Inexpensive Faux Copper and Patina Metal
Do you love the look of copper, but the price makes your head whip the other way? Have no fear my dear! You can create inexpensive faux copper and patina for a fraction of the cost.
I was introduced to Modern Masters Metal Effects at Haven last year and the finish definitely fooled me. I honestly thought it was real copper. When I read up on the product, I realized that there are real copper particles in the paint which allows it to react and patina with the Metal Effects Green Patina Solution. (affiliate link)
The uses for this paint are limitless! Discount light fixtures can be transformed into luxury copper versions with a little paint and patina spray. Paint inexpensive statues to look like real metal. Even Virgin Records and Ceasar’s Palace have used the paint and patina on exterior roof surfaces to fake the look. You may have seen the copper panel on our family organization center door. Today I want to show you how to create Inexpensive Copper Metal and Patina using Metal Effects!
Materials:
(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)
- Sheet Metal
- Tin Snips
- Modern Masters Acid Blocking Primer
- Modern Masters Aging Solution Green Patina
- Modern Masters Metallic Copper Paint
- Paint brush
- Work gloves
- Latex gloves
Optional: Sea sponge
Instructions:
Cut your piece of sheet metal to size using tin snips. Be sure to wear work gloves to avoid cutting yourself on the metal. Wipe off any dirt or grease.
Coat the metal with one coat of primer. Let it dry and apply a second coat of primer.
After the primer has dried, add one coat of the Metal Effects copper paint. After that dries, add a second coat.
Once the copper paint is dry, you can leave it as is, or add a beautiful patina.
Adding Patina to Faux Copper:
Pour a small amount of the Green Patina aging solution in a spray bottle. (Alternatively you could use a sea sponge to dab the solution onto the copper painted item.)
Put on rubber gloves and spray the patina solution onto the copper painted metal sheet.
Within seconds the metal will begin to turn dark and then the green patina will form.
I found it helpful to use a sea sponge to dab at some of the drips and distribute the patina solution around the metal. For a natural and random look, don’t coat the whole sheet with the patina solution.
You can paint the Metal Effects on almost anything, even other metals.
To cover the holes on the family organization door, I cut another piece of sheet metal large enough to cover both holes. I found a brass faceplate at our local Habitat ReStore.
I repeated the steps above until I had this beauty:
Attaching the sheet metal to the door is simple and can be accomplished with brad nails or upholstery tacks. Hold the tacks with needle-nosed pliers and hammer them through the sheet metal.
Add some magnets to create a place to display pictures or important reminders.
What could you transform with Modern Metals? They have other metal reactive paints as well.
Want to see some more magical transformations using Metal Effects? Check out this video:
Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post or a product review. I bought the primer, paint and patina solution to try. I was not paid or compensated by Modern Masters.
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Can this process be done on glass?
I suspect it can, but you will definitely need to prep it and I can’t guarantee it wouldn’t scratch easily, so best to use on a surface that won’t get a lot of use.
Hello! I’m in LOVE with everything about this door. I am grateful for the tutorial on the faux copper patina and will be using this technique for certain. But I would also love to know how you achieved the paint effect on the rest of the door, including colors used. Would you mind sharing? Thank you!
Would this paint work on tile? I have a fireplace from 1980 that I want to reface. It has hideous 12″x12″ brown tile. There is grout between the tiles.
I’d check with the manufacturer, Modern Masters.
Will this approach work on wood?
It should.
Is the primer needed first to do this effect on drywall?
That’s a good question for the manufacturer.
I wanted to do the same thing on my stairs, Hayla! Did you try it? Any tips?
Hello dear
I m trupti….I m metal artist from India, mam, how can I get this colour, can u help me
Could this be successful on terra cotta flower pots? This is beautiful!!
I think so!
Do you think this would work on syrofoam tiles to make them look like old ceiling tiles?
I’m not sure if you can use this paint on styrofoam. Check with the paint manufacturer.
If I wanted to do this on stair risers (new construction) should I seal it with something so if dog toenails or shoes come in contact it is protected from damage? I love this look!
That’s up to you. It’s very rustic looking so I’m not sure you’d see any scratches.
do you think that can be used in a bathroom?
Yes, but not in a shower or somewhere that would get constant water contact.
Debbie, I am thinking about doing the same thing. How did it turn out? Any pics or tips?
Do you have any recommendations on how to add/apply additional colors?
I don’t but I’m sure Modern Masters might be able to offer some suggestions.
Hi, will one bottle of the copper paint be enough to paint an approximately 4-5 ft long metal hood over my kitchen oven?
I think it should be enough. But, you might want to check with the manufacturer.
I’m in the process of doing the Metal Effects Copper and Green Patina to a horse trough. Did you spray the activator while the second coat of copper was wet or was it dry?
Dry.
I want to do a 20 foot accent wall in copper, however I do not like the blue or green aging, but I would like something in bronze, any ideas. I don’t see one out there that is bronze. Could I do both colors on the wall, but kind of look drippy, etc.? No clue, but its expensive for such a large wall so I want to get it right.
Check with Customer Service at Modern Masters. The patina happens when you add the patina agent.
I have a outside metal door that is in need of re-painting. Would love to do this. Do I need to strip the old white paint off door first?
As long as your door paint is in good shape, you should be able to paint over. You have to use the Metal Masters primer through. Maybe test in a small area ahead of time.
Can this be used on wood?
Sure. You just need to be aware if your wood is very grainy you’ll see the grain.
Yes, but be forewarned if you have grainy wood (like oak) you’ll still be able to see the grain.
So in the list of materials needed, is the copper metal paint missing?
You are so right! Updating it now.
Is this what they used on flea market flip a couple of years ago?
I record their shows a d nust saw I believe this product and want to try it?
Thank you.
Nicole Moro
[email protected]
I wanted to try this on my kitchen countertops. Not sure what material they are but it seems similiar to Formica. Would this work on that…?
You would need to check with Modern Masters. My concern would be if it is food safe.
Hi!! Thanks so much for your tutorial! It was super helpful. I completed my project last night but my patina looks chalky now that it has dried. What did you do to make yours look like it does before it dries? I like the darker wet look.. thanks in advance!
Hey, Could I use this on wood or skull if it’s primed or does it only work on metal?
I bought the kit after seeing your post. Used it on several metals and wood, patina shows better on non-smooth surfaces (naturally) and on wood more than on metal but even on smooth (shiny laquered) chrome type finished metal, as shiny as sink faucets, after applying the primer and several layers of copper paint it’s possible to achieve the aged copper look without scratching the original shiny coat.. I needed to paint several hooks and other accessories, particularly cheap looking shiny studs on my outdoor planters to match them to real copper gutters, and they all look authentic and chic. Thanks for this tutorial, it really helped me discover this new interesting product. They even send a spray nozzle to put onto the patina liquid. The whole process was fun and easy. Next is to try metal cutting / tin snips, I’ve always been intimidated by cutting metal but seems it could also be fun!
Oh one more thing: I sealed the final product with a spray sealant since I’m using the painted items outdoors.
Using tin snips is easy. Just like using regular scissors only using a little more pressure and a larger pair of scissors.
thanks for the encouragement 🙂
I was informed by Modern Masters that the patina cannot be sealed. They said that if you apply a sealer, it will flake off over Disappointed
Dee, thanks, that’s good to know. I haven’t sealed any of my patina pieces and haven’t had any issues with flaking.
Will this work on a pvc planter box ??
Would this work on a chimney cap?
I’m not sure, check with Modern Masters to be sure.
I saw one of your items on Pinterest and went to the link and read and saw your video
and can’t wait to go to the store and buy the products. I already know my 1st test product and then a wall. I am so excited!! Thank you!
Does using it on wood have the same effect as seen on your project?
It will, but if your wood isn’t perfectly smooth you’ll see the woodgrain. You can either use joint compound or wood putty to fill in all the grain first, then prime.
Is this product only good for metals or could it be used on wood that had been painted (chalk paint).
You can use the product on any surface! I used it on a plastic pulley here: https://prettyhandygirl.com/faux-aged-metal-pulley/
Where can I obtain the copper patina materials? Is it available in Northern Texas at a store outlet or Home Depot, etc.?
Thomas, I haven’t seen it at Home Depot. The best way to get it is to order online. There are links to the products in the materials list above. You could also call the company and ask for local retailers.
I have a black metal art piece that looks like a arched church window. Can I use these two products without using the sheet metal. Can I apply the products directly to the black metal?
As long as you use the Modern Masters primer, you should be fine.
I would love to try this on a metal gazebo by the pond. Right now it is painted a blah tan. Wish me luck!
Very cool!
I have a painted metal roof over my bay window that I would like to look like aged copper. Do you think this product is weatherproof?
Thanks,
Ellen
I think you can use this product, but check with Modern Masters to find out if you have to apply a sealant on top.
Just found your site online with Pinerest. I want to use the Metal Masters copper paint technique for kitchen backsplash. Is the final product durable to wipe down when cleaning the kitchen? Would it need too be sealed? Thanks.
Did you do the backsplash? If so, how is it holding up? How’d it turn out? Thanks
David, I haven’t had any problems with our sheet metal. It doesn’t get as much abuse as a backsplash, but I bet it would wipe off fine.
Brittany
This is beautiful! I love the finish. I am going to have to try this technique!
Anyone know if the patina spray would work if sprayed on real copper? We have a bay window with a real copper roof, but I would like to help along the patina look. Right now the patina is only in a few streaky areas.
Jill, I’m almost positive it will because there is real copper pieces in the paint. But, check with Modern Masters to be certain.
Could this be done to an entire wall?? The wall being sheetrock.
Absolutely! Although the cost may be a determining factor on a large wall.
Hi, love how your project came out!!! Do you think I could do this to a pvc plumbing pipe in my bathroom? Would I need an initial primer before the MM Metal Effects primer? TIA! 🙂
Marianne, I don’t see why not, that would look cool!!!
The end result is really nice and the possibilities are endless. The copper hardware turned out amazing.
Love this technique, your final results are just amazing!
Wow,this is so neat! I’ve definitely got to try this!
This is AWESOME! So beautiful, especially the brass faceplate!
I have to agree it is certainly awesome I’m Union plaster I love to figure out a way to get the same affect on plaster wall I’ve been in the plaster trade for 40 years and I’m not quite sure how I could pull that effect on a wall less adding metal shavings or something of the sort for oxidization. I’m up for suggestions or I might just give it a ride and see what happens
What a fun technique and great results. Thanks for sharing. I love how you antiqued the message door – both the hardware you added to cover the holes – so clever – and the wood frame.
Brittany,
This project turned out stylish and practical. I am so impressed that you are going to school for contracting. You are an amazing determined woman shaking up the DIY World.
Happy Creating,
Karen Marie
Thanks Karen. 😉
I remember using Modern Masters products years ago when I had my faux finishing business & I loved it. I have some new & unusual projects going on at home where I want to try this method. On my must have list. Fabulous products & thanks for the great tutorial.
This is a great technique! Your copper hardware came out beautifully! Thanks for sharing!
Loving this! I’ve always loved the aesthetic of patina on copper, so this is perfect. Can’t wait to try this out!
I’m so inspired I’m basing the decor of my bedroom on this thank you!