Habitat TV

Create garden art that’s aged to perfection with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect.

Resene FX Faux Rust Effect transforms non-metal surfaces into the look of corroded or weathered steel. In this case, a wooden structure built from battens and timber offcuts becomes a rusted-looking obelisk, ideal for growing climbing plants. 

You will need

• Cavity batten 12.5m x 50mm x 25mm (see cutting measurements below)
• Protractor
• Pencil
• Bench or hand saw
• 4mm drill bit and power drill
• Treated pine countersunk self-embedding screws, 8g x 35mm
• Scrap piece of timber, 80mm x 80mm x 35mm
• Ball-top fence-post cap with square base
• Resene FX Faux Rust Effect (basecoat and activator)
• Paintbrush

Cutting measurements:

• 4 x 1800mm (frame)
• 4 x 560mm (bottom supports)
• 4 x 420mm (middle supports)
• 4 x 280mm (top supports)

This wooden obelisk is great for climbing roses, sweet peas or climbing edibles such as beans. To create the rusty look, the wooden structure was painted in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect basecoat followed by Resene FX Faux Rust Effect activator. Just like real rust, the rust colour will develop over time. Fence painted in Resene Element CoolColour.

The Resene FX Faux Rust Effect Activator is corrosive. When applying close to any adjacent metal surfaces, ensure plastic covers are in place to protect the metal surfaces against contact.

Step 1: Using the protractor, mark an angle of 8° at the top and bottom of each of the 1800mm-long pieces. Cut the angle with a bench or hand saw.

Step 2: Working on a flat surface, form an A-shape with two 1800mm pieces, joined at the top, and with 650mm at the base (measured from the outside). Place the support pieces on the frame at the following distances (measuring from the top): 400mm for the smaller support, 865mm for the middle support and 1035mm for the longest support. They will overhang at the edges.

Step 3: Mark with a pencil where the supports sit on the frame for easy placement later, then mark the angle on the underside of each support where the wood needs to be cut to line up with the frame. Remove from the frame and cut the angles with a hand or bench saw.

Step 4: Using a 4mm drill bit, drill pilot holes at each end of the supports where they are to be screwed to the frame. Then screw supports in place. Repeat steps 2 to 4 to create the other side of the frame.

Step 5: Take the 80mm x 80mm piece of timber and cut each side at an 8° angle to form a support for the A-frame at the top. Place one side of the A-frame on top of the 80mm support (as shown), drill pilot holes and then screw in place. The support piece should be flush with the top of the frame.

Step 6: Turn the frame and support piece over, place the other side of the A-frame on top and prop up at the end to a height of about 640mm. Drill pilot holes into the frame and support piece, then screw into place.

Step 7: Place the remaining side supports on the frame and mark the angle on the underside of each support where the wood needs to be cut to line up with the frame. Remove from the frame and cut the angles with a hand or bench saw. Attach to the frame: drill pilot holes first, then screw them into place.

Step 8: Screw the fence-post cap to the top of the support piece from beneath.

Step 9: Paint the obelisk. Apply two coats of Resene FX Faux Rust Effect basecoat using a brush, allowing at least four hours’ drying time between coats. Use random brushstrokes in different directions to create an uneven texture to enhance the look of the rust.

Step 10: Apply two coats of Resene FX Faux Rust Effect Activator to the obelisk using random brushstrokes in different directions, completely covering all of the basecoat. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second.

project Jane Wrigglesworth
images Bryce Carleton, Ben Whorwood

top tip

Apply Resene FX Faux Rust Effect Activator within 24 hours of applying the basecoat, ideally when the Resene FX Faux Rust Effect basecoat is tacky or touch dry. Rusting will start to develop within 12 hours. The final colour may be protected (not sealed) by applying two coats of Resene Aquapel waterborne diluted 2:1 with water.