![](https://harryshobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/r5-768x1024.jpg)
Something ive wanted to use but have been too scared to.
Dirty Down Rust is a water soluble paint that gives a varied rust pattern to your miniatures. I have heard all sorts of stories about this on the internet and received lusts of advice ono how to use it, but I just wanted a good old fashioned test model.
I recommend you read the back of the bottle and follow the manufacturers guidance as it produces flammable vapours
The Test
![](https://harryshobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/r1-947x1024.jpg)
This is a base made for a walker. its several plates from various Ork and basing kits, it gives a varied texture to test the Rust.. the base was first given an all over with Leadbelcher base paint from Citadel.
![](https://harryshobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/r2-768x1024.jpg)
I’ve heard about people having all sorts of issues getting this paint well mixed in the bottle it comes in. The owner of the model shop I purchased this rom told me to stick a paint brush I “didn’t care about” into it and give it a good mix. I shook it hard and after 5 minutes it was all well mixed, no sacrificial brush required. Step one was simple… slap it all over the base.
![](https://harryshobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/r3.jpg)
![](https://harryshobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/r4-768x1024.jpg)
The first image above is a very light drybrush with the same Leadbelcher that was used for the base. the second image was a much more aggressive drybrush really bringing that silver back to the front. I would stop at the first lighter drybrush personally i like the look and contrast but this is a test after all.
![](https://harryshobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/r5-768x1024.jpg)
Now for the pure test, layering and pooling more Dirty Down over the dry brushed panels, this is a great visual in person… it doesn’t quite translate into photography. I liked the look around the nuts and between the panels, the completely covered panels contrast nicely against the silver.
Conclusion and tips
I like this stuff, I can see its got a learning process and as with most things practice makes perfect. I will definitely be incorporating this product into some upcoming terrain projects for Titanicus and in an upcoming Ork project. I have played around with this stuff a bit more since I did this little test and below are some tips from what i have learned.
Hopefully ill be able to add some links to this post in the future when I complete more projects using it.