Rust color - what you can do with it


Rust is hated by most people. It means that an item is old, possibly no longer functional, and definitely shoddy. However, this is exactly what has become a trend in recent years: rust is a stylistic device. And almost everything is rusted today - thanks to rust color. For what you can use rust color, and why it is the better alternative, read here.

Rust color and how it works

Most commercially available rust paints are simply emulsion paints or varnishes, which are made to form a uniform and stable rust surface with a special oxygen activator.

The color protects the material surface, the rust is conserved here and does not spread further. In this way, even cars can be safely painted with the rust color.

Vintage look

The vintage look tries to make things look old, used and shabby. While the vintage look is more reminiscent of country house style in some areas, the used look is clearly visible in other areas. Especially decorative objects are very often rusted to make them look very shabby. The unmistakable style has its followers and is appreciated by many.

Alternative: rust preservation

Of course you can also use old and rusty objects right from the start, or artificially produce and accelerate rust. Thereafter, however, the rust must be stopped and preserved so that it does not progress further and completely destroys the object in no time.

Usually, regular treatments with Owatrol oil are used. This effort can be saved by the use of rust color. Rust color is safer here in any case - even if it does not always seem 100% authentic in all areas.

Rust color on the car

Nobody likes rust on the car. That's why some have made a virtue of it. Even vehicles can be painted with rust paint. Then a uniform, stable layer of rust develops on the entire vehicle.

This rust layer is no danger to the vehicle because it is completely inactive. On the contrary, it is probably even a very acceptable protection against rusting of the vehicle.

Contradictory style statement

Astonishingly, rust coatings are a trend, especially in the case of designated luxury models, such as BMW and Mercedes. The contradiction creates an interesting style statement: "I can afford to be shabby." An expensive vehicle that is full of rust, generates attention in any case.

If the rust is not fully applied to the vehicle, however, the chic can suffer greatly. In the worst case, a vehicle that is only partially rusted looks just "normally scrapped".

Resale value

Before painting with rust color, you should in any case still worry about the resale value of the vehicle. Not every buyer appreciates a completely rust-covered car.

An alternative would be to produce the rust optics not by painting, but by imitating a corresponding car insulation. These films can be peeled off without a trace, protect the original paint of the vehicle and look almost as real as a paint job.

For a full-foiling of the vehicle one must count on costs between 700 and 1.500 EUR. For this one has on request his old vehicle with the original paint again.

Rust color when shabby chic

Shabby chic is a little less extreme than vintage - yet rust color can also be an interesting accent here for small parts such as door locks or lamp suspensions. You should not overdo it with it.

Tips & Tricks

Rust color may not be easily removed from all surfaces. Inquire in advance if you are worried about color removal issues. You may be able to apply extra special layers before making it easier to remove them later.


Video Board: Rusty Paint demo our spary on rust paint, easy to use spray can.