Technique N.05 — Rust
Alkantarus – Rust Effect
Alkantarus is a professional decorative paint for a rust effect. No two walls turn out the same: layered colour and texture bring an original, industrial character and a high-end look to the room.
Colours neededA-KREAL: Black · Alkantarus: #6 Copper Clay + #46 Pure Orange
Walls and ceilings do not need to be perfectly smooth for this effect. On highly absorbent walls we recommend Gruntus deep-penetrating primer by ZUBRA COLORS to strengthen the surface and reduce absorbency.
Technical information
A-KREAL
Alkantarus – Rust Effect
Application tips
Alkantarus is applied with a decorative effects brush and a sponge. Because this is an artistic technique, every square metre is worked individually, so it is not a quick job – allow for this when you plan the work. The result depends on the hand of the decorator, which makes every wall unique.
Technique
The effect uses two Alkantarus colours brushed over a black A-KREAL base. Work in sections of 1–2 m² at most: apply the paint, then dab the surface lightly with the sponge so the black base shows through in places, blending the brown and the orange into soft transitions. The technique is simple, but it takes time and patience.
Correcting the effect
It is very hard to get this wrong. If a section does not look right, you can rework it within 20–30 minutes of the first coat: add a little orange or brown paint to soften or correct an unwanted transition. Although it is designed as a one-coat effect, professional decorators recommend refining selected areas by dabbing on a little more Alkantarus with the sponge.
Durability and care
The finish is washable and needs no sealer. Even without a sealer, small areas can be touched up without redoing the whole wall – just remember how the paint was originally applied and how much water you added.