The idea behind this project came from years of frustration: after trying commercial rust products and finding none of them satisfactory, the maker developed a method of actually rusting steel wool onto a model instead. The subject is Dog from Half-Life 2, sculpted by the maker, and the treatment leaves parts of it looking like genuinely corroded metal.
The process is easy to follow. The model was spray painted with dark metallic acrylic first, then steel wool was wrapped around each part to be rusted and sprayed or painted with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, plus a pinch of salt. Once everything is dry, the remaining wool comes off. Tape can hold the wool against the model for better contact, and drying speed changes the tone: a slow dry in a shaded area makes the rust darker, while a hair dryer or sunshine gives a lighter color.
The close-up work is what stands out for me. A wheel assembly, a cylindrical component and a toothed bucket-like section all carry heavy corrosion, and the maker calls the results truly spectacular. The effect can be layered, with multiple applications bonding well, chunky scaling wipes away with a dry brush or fingers, plain water restores clean surfaces, and alcohol adds extra effect.
The model is still unfinished and updates will follow when it is done. The maker has also asked for tips on changing or modifying the rust effect, and mentions ultra fine iron powder sprinkled onto a wetted surface as an alternative to steel wool for controlling scaling.