Dark Rust 17ml

Dark Rust (AK11107) is an acrylic paint from AK Interactive's Standard range, formulated with high pigmentation to achieve a dense and convincing dark rust tone. Water-based and with 17 ml of content, it is designed to work both with a brush and an airbrush, offering uniform coverage and professional results from the first coat.

Technical specifications

What it is used for

Dark Rust is a reference color for simulating deep rust and severe deterioration on all types of surfaces. Its dark, saturated tone makes it the perfect base for advanced corrosion effects, rust accumulation in joints and recesses, and extreme aging gradients.

• Representation of deep rust areas on scale military vehicles (tanks, trucks, armored vehicles)
• Corrosion and deterioration effects on miniature ships, trains, and industrial machinery
• Base rust layers in post-apocalyptic dioramas and wargame scenery
• Shading of oxidized metallic textures on Warhammer miniatures and other systems
• Severe weathering effects on cosplay pieces and props with an aged metallic look
• Creation of intermediate layers in peeling (chipping) effects on metallic surfaces
• SFX work to simulate corroded metal surfaces in film, theater, or photography

How to use it

1. Surface preparation: make sure the piece is clean, dry, and properly primed. For rust effects, a dark or black primer enhances the depth of Dark Rust.
2. Shaking: shake the bottle well for at least 30 seconds before opening. The high pigmentation of the Standard range requires a homogeneous mixture of the pigment.
3. Thinning: for brush use, you can apply it directly or thin slightly with distilled water. For airbrush, add water or acrylic medium until you achieve the right consistency for your needle (usually between 10% and 20% thinning).
4. Application: apply in thin, progressive coats. For rust effects, work with a dry brush or sponge to achieve irregular and more realistic textures. With an airbrush, spray on areas of natural rust accumulation: edges, joints, lower sections.
5. Drying: touch-dry time is approximately 15–20 minutes under normal conditions. Wait at least 1 hour before applying subsequent coats or varnishes.
6. Cleaning: immediately clean brushes and the airbrush with water and soap while the paint is still fresh. If the paint has dried on the equipment, use a specific acrylic solvent.

Tips and tricks

Layered rust effects

Dark Rust works particularly well in combination with other tones from the Standard range to create layered rust effects. First apply a darker base coat, then work with Dark Rust on the mid-tone areas, and reserve warmer, lighter tones for the raised areas and edges where rust is more superficial and recent. This approach gives depth and credibility to the corrosion effect.

Sponge and dry brush technique

To achieve realistic rust textures, apply Dark Rust with an irregularly textured sponge (such as polystyrene packaging foam) instead of a conventional brush. The result is a granular texture that perfectly mimics the porous surface of real rust. Complement with dry brushing on the edges to blend the transition with the base surface.

Compatibility with filters and washes

Once the Dark Rust layer is dry, you can apply AK Interactive range washes and filters over it to unify the whole and add dirt, dust, or liquid accumulation. Always protect with a matte varnish before applying solvent-based washes to prevent them from reactivating the acrylic layer. Available at Feroca, the official AK Interactive distributor in Spain.

Frequently asked questions