photograph the next step. Sorry :oops: .Basically all I'm doing is to give the paint some definition by applying some of the base colour to highlight random areas. I also added a few rain marks with bright orange.
I like to use oils to give the rusty part some depth. :) Oils are great for giving a richness to acrylics. I used the excellent Abteilung paints and AK oils for the rusty colours. If you look closely you can see the results of the missing previous step. ;)
10 oils.jpg
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11 oils2.jpg
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12 oils applied.jpg
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The last step is to give the surface some subtle spotting effect as we did earlier. This time its oils though.
13 final flick spots.jpg
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14 final2.jpg
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15 final3.jpg
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So that's it. I hope this has been beneficial and you can see how simple it is to get a rusty effect. While this is not the only way to get good results I think its one of the easiest. Give it a go, I think you'll enjoy it. :)

Cheers,
Vincent
Last edited by Vincent Power on 03 Jun 2018, 01:44, edited 2 times in total.
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Steve Hutchinson
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Re: How I paint Rust

Post by Steve Hutchinson »

Love it Vincent :D

Great SBS, worthy of an article in a magazine, Sir ;)

Spotted the AK Dunkelgelb too, thanks for that ;)

It is going to be a stunning build, Vincent :D

Very nice one :D

Steve H
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Philipp Gross
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Re: How I paint Rust

Post by Philipp Gross »

Magnificent result, and it looks so very easy!

I'll need to try that soon :D

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Rob Matthews
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Re: How I paint Rust

Post by Rob Matthews »

I agree - Great result Vincent.

That us Fab 8-)

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Vlad Seabrook-Smith
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Re: How I paint Rust

Post by Vlad Seabrook-Smith »

Thanks for explaining your technique Vincent, these weathering methods seem witchcrafty until they are broken down and explained, then they are nice, easy and very effective.
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Vincent Power
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Re: How I Paint Rust

Post by Vincent Power »

Glad you like it guys. :) I hope to see some rusty stuff from you soon :D

Cheers,
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Re: How I Paint Rust

Post by Philipp Gross »

One of my mid-term projects is an abandoned last-days-of-the-war King Tiger with burned interior and engine deck. I might potentially require further guidance and advice at that point. :lol:

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Shaun Symonds
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Re: How I Paint Rust

Post by Shaun Symonds »

Wow Vincent :o
Great How to do article & the photo's work well showing the results, that looked great. :D

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Ian Shumsky
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Re: How I Paint Rust

Post by Ian Shumsky »

Great SBS Vincent -- you make it look easy!
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