I use a damp cabinet to get consistent temperatures and humidity for rusting. It's not necessary but I did it so I could get better control and consistency over the process. I took an old cabinet with doors and stripped out the shelves. I hung a 70 watt bulb at the top and place a hot plate with a coffee carafe on the bottom. When rusting, I turn on the light for heat and keep the hot plate on low and just heat the water enough so some stem comes off. I get about 85% humidity which is perfect for rusting. Higher humidity will cause dark blue spots to form ruining the process.
It takes about four hours to get the degree of rusting I am looking for. I used to rust around the clock, setting my alarm to wake me every four hours during the night. I no longer do that and just rust during the day.
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