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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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
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