Rita Hill gave some cheap, plastic pots an authentic, rusted iron look. The finished fakes have a soft, weathered patina reminiscent of ancient Mediterranean urns.

You will need

plastic pots ($3 each from K Mart) .Porter's Limeproof Undercoat Sealer ($28 for 1 litre)
Porter's Liquid Iron ($32 for 500 ml .
Porter's Instant Rust ($28 for 500 ml) .
rags, disposable paint brushes .
rubber gloves

Directions

1. Make sure the pot surface is clean, then seal with Porter's Limeproof Undercoat Sealer (2 coats are recommended). Leave to dry for 5-6 hours.
2. Apply 2 coats of Porter's Liquid Iron, allowing 12 hours drying time after each coat. (Tip: this product contains iron filings, so wear gloves and use a disposable brush to apply.)
3. Apply 2 coats of Porter's Instant Rust, allowing 3 hours drying time after each coat. (Tip: Instant Rust can be painted on for a subtle rust effect, or sprayed or sponged on for a more dramatic look.)

Finishing touches

Rita filled the faux rusty urns with a mix of fabric flowers, including roses and tulips. Artificial flowers are undergoing a new wave of popularity because they are so realistic and low maintenance these days. They are made from fabric (known as 'silks') or latex, and come in a range of styles and types. To keep your artificial flowers looking good, dust them regularly. For a complete clean, most can be rinsed in soapy water and then hung upside down to dry.

Further information

Porter's Paints 895 Bourke St Waterloo NSW 2017
Phone: 9698-5322 Fax: 9699-5332
Email: enquiries@porters.com.au
Website: www.porterspaints.com.au/porterspaints
Artificial flowers are available from homeware stores, nurseries, florists and giftware stores.

Copyright CTC Productions 2003