Colour Mill
Oil-Soluble Food Coloring - Colour Mill Rust 100 ml
Oil-soluble food coloring in Rust, Pro 100 ml format
Colour Mill Rust evokes aged iron rust and the terracotta of an Italian amphora. This oil-soluble food coloring is designed for the high-fat bases used in baking: melted white chocolate, butter ganache, buttercream, royal icing, and fondant worked with the warmth of your hands. Particularly sought after by cake designers for earthy and bohemian autumn wedding cakes and terra cotta or pottery-themed layer cakes, it offers a distinctive shade recognizable from the Colour Mill (Australia) palette.
Made in Australia using proprietary pigment encapsulation technology, Colour Mill withstands baking temperatures of up to 180°C without shifting or fading. The Rust shade remains stable after baking, making it the reference choice for colored cake batters before they go into the oven. The 100 ml bottle is designed for boutique bakeries in regular production: at the same volume, it costs approximately 35% less per milliliter than the 20 ml bottle, for daily use without frequent restocking.
Rust shade
Official reference from the Colour Mill (Australia) palette.
Rust: 3 shades depending on the dosage
The shade can be subtly adjusted according to the dosage without losing its identity.
Light dosage
2 to 3 drops / 250 g
Standard dosage
5 to 8 drops / 250 g
Intense dosage
15 to 25 drops / 250 g
Creative ideas with Rust
5 signature uses where this shade makes the difference:
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• Earthy and bohemian autumn wedding cakes
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• Terra cotta or pottery-themed layer cakes
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• Rustic autumn-themed royal icing cookies
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• Vintage and industrial-chic themed drip cakes
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• Autumn outdoor wedding event cupcakes
Features
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• Brand: Colour Mill (Australia)
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• Type: Concentrated oil-soluble food coloring
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• Shade: Rust
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• Packaging: 100 ml soft squeeze dropper bottle
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• Compatible bases: Melted white chocolate, ganache, buttercream, royal icing, sugar paste
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• Typical dosage: 2 to 6 drops per 250 g of mixture
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• Baking resistance: Stable up to 180°C, does not lighten after baking
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• Origin: Australia (proprietary manufacturing)
Instructions for use
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Base preparation: temper the fat-based mixture (white chocolate, ganache, buttercream) to 25-30°C. Above 35°C, some pigments may lose intensity.
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Initial dosage: shake the bottle for 10 seconds. Add 2 to 4 drops per 250 g of mixture for pastel shades, 6 to 10 drops for vivid shades, and 15 to 25 drops for dark shades.
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Mixing: whisk with a stand mixer or silicone spatula for 30 to 60 seconds to distribute the color evenly.
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Resting and stabilization: leave to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature under cling film pressed directly against the surface. The shade develops and fully reveals itself during resting.
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Optional adjustment: if the shade is too pale, add 1 to 3 additional drops and remix. Proceed in increments to avoid oversaturation.
Ingredients and compliance
Composition: food-grade vegetable oil base and food coloring pigments compliant with European regulations (EU 1333/2008).
Allergens: no major allergens declared. Gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free, peanut-free, soy-free. Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Storage
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• Keep the bottle closed in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.
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• Ideal storage temperature: between 15 and 22°C.
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• Slight pigment/oil separation is normal after prolonged storage: shake for 10 seconds before use.
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• Once opened, use within 12 months to preserve maximum pigment intensity.
Patissland Tip - Rust
Rust is the signature color of the terracotta wedding cakes that have dominated Pinterest since 2023. Combine it with Sand, Sage, and Latte for a complete desert/boho palette. Highly sought after for rustic weddings in southern France, Italy, or Morocco. Not suitable for winter; reserve it for the August–November season.
Frequently asked questions
At what level of activity does the 100 ml size become cost-effective?
The 100 ml size becomes worthwhile at around 5 colored orders per week. To get started or simply test a shade, the 20 ml size (see above) remains more suitable.
How many drops for 250 g of buttercream?
For pastel shades: 2 to 4 drops. For bright shades: 5 to 10 drops. For dark shades: 12 to 20 drops. Always start with less and adjust gradually—it is easier to intensify a color than to lighten it.
Does Colour Mill food coloring withstand baking?
Yes, Colour Mill is one of the few oil-based food colorings to retain its intensity after baking at temperatures up to 180°C. This property sets it apart from classic liquid colorings, which become lighter in the oven.
Can Colour Mill be used on water-based mixtures (royal icing, syrup)?
No, Colour Mill oil-based food coloring is designed for fat-based mixtures: melted chocolate, ganache, buttercream, and fondant. For water-based mixtures, use the Colour Mill water-soluble range.
Does the bottle have a built-in dropper?
Yes, the 100 ml Colour Mill bottle also has a built-in dropper opening in the soft cap, despite the larger container. A simple squeeze dispenses one precise drop.
To take it further
Complete your Colour Mill palette:
