Work Log: Part 5
Corsair H80i Cooling - The art of rusting
Hello all:
I am beginning to work on some of the internal hardware mods in an effort to make them match the theme (old an worn). I have been experimenting with rust effects and after a bit of trial and error, I have come up with a method which I think provided good results . . . Let me know what you think.
I started with the Corsair H80i Cooler.
As this was going to be mounted toward the front back of the build I wanted to show some real rust damage (think eaten away). My normal mode has always been to paint and age via rust colour model paint and brushed aluminum. This would require a different approach. I started with a base coat of "ruddy brown" primer (light coats so as not to clog up the fins)
The next step was a very light coat of colour (olive drab). I did not want to overpower the base coat so it was spray sparingly to give it the appearance of having been worn away over time and use.
In order to create the illusion of metal which had been corroded by rust I used liquid adhesive which I sprayed in various locations on the pieces ( I did not spray the adhesive into the fins . . .

). Once the adhesive began to set, I took ground fire place ash and rubbed it into the adhesive to create a rough surface. Once the adhesive set, I brushed off the loose charcoal and then lightly sprayed the pieces with the base coat primer and olive drab to seal the rough surface.
To provide a final rust appearance, I used acrylic paint mixed to various orange textures which I applied on the pieces. Initial painting was smudged in using my finger and a latex glove. I continued this process to create varying shades of orange to provide depth. The final light orange coats were applied lightly on the rough surfaces without smudging.
All I have left to do is to sleeve the fan cables and it is ready for mounting into the unit.
Hope you enjoyed.
Cheers
Fen