How to Paint Something to Make It Look Rusty

Not everyone believes in the adage, "out with old and in with the new." In fact, some folks want to make their new items look older by making them look rusted. A rusty exterior can give an object a weathered look, which may be complementary in certain décors. Rusting can also make an item look like an antique. Whatever the reasoning for wanting to give an object a faux rusted appearance, you can do so with a bit of paint and a paint brush.

Paintbrushes
Rust-colored paint
Brown paint

Instructions

- 1
  Dip the end of your small paintbrush into a container of rust-colored paint. Dab the paintbrush onto the object to create small patches or dots. Leave space in between each blot.
- 2
  Swipe a dry brush over the paint quickly and firmly just before it dries. Your goal is to push the paint around a bit. Doing so will create a graduation between the object's original color and the rust color.
- 3
  Dip your paintbrush into another shade of brown, blotting the paint on with the same technique you used to apply the initial color. Apply the paint to the unpainted areas. Brush the paint with a dry brush just before it dries. Continue this process with other colors that are similar to those you are using until the entire surface is painted and has achieved the look you desire.

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