Powertex Rusty Powder as paint

Using Rusty Powder in mixed media art usually involves creating a paste with 3d sand and balls. This can be applied to sculptures, figures and altered art and sticks well to the surfaces.

However, on my canvases I wanted the rust effect, but with the flow and drip of paint. This meant I could layer rust colours and textures in thin layers with a brush and let it move around the textures.

This was one of the first paintings I tried with this idea and I loved the way it turned out. The textures were created first with cardboard, handmade paper, fabric scraps and some Easy Structure paste. I used Ivory Powertex to glue everything together. When it was dry, I painted over some parts with black Powertex and prepared my Rusty Powder mixture.

For my Rusty paint you will need:

Powertex Universal Medium in Transparent or Ivory

Powertex Rusty Powder

White Vinegar

Distilled water

A spray bottle

Powertex 3d Sand is optional

Note this method is to create a thin rusty paint. For a rusty texture paste, add Powertex 3d Sand and Small balls to thicken your mixture.

• Put a couple of tablespoons of the Powertex Universal Medium on a plate and add 1-2 teaspoons of white vinegar. These measurements are approximate and you can experiment.
• Sprinkle some Rusty Powder on top of this, a little at a time. The Rusty Powder needs to be less than half the mixture. It’s ok to mix a dark rusty paint but I prefer to build up layers with lighter colour.
• I like to add a little Powertex 3d Sand for a fine, gritty texture and to alter the colour slightly. This is optional.
• The sand is also useful if your mixture is too thin. Just add a little at a time. (The sand can help you to create a paste if that is what you want.)
• Use an old paintbrush or plastic palette knife to apply the paint in generous, drippy layers to your canvas.
• When you’ve applied your mixture, spray these areas with a white vinegar and water mixture. 1/3 vinegar is fine for this project. Spray generously and leave to rust naturally for up to 24 hours.
• You can repeat this spray over the next few hours if you like. The mix will continue to rust. I recommend a well ventilated area for this part.

NEED TO KNOW: Use enough Powertex Universal Medium to hold your rusty paint together. The Powertex acts like a glue, sticking your Rusty Powder to the surface.

TOP TIP: Use plastic tools for this project, metal ones will rust too!

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing how I create my liquid rust paint for my mixed media paintings. It’s a fun technique and works on so many surfaces for all kinds of projects. Rusty Powder can also be used in a thicker paste using the same ingredients. This paste can be applied to art and sculptures and rusted in the same way.

If you’re new to Powertex and would like to know more you can find my blogs for Powertex beginners here.