How to Make Hardware Look "Rusty"

I've refinished a few projects that needed some good rusty hardware for the final touch.  After scouring the internet on how to do this, I gave up and came up with my own version.  It's much easier than anything I could find out there. 

So, here's what I started with.  I had painted them previously, but didn't like how they turned out. 

First I sprayed them with Rustoleum Multicolor Textured paint.

I let them dry for about 15 minutes.  I didn't want the paint to be completely set because I like to mess up the texture a little. 

Normally I use black, red, and orange paint but I was out of orange so I improvised.

Next,  dab some color onto your project in random spots.     

I wear gloves and just dab at the hardware with my fingers until all the colors are blended. I usually add a little more black as I'm going. There seriously isn't a science to it.  Just go to town blending.

Not the best picture, but here it is on a thrift store shelf I refinished.  It's a wedding gift that has a personal touch, but didn't break the bank!

Dumpster Headboard to Hanging Shelf

 Here we have a crappy headboard, pulled from the dumpster.  Not a mystery how it ended up there, right? So my brilliant client found it and thought it would make a cool GIGANTIC shelf for an office.

Here it is with the bottom portion cut off.

 I'm always in such a hurry that I forget to take pictures along the way.  I added bead board to the top, bottom, and sides.  I also found some trim I used to make false drawers, and added a strip of wood along the bottom for hooks. I wish the pictures captured the size of it.  It looks awesome!
 Here my cute son & husband are holding it for me.  As soon as it's hung in it's new office, I will share the pictures.  I bet the person who threw this in the dumpster never dreamed it had such a promising future!

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Cute Little Book Case

 Little shelves like this are so fun.  They don't take up much room, but add so much character.

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