The Simple Faux Rust Technique You Can Apply In A Day

Do you have a love for things old, chippy, and rusted like I do? If so, have you ever thought how fun it would be to try to rust something but stopped yourself thinking it would take too long to achieve the look?

Think again!

You don’t have to actually rust something to get the same look.

I had this old iron piece that needed a change. I wanted to paint it white (from its original black), but I had this vision of making it look old and weathered. Maybe even rusted.

But I also have very little patience when it comes to projects and wanted to create this look in a day.

So I tried out a new little faux rust technique and it worked like a charm.

The best part? I already had everything I needed on hand!

THE SIMPLE FAUX RUST TECHNIQUE YOU CAN APPLY IN A DAY

Here’s what you need…

• Spray paint for your first coat of paint (the color of your ‘rust’)
• Salt
• Spray paint for your topcoat of paint (the color you want your piece to be)

Yeah, it’s really that easy.

STEP 1: SPRAY PAINT YOUR PIECE WITH YOUR BASE COLOR PAINT

This is the paint that you will want to show through as your rust. They make all kinds of metallic spray paints these days.

I used an antique brass color paint because it’s what I had on hand, but some other options might include…

• Charcoal
• Copper
• Dark Bronze

Or really anything you’d like! There are no rules here.

I didn’t make a point to spray paint my entire piece this color. I simply sprayed around all the places I thought I might like to create that rusted look.

I liked the idea of the two-toned rust between my brass and black paint, but you could definitely paint your whole piece if you wanted to.

STEP 2: ADD SALT

This can be any salt you have on hand. I used sea salt for my piece and just sprinkled it on as my spray paint was drying. You don’t want to add salt everywhere, just in the places you want to look rusty.

You can use as much or as little as you’d like.

STEP 3: ADD YOUR TOPCOAT

Once your paint is dry from your first coat, spray paint your entire piece with your top coat and allow it to try completely. I used a plain white satin finish spray paint.

STEP 4: BRUSH OFF THE SALT

Using a rag, sanding block, or just your hands (you’ll probably want to use gloves!), brush off the salt.

You’ll start to see how it looks a little rusty as you remove it. You don’t have to remove all the salt — just until you get your desired look. Leaving some of the salt will help your piece look old and weathered.

THAT’S IT!

That’s really it. It’s so simple and gives you that desired faux rust look by using things you probably already have on hand!

Plus you can do it quickly. I transformed my entire piece using what I already had on hand in just a few hours.

Do you think you’ll give this technique a try? Let me know in the comments!