Modern Masters 16 oz PA904 Metal Effects Rust Activator

The rust effect takes several hours, but works really well with the iron pigment paint

I took a long shot on this one hoping I could distress some tiles I painted with a copper paint. It worked to a point but not enough. I think you need paint with enough metal particles that aren’t covered with the varnish within the paint for it to work. Fortunately I tested it off the wall. So, check the composition of your paint if you don’t want to wing it!

You have to follow the instruction but if you do, it works very well

This product works excellent. I've used it on multiple hot rods and rat rods. You can rust plastic, metal, painted objects so easy. It's nice to be able to make real rust patina with as little as one or two solutions. I use it with the metal effects oxidizingpaint most of the time. It will rust bare metal though. Just not as good or quick. See results same day. Gets better over the weeks.

Modern Masters makes a great product to achieve a Steampunk rusted look - even on wood. We used it on the stringers of our 24' double-helix staircase. However, Modern Masters seems to have a problem with supply on one essential component of this process: ME208, the iron paint that makes the rusting work. After waiting months and months, after repeated calls, we were able to find a substitute product from Mann Brothers Paints (Metalux Iron Paint and Patina). One other comment: MM recommends sealing the finished product but the sealer darkens the patina and, therefore, changes the look. We opted not to use it but it does leave the finished product vulnerable to scuffing. I have been able to touch it up using a mix of acryllic paint.