We show you ways to do this by demonstrating on a planter that we made ourselves.

Method 1
Using iron paint

• Use a foam roller to apply two to three coats of iron paint to the outside and top rim.
• Use clear varnish to coat the inside. Once the iron paint has dried use a brush to apply the rust activator (blue green liquid). This will take some time to activate.

TIP Leave the planter in a well-ventilated area – preferably outside – to speed up the rust activation process.

Method 2
Oxide powder

• Using a paintbrush, apply small amounts of clear varnish, dark wood stain and either red or yellow oxide powder to the surface to be coated.
• Start by dipping the brush into a decanted amount of clear varnish, and then dip the wet brush into the red oxide powder. This forms the base of the rust colouring. Now continue to dab amounts of yellow oxide and dark stain onto the surface.
• Then add red oxide and varnish over this in patches.
• Alternatively dip the brush into each material as you work to create the rust finish you require.
• Try this on a scrap piece first until you have mastered the technique.

TIP The more encrusted the bristles become the easier it is to create the pitted, layered surface of a natural rust effect.

Words: Ashley Stemmett, Home
Photographs: Francois Oberholster, Home