Sophisticated Finishes Rust Kit

[Ian MacMillan]

Ok I had seen this stuff mentioned here and with a direct to the Model Railroader forums and thought I would at least give it a shot.

I tried a couple of roofs on some old Athearn boxcars to see what the results would be.

I was pleased with the results, and think that with additional weathering products the results could be even better. I know the roof on this car is exaggerated.

I'm now testing to see if the iron base could be thinned to a wash or even airbrushed for better results. Depending on how that turns out I can maybe finally now really represent the rusty bridges that are on the Maine Central Mountain Division.

[tom mann]

Where can I get some of that? 

I think its perfect for an old bridge, as you say.

[kevdog77]

Tom,

I picked mine up at either JoAnn Fabrics or Michaels. I don't remember which one. It's in a small white box by the paints and finishes.

[nwline]

Is that the on the box ?   ( Sophisticated finishes rust kit )

[diezmon]

Holy &&*$!, that looks great!

Perfect for my new plate girder bridge!

[dnhouston]

That looks amazing!  I'm going to have to get me some.

[Ian MacMillan]

I got it at Michaels for $10. In HO it looks like the stuff will go a long way.

Here's what the box looks like:

[DKS]

I got it at Michaels for $10. In HO it looks like the stuff will go a long way.

Here's what the box looks like:

Hmmm. I bought one of those kits a few months back, and could not get a rusty finish to appear no matter what I did. Evidently whatever I did wasn't right. I was about to pitch it, but maybe I'll give it another try.

[Ian MacMillan]

Dave, did you just buy the kit, or the rusting bottle? I accidentally picked up just the activator bottle before realizing that you need to have the iron coating paint.

Theres a quickie how to on my site:
http://www.amoskeagnorthern.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=69&Itemid=54

[DKS]

Dave, did you just buy the kit, or the rusting bottle? I accidentally picked up just the activator bottle before realizing that you need to have the iron coating paint.

Theres a quickie how to on my site:
http://www.amoskeagnorthern.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=69&Itemid=54

I bought the full kit, and followed the enclosed directions. Nothing happened. Thank you for the how-to, I'll give it a try.

[kevdog77]

David,

I had a similar problem to yours. I get some sort of reaction, but it's more of a sickly tan-ish green. DEFINITELY not chock full of rusty goodness like Ian's example.

Ian,

How long did it take to get that look? Did you really pour the activator solution on, or did you brush on a normal coat? Did you need to do multiple coats? I've always thought that this stuff has potential, but my results with it have been disappointing.

[Ian MacMillan]

The photo of the roof is 4 coats of the activator. I just brushed it on like a wash, and then let it dry. I've found that generally 1 coat will give you a pretty bland, uniform dull rust. I wait about 2 hours between coats.

[tom mann]

I've been everywhere and I can't find this stuff. ???  I did notice that Mod Podge seems to be in every aisle at AC Moore, though.

[tom mann]

Is this product just iron powder suspended in alcohol and the activator is vinegar?

[Ian MacMillan]

The activator is Ammonium Chloride and Copper Sulphate.


One thing I did learn is to not seal the stuff with PollyScale "flat" as it turns the rust into a very yellow/whiteish color.