Materials & Supplies

Here is a short run down on what you will need to start rust dyeing.  You probably have most of these items already on hand.

Fabrics

I've found most fabrics work very well with rust dyeing.  The only fabrics I've found to be unsuccessful is heavily napped fabrics and those with a very shiny surface.  Here is a short list of fabrics I've had great success with.

• High quality muslin
• 10 oz cotton duck, which is very tightly woven and stiff
• Several pieces lightweight textured cotton
• Natural colored textured cotton
• Colored sheeting
• Silk
• Denim
• Unconventional fibers such as baby wipes, cheesecloth and scrim

The purpose of the soaking solution is to help speed the natural rusting process.  I usually use one of the following:

• Plain solution—a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water
• Rusty solution—which can be the rusty water saved from rinsing the fabric or it can be created from the plain solution and small rusty items
• Spray bottle of 50/50 vinegar/water

Rusty Metal

Almost any rusty metal will do.  When I go for walks, I'm always finding bits and pieces of metal.  You can even purchase metal pieces at the hardware store, such as the washers below.  I don't even wait for new pieces to rust, just place them on the fabric and allow them to rust, rusting the fabric at the same time.

 

metal washers

washers and circles

saw blades

lawn staples

• saw blades in assorted sizes

• food can lids 

• metal washers

• binder rings

• assorted flat metal pieces

• wrenches

• wrenches

• old square nails

• lawn staples

Miscellaneous Items

• Buckets for soaking and rinsing the fabric 
• Baking soda for neutralizing the rust
• Dawn dish detergent
• Plastic to wrap and cover the fabric
• A plastic or metal tray to help protect your work surface if necessary
• Some bricks to help weigh things down
  
  
  
  

Work space

Where to Work?

Dyeing with Rust is a messy process. While you can do it indoors, just remember, rust can and will stain almost of anything.

Here is a view of my rust dyeing area.  This is just outside the back door of my studio and consist of 15 feet of counter space.  The counters are made by stacking cinder blocks 4 high and topped off with plastic shelving from a storage shelf.  I've used left over tile as a non porous  surface.  I can easily clean these tiles using a rust remover product.

My rust dyeing area

Now not everyone will become a rust fanatic like me, so here are a few ideas for setting up a work space:

•     Consider setting up a temporary work space, which we will also take a look at.

•     Use a small folding table raised up with bed risers.

•     Cover the table with upholstery vinyl or plastic to protect it.

•     If needed, you could set up a second table, or maybe a few folding TV tables.

Being Safe

Working with iron oxide or rust to create beautiful one of a kind fabrics can be safe, if you follow some simple safety precautions. The main objectives are to avoid taking in excess iron through your skin and to avoid breathing in small iron particles. 

Basic Safety Equipment

Protecting Your Skin 

Iron is easily absorbed through the skin so protect your hands when handling rusty metal:

For working with the rusty metal, you will need a heavy duty glove. 
 
Most of the metal objects are rough and can have sharp edges and the thin gloves are easily torn or punctured. So a heavier duty glove will provide you more protection.

Protecting Your Lungs

 

The rusty metal usually builds up finely flakes of metal and you don't want to breath these fine pieces in.  So here are a few tips to protect your lungs:

You will need to wear a mask or a respirator. 
 
I use the 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8210Plus, purchased at Home Depot.


Don't work when it is windy.

Other Protection Suggestions:

You may also want to wear eye protection if you don't wear glasses and especially if  you wear contacts.


Consider protecting your hair with a hat or scarf.


Wear clothing you don't mind getting stained. 
 
After a rust dyeing session, consider taking a shower to remove any rust dust from you skin.


Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date.

Iron Poisoning

While you may be concerned with possible iron poisoning, according to Wikipedia, "Iron poisoning is an iron overload caused by a large excess of iron intake and usually refers to an acute overload rather than a gradual one.  The term has been primarily associated with young children who consumed large quantities of iron supplement pills.

  If you take these simple precautions, working with rust can be as safe as any other textile process.