Using Rusty Paper and Rust Patina

Note: this 2015 blog post references no longer available products, but the techniques are applicable to a wide range of texture and patina paints available.

Rusty Paper byViva Decor is a paint product that will give a realistic rust appearance, complete with a rough surface, to paper, cardboard, wood, metal, plastic and more. Use Rusty Paper in conjunction with your choice of Rusty Patina to achieve even more interesting color effects. The finish is even weather durable!

I was excited to begin stocking the Rusty Paper, as it is the first one-step (and non-corrosive) product I’m aware of that can be used on paper and with rubber stamps and/or stencils. The vintage tag created by Viva Decor ( is an example of some exciting possibilities with these new products! I think they’d be perfect used on the Relic & Artifacts by Sandra Evertson. We will be experimenting with this new product during our October session of How Do I Use This?...join us!

Rusty Paper Tag Tutorial

The following tutorials are courtesy of Viva Decor. Rust effects can be achieved by wiping or pouncing product on, or applying with a palette knife. You may also choose to use any product that can give you three dimensional texture prior to using the Rusty Paper, to give an authentic, disintegrating look.

Materials used here are Rusty Paper, available in original (dark rust) or Rust Orange and Rusty Patina (available in Copper and Oxyd, torn watercolor paper, cling rubber stamp on acrylic block, vintage book text and a vintage photo (both accented with stitching), burlap, decorative ribbon, twine, clothespin, scissors, palette knife and sponge pouncers.

Stir your jar of Rusty Paper thoroughly before applying. Here the product is being applied to the paper (torn into a tag shape) with a sponge applicator, swirling it in. If necessary for coverage, apply a second coat after the first has dried.

Add desired amount of Rusty Patina (below, in Copper; Rusty Patina is also available in an orange Oxyd shade) to the still wet tag. Working wet on wet gives you the more organic look. You can mix both colors of Rusty Paper, the Rusty Paper with the Rusty Patina, both Patinas...whatever you like to achieve a wide variety of rust effects.

Below, apply additional Rusty Paper over areas of the Patina with a palette knife.

Apply additional Rusty Paper and Rusty Patina as desired to achieve an organic, layered look of distress.

Below, pounce Rusty Paper onto a clear polymer stamp with a sponge applicator. As with any paint or ink, you want full coverage on the stamp area, but not an excessive amount of product that would ruin your imprint. I’m sure you have a lot of stamps in your stash that would be amazing stamped in rust.)

Stamp onto a smaller tag or paper torn to size. Cut and fray burlap to size, and begin arranging your trimmed materials onto your rusted tag as you please. Use additional Rusty Paper or Rusty Patina, or your favorite inks and paints, to distress edges and add additional color, if desired.

Once you have an arrangement you like, affix all materials into place with glue or stitching.

More on Applying Rusty Paper and Rust Patina

From Viva Decor, here is the step by step process to create a decorative plate using Rusty Paper and Rusty Patina.

Coat your surface with Rusty for Paper thoroughly, and let dry. If you can’t achieve full coverage with one coat, apply another after the first dries. Immediately clean any application tool with cold water after use. The cured product is not water-soluble.

Rust effects can be achieved by brushing, wiping or dabbing product on, even applying with a palette knife. Use both colors of Rusty for Paper, or mix with Rusty Patina for even more dynamic and realistic rust appearance.

Puddle some Rusty for Paper and your choice of Rusty Patina on a separate plate, and use a sponge for these additional applications.

Apply Rusty Paper to select areas. While the Rusty Paper is still wet, pick up some Rusty Patina and wipe it into the Rusty, swirling and mottling. For this plate, the designer is working in a circular pattern to mimic how rust could actually form.

One after another, wipe Rusty and Rusty Patina, wet on wet, into each other until the desired thickness of color has been achieved. Let dry.