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. Â 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.
IÂ 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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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!