Comments on: Cheap Paint Tricks to Create a Faux Rust Effect

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:32:40 +0000

In reply to Tracey.

Oh Tracey, I absolutely love your enthusiasm — and believe me, the fact that you’re itching to try it means you already have what it takes. The best part about rust projects is that they *never* turn out exactly the same twice, which makes every piece wonderfully unique. It’s more about letting the process surprise you than getting a perfect result. Rust is perfectly imperfect anyway, just like us.

As for the translucent paper, I used rice paper, but some craft shops sell it as lightweight mulberry paper (https://www.amazon.com/FIVEIZERO-50-8-3×11-7in-Decoupage-Decorative/dp/B0CBRKYF99/). You can even experiment with packing tissue or handmade paper to see what feels right for your project. (I’d love to hear more about it BTW).

You’ve got this!! Once you give it a try, you’ll be hooked. Can’t wait to hear how your version turns out. Just go for it and have fun.

By: Tracey

Tracey — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:43:47 +0000

I am a rustaholic, much like you are. I’m DYING to try this myself but have zero confidence that I could produce something this fantastic. Really, really amazing project. I’m in awe. I do have one question, where did you get the translucent paper that you used? I love the texture in it and need it for another project I’m considering. Thanks for this tutorial, I’ll refer to it when I get my confidence up!

By: acraftymix

acraftymix — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:53:32 +0000

In reply to Beverly Kohn.

I always worry that I’ll miss something in all the excitement of writing up the tutorial, so I appreciate that, Beverly. And I’m happy you found us in the bloggy wilderness too. It’s great to have you here.

By: Beverly Kohn

Beverly Kohn — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 23:01:39 +0000

Love your rust!! You are exactly what I pictured in my head as I read this process. I am impressed that you actually put all the steps in ( most people leave 1 step out like in a passed down recipe from great grandma) Great to have found you out there in the wilderness

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 17:18:50 +0000

In reply to Nadja Vanderstroom.

I’m so happy you discovered it too, Nadja and I’m very pleased to meet a fellow rust addict 😀 The stuff fascinates me. All the colors and textures are just so beautifully perfect together.

By: Nadja Vanderstroom

Nadja Vanderstroom — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 16:57:00 +0000

I’m so happy to have discovered this post! I love rust effects (I actually have a file full of pictures of rusted metal and peeling paint for inspiration), and yours is among the most realistic and easiest I’ve come across, and I’ve literally looked at dozens of posts and videos. Thanks so much for posting your detailed process.

By: Donna via Funky Junk Interiors

Donna via Funky Junk Interiors — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 02:07:04 +0000

Goodness… and they illuminate too. I adore your stacked rusty LOVE boxes and need some in my life! Really clever on those cardboard corners too Michelle! You are a cardboard magician!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:40:42 +0000

In reply to Donna via Funky junk.

LOL, paint is like makeup for cardboard.

By: Donna via Funky junk

Donna via Funky junk — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:13:24 +0000

Oh my gosh. Boxes?! Best looking cardboard I’ve ever seen in my life! And those corners are indeed everything! So well done!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:56:46 +0000

In reply to Linda at Mixed Kreations.

So happy to hear that, Linda. Let me know how it goes and if you have any issues.

By: Linda at Mixed Kreations

Linda at Mixed Kreations — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 14:34:27 +0000

Oh I love how these turned out. No one would ever know they are made out of a cardboard box, they look like rusty metal boxes. I need to try your technique out. Pinned!