Rust Finishes
Weathered and aged metals are often desired for their warm, rich tones and surface textures, and architectural rust is no exception. Rust finishes add warmth, interest, and range to your project’s design, making them a popular choice for façades, cladding, and other architectural elements. To defy the oxidation process, we have developed a variety of corrosion-resistant rust finishes tailored for weathering steel architecture applications.
Below is a sampling of our rust finishes, but we can also create custom, one-of-a-kind designs specific to your needs. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, select the closest option and let us know how you would like to see it adjusted. We’ll work with you to create a unique material for your project. Keep scrolling down to see the rust finishes we keep in stock.
All Rust Finishes
Explore our full range of rust and weathering steel finishes. These architectural weathering steel finishes are designed to create controlled rust patinas that enhance both durability and visual character in building façades, cladding systems, and architectural features. From rich, textured rust surfaces to subtle, refined weathering steel finishes, each option supports the performance requirements of exterior architectural applications while delivering a distinctive aesthetic.
To see our latest inventory go to our In Stock Now page. Keep scrolling to see our stocked rust finishes.
Stocked Rust Finishes
Our stocked finishes are available in 0.8mm and 1mm thicknesses, making it ideal for faster turnaround projects and more cost-effective pricing. Designed for weathering steel architecture, it offers a consistent, controlled patina that replicates the natural aging of weathering steel. Maintained in inventory, this architectural rust finish provides a durable, low-maintenance surface perfect for exterior cladding, façades, and other architectural features.
*Due to our ever changing sample inventory, samples may not be available for all finishes.
Our team is happy to assist in suggesting the most similar finish from our current inventory during your inquiry.
How do I specify a Rust finish in my project documents?
We can provide finish names, color codes, product facts, and specification support so you can accurately reference the rust finish in your drawings and specifications. Visit our Specification Builder to walk you through our standard product offerings and show you the optimal sizes, options available and generate a copy-and-pasteable version sent directly to your email.
What are “Weathering Steel” or Rust Finishes?
Weathering steel finishes can refer to natural steel which when exposed to the air patinas to a rust finish. These were made popular by US Steel’s CortenTM product. The oxidation is intended to protect the steel surface from corrosion, however in certain climates or with water exposure they can continue to corrode. Our version of “rust” or “weathering steel” panels are made from aluminum and painted using offset gravure process which adds dimension and the look of rust patina to the finish without the chance of corrosion. The range of finishes in this category gives great variety of color, pattern size and matte appearance.
These finishes can be used as weathering steel cladding, for millwork and any of our other product applications. To see examples of projects keep scrolling, or check out our systems to see what is the right fit for your project needs.
Recent Projects in Rust Finishes
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike traditional weathering steel that forms a protective rust layer through oxidation, Pure + FreeForm rust finishes are applied as high-performance coatings on aluminum substrates. They offer the desired patina aesthetic with lighter weight, improved durability, and no risk of continued corrosion.
The rust finish family includes a range of tones and textures — from earthy rust patinas like Serra and Mature Rust to more dynamic blends like Blue Rust and Parisian Rust, each with its own visual character and depth.
Yes. If you don’t find exactly the look you need in the standard collection, Pure + FreeForm offers custom finish development to tailor patina appearance to your project’s design intent.
