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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. 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. Next up I flicked some dark and light specks over the base colour to simulate the spots you see on rusty metal. Over the brown I sprayed some Chipping fluid. I find this stuff is far easier to control than hairspray. 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. Next step is the Chipping. I like this part

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. When you are happy with the result its time to take the next step. Unfortunately I forgot to photograph the next step. Sorry .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. The last step is to give the surface some subtle spotting effect as we did earlier. This time its oils though. 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

Love it Vincent

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

Very nice one

Steve H

Magnificent result, and it looks so very easy!

I'll need to try that soon

Philipp

I agree - Great result Vincent.

That us Fab

Rob

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.

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

Cheers,
Vincent

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.

Philipp

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

Shaun

Great SBS Vincent -- you make it look easy!