Sophisticated Finishes, from Triangle Crafts (www.patina.com), makes it easy to achieve realistic rust effects. The first bottle contains a thick, gray liquid with iron particles suspended in it. Hand-brush it on and let it dry. The second bottle contains a chemical which, when brushed over the first layer, oxidizes it in a few minutes. The effect looks just like real rust because that’s what it is! The variations in color are hard to get with paint, and the final finish has enough “tooth” to accept dry pigments well (e.g. for sooty exhausts). The photo shows the result on Tamiya’s 1/35 scale T-34. Look for the Sophisticated Finishes “system” at craft stores.
Tip submitted by:Fred JonesKingston, Nova Scotia, Canada