Another option on lights, go to Walmart, I picked up a couple of desktop lights with the fluorescent bulbs. The ones I got have the "daylight" bulbs in them, and while not an OTT light, it is basically a No Name one, and even with your 40% off coupon from Michaels still ends up being cheaper.
I use them for both modeling and photography and work very well. Usually can pick them up for $20-$25, and the bulbs can be found on Ebay of all places, usually can get 2 bulbs for $10.
As far as the rusting solution, I think that maybe the problem stems from it not really adhering to the primer coat like a paint would, so when you put the hairspray over it, and then painted over the hairspray.....the rust solution really doesn't have that good of a hold on the primer.....which is why I think when you removed the top layer of paint it went right back to the primer. Nothing that you did wrong....just that the rust solution doesn't seem to be a paint, very similar to the Rustall system, paint on a solution that has iron in it....wait till it drys and then put on the solution to rust the iron. While it will adhere enough to the surface to stay put....the chipping to take off the top layer of paint to expose the rust was enough to take off the rust as well.
Another method for doing rust..........take a mason jar (or some other glass jar), put some steel wool in it, top with water and put the jar outside in the sun (not sure if this works by just putting it on a window sill inside...maybe....but might take longer), the sun evaporates the water, breaking the steel wool down, and what you are left with in the bottom of the jar is basically real rust. Mix with some matt varnish and use it on your kit....
Real rust, to replicate rust!