A FAUX RUSTED FRAME TUTORIAL

Hello everyone!  

Are you ready for a little grungy fun?

How about a tutorial on a easy way to create a faux rust effect?  

I've used this technique to create the rusted frame used on the cover of my Paris Folio created for the Compendium Of Curiosities III Collection Folio Challenge. 

This is an Andy Skinner technique.  All of the products used in creating this fabulous faux rusted frame are from the fabulous new DecoArt Mixed Media Line. 

Here is a finished frame very similar to the one I used on my Paris folio cover. Just wait 'til you see it's evolution!!!

Step 1. Begin by cutting a frame out of black foam board. I used Tim Holtz' Postage Stamp and the larger of his Sized Rectangles Die Cuts.  This can be cut using a regular die cut machine.  I used my Sizzix Vagabond.

Step 2. Paint a generous coat of DecoArt Crackle Paint over the entire surface of the frame and allow to dry. 

Step 3. Using a permanent black in (I used Jet Black Archival), randomly stamp a design on top of the frame. I used the text stamp from Andy Skinner's Stampendous Industrial set.  Heat set the stamped image.

Step 4. Seal the frame with a light coat of Ultra-Matte Varnish brushed over the entire surface. Let dry or gently heat set.

Step 5. DRY BRUSH small amounts of Quinacridone Gold randomly on the frame where you want the "rust" to appear.

Step 6. DRY BRUSH small areas of Carbon Black within the Quinacridone Gold areas done in Step 5. You might also want to lightly randomly dry brush along some edges of the frame. Then lightly DRY BRUSH a bit more Quinacridone Gold if needed to complete the look. 

Step 7. Mix a small amount of Ultra-Matte Varnish, Quinacridone Gold and Paynes Grey to create what Andy Skinner likes to call a "dirty wash". (I also add just a touch of water to this mix).   This mix should be about 70% Quinacidone Gold to about 30% Paynes Grey then add enough varnish and/or water to brush over the frame. Wipe away excess dirty wash or continue to brush more on until the desired effect is achieved.

** This wash not only enriches the color of the frame and totally meshes everything together perfectly, it also provides another layer of sealer to protect the frame.

Here is the finished faux rusted frame. And ...

here is a closeup look of the technique done on the black foam board. Don't you just love that beautiful crackled background, the randomly stamped letters, the faux rusted spots and silky smooth matte varnished finished?  The foam board really gives this frame such nice dimension and it's so light weight!

**NOTE - On the frame on the cover of the Paris Folio, I also added light touches of Patina Green Antiquing Cream that I simply wiped on using my finger.  This product is water soluble and until it is heat set or sealed, you can wipe away any excess patina look. 

This technique can be done on lots of other surfaces besides a black foam board.  Give it a try!  It's super simple and fast. You will LOVE the DecoArt Media Line products and the results you get using them.

Have a crafty weekend!  

#decoartsprojects