I’ve rusted metal in the past by using a hydrogen peroxide and salt solution. I knew that solution would not work for the pieces that I wanted to rust because they have a coating on them that would not react to the solution. I wanted the hardware for my dresser to look rusty so I searched for things that would do the trick.
This is what the hardware looked like before…
I thought there was no way that I could rust these handles unless I found some sort of painting technique.
I found something even better! This three step rusting process is so easy and super budget friendly! It only takes two coats of the primer, two coats of the iron, and then a couple sprays of the rust activator. Anything that can be painted, can also be rusted with this process. It’s so fun to watch it all happen!
For real? I can’t even believe this is the same hardware!! It looks super old and rusty, just what I desired! And, those three little bottles of rusting, go a long way! They come in larger sizes as well, but this worked perfect for my project!
When I initially sprayed on the rusting activator, I thought that it wasn’t going to work. It takes about 45 minutes- an hour for it to have the full effect, after spraying on the second coat of activator.
I couldn’t be happier with the end result of these handles! I’m not going to seal them with anything. I read on one of the reviews that when one person sealed theirs, it took away part of the rusty look. I love them just the way they are. This won’t be a “high traffic” piece, so I think they will be fine being unsealed.
Taking a look at them side by side, shows the amazing difference even more!
The label holders turned out just as good! I love the original rusting look on each one! They are all different and unique, which makes them look more authentic!
The variation of the color in the rust, on each piece, reminds me of something that has been around for 100 years!
I’m not claiming that they will be a joy to attach to the dresser, but I can’t wait to see it all finished!
Now, back to finishing my dresser project. I would love to hear, in the comments below, what you think of this rusting technique! Have you ever tried it?
Sources:
Handles- found at a local thrift store
*Affiliate links are used in this post.
In case you change your mind about sealing, I had great success in sealing them first with regular old
mod-podge and then spraying with a spray sealer.I was devastated when the rust on a project disappeared when I sealed it. So, I experimented. I found that the mod-podge, as a water base solution, doesn’t do anything to the rust. Experiment on you own first! Love what you did with hardware!!!
I love this. So easy. So cool!
Thank you so much, Kellene! Such a fun technique!
Great tips! Thank you so much! I will have to try that out!
Just curious if the “new” old rust comes off on your hand like “old” old rust? ????
So excited to try this once it warms up here in Indiana. Gotta save to Pinterest too ????
Yay! So many things that would be fun to rust, right?
I have not noticed any of it coming off on my hands, even when attaching them to my dresser.
I love this. So easy. So cool!
One of my very favorite “rust secrets” and usually what I use my 40% off coupon on at Hobby Lobby. I love to use it on new metal pails and buckets that I find thrifting. Easy process to make it look good and rusty♥️
Good to know they have it at Hobby Lobby too! Thanks for sharing, Mindi!
Yes I love anything “rusty and crusty”. I would be interested if the new rust gets on your hands if you don’t seal it.You have been a busy beaver with all your different projects.????
I haven’t noticed it coming off but read through the comments, someone gave a great tip about using modge podge first when sealing it.
Is this a surface rusting? Is the handles metal getting rusted or is this like a paint treat ent that can get scraped off? So durability wise, how do you think this will hold up? It does look super awesome by they way. I want to rust all things now!
Thank you, Melanie! Like any paint, I’m sure it can be scraped off if scratched hard enough. It doesn’t come off just by touching it and it can be sealed for more protection if you wanted. I hope that helps.
ok, this looks AMAZING! Cant wait to try it on something, (I am refinishing a piece of furniture in my bedroom and this totally opens up options for the “perfect” hardware)– I just ordered some!–thanks for sharing!!
Oh awesome! That will look so good!
Natalie you are so talented, they look amazing! I can’t wait to try this on a project of my own!
That is so sweet of you, Shanta! I can’t wait for you to try it!
Wow ! That looks great Natalie!!! So go to any ole paint store for the three products ?
Hi Maggie! Thank you so much! I linked the ones that I used, I’m not sure if they would have them at the paint store or not. I’ve not seen them at my local hardware.
Oh my goodness. This is s’thing I’m going to show my sister. She loves all things old & rusty, she’s like you she loves doing this stuff…she can paint a pieces of wood that looks just like old barn wood so I know she will be thrilled over this.she so much like you Natalie, can look at things and visualize whats it’s going to look like. You are so talented and I always get a kick out of watching you. You’re one awesome lady !! PS I love doing this kind of stuff too but y’all do it so much better????
Thank you, Carolyn! Sounds like your sister is an amazing crafter! Love that!
Thanks for sharing. That’s awesome!!
Thank you, Patti!
Those came out really good! They look authentic. I’ve seen some that were just bad. Yours look great. Finally good the stuff to make the Heart garland!
Oh awesome! I would love to see your heart garland too!
I use this technique on Mason jar lids. Now I’m thinking I need to do drawer handles too.
Great idea on the mason jar lids too!
I love MM products! Your handles turned out ahhmazing! I have not used these particular products but I have used the copper patina kit & some of their paint products. Great stuff!!
Love to follow all your projects!!
Oh copper sounds so cool too! Thank you, Jen!
I was happy to read this. I’d used a product about 15 years ago that produced the same results, but could no longer find it and now can’t even remember the name of it. i sealed some of mine with a Krylon matte spray for artwork that didn’t affect the rust at all. But like you I didn’t use my projects in a high traffic manner and didn’t bother sealing all of them. I did a gold mirror frame back in the day that turned out so realistic my friend thought I’d found an old metal frame and put a mirror in it! So now I’m excited to be able to rust some things again without waiting for Mother Nature. Thank you!
Oh Sweet! That sounds so cool! I’m glad you can use the info!
Concerning the texture of handles..is there residue to the touch from this procedure?
I haven’t noticed any coming off on my hands, but I guess time will tell. I’m sorry I can’t answer that better.
You said the smaller bottles go along way way. You did 96 pieces for this amazing project, did you use all the rusting products or do you still have some left to do more? In trying to decide which size I want to order. I absolutely adore this piece, it was worth the wait and swipes????
I have not been a big fan of rust until now. I love what you did.
I can’t believe how gorgeous these turned out. Thank you for sharing this great information!
I love the way the rusting turned out! It looks so authentic! Thanks for sharing your process!