work with iron filings for beautiful rust effects

Rusty surfaces are very popular among artists. The earthy character and beautiful orange tones enchant and create magnificent elements. On the one hand for abstract works, and also for landscape paintings. To achieve rusty surfaces, iron filings are first applied to a canvas and then brought to rust with a rusting agent, whereby the most varied orange tones can be achieved, depending on the degree of oxidation.

When iron filings are used, a rough surface is created, which gives texture to the painting. There are various ways to apply the powdery filings to the canvas.

application with acrylic adhesive

Apply acrylic adhesive to the canvas with a brush. Sprinkle the iron filings on top and tap the painting so that only the filings that actually stick because of the adhesive remain on the canvas.

application with acrylic paint

The shavings can also be applied with paint as a binder. Our chalk color is very suitable for this purpose. For example, the chalk color can be applied to the canvas with a brush or spatula. Now scatter the iron filings over it and let them dry briefly. Knock off the iron filings that have not adhered. It is also possible to work the filings in very gently with a palette knife. The iron filings that are still visibly present on the surface can then be made to rust with the help of the oxidizer. The filings that have sunk into the paint will rust slightly to barely and remain as a gray effect.

application with chalk color poured

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

application with putty

Another alternative is to apply the iron filings with putty. Spatula, the putty onto the canvas, sprinkle iron filings on top, and tap off as in the other two variants. Here you can also lightly work the filings into the compound with the putty knife to make them adhere better.

oxidizing with a rusting agent

Let the filings dry and spray them with the rusting agent. Note that the iron oxidizes only when wet, which means that sufficient rusting agent should be used. The oxidation process can take 1-3h and can be repeated until the desired result is achieved.