Rusty surfaces are very popular with artists. The earthy character and the beautiful orange tones are enchanting and are a valuable material. On the one hand for abstract works, as well as for landscape paintings. To achieve rusty surfaces, iron filings are first applied to a canvas and then rusted with an oxidizing agent , whereby a wide variety of orange tones can be achieved, depending on the degree of oxidation.

When iron filings are used, a rough surface is created that gives the picture structure. There are a variety of ways to apply the powdery filings to the canvas.

application with acrylic adhesive

To do this, simply apply acrylic glue to the canvas with a brush. Sprinkle the iron filings over it and tap the picture so that only the filings that are actually stuck to the canvas by the glue remain.

application with acrylic paint

The chips can also be applied with paint as a binding agent. Our chalk paint is very suitable for this. The chalk paint can be applied to the canvas with a brush or spatula, for example. Now sprinkle the iron chips over it and let it dry briefly. Knock off the iron chips that have not stuck. It is also possible to work the chips in very gently with a spatula. The iron chips that are still visible on the surface can then be made to rust using the oxidizing agent. The chips that are submerged in the paint rust slightly or hardly at all and remain as a gray effect.

application with chalk paint poured

Mix the chalk paint with water in a ratio of 50:50 in a glass with a lid and shake well. Pour the desired amount from a cup over the picture. Now sieve enough iron filings onto this still wet paint surface. There should be enough iron filings on the picture that they do not sink, but are still clearly visible on the surface of the fill. Allow the picture to dry thoroughly. This can take several hours. After it is dry, carefully tap off the non-sticking chips. You can then spray the surfaces with oxidizing agent and allow them to oxidize.

application with filler

Another option is to apply the iron filings with filler . Spread the filler onto the canvas, sprinkle iron filings over it and tap it off as with the other two options. Here you can also work the filings into the mixture slightly with the spatula so that they adhere better.

oxidize with the oxidizing agent

Allow the chips to dry and spray them with the oxidizing agent. Note that the iron only oxidizes when wet, which means that sufficient oxidizing agent should be used. The oxidation process can take 1-3 hours and can be repeated as often as necessary until the desired result is achieved.