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Garden Sanity by Pet Scribbles

Easy Faux Copper Patina Paint Finish

This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Any supplies used may be given to me free of charge, however, all projects and opinions are my own.


January 24, 2014 By Laura

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Transform old wooden planter boxes with an easy faux copper patina paint finish! Complete DIY! #ModernMasters

This tutorial will show you how easy it is to turn wood into metal.

OK. That’s not possible! But it is possible to make a wooden object look like beautifully aged metal with an easy faux copper patina paint finish.

I’ve shared faux paint finish techniques here before, and I’m super excited about sharing this one with you!

The Paints

This post is part of a campaign with Modern Masters and LooksiSquare. I was provided with materials for my projects, but as always my opinions are 100% my own.  

This was my first time using the Metal Effects line by Modern Masters paints, but it definitely won’t be my last. These paints make for fun projects with very satisfying results!

Modern Masters paints are water based. Yes, water based! This means no icky fumes and no difficulty when cleaning up, as the paint can be washed out of your brushes with soap and water. Easy peasy!

The Project

We’ve had a set of chipped and flaking old wooden planter boxes for a few years now, just waiting for me to make them over.

Him: Do we really need these?
Me: Yes, I’ll make them over and they’ll look awesome. I promise.
Him: And how exactly are you going to make them over?
Me: No clue, but I promise you they won’t just sit there gathering dust in the backyard.

That conversation took place about three years ago. Yes, the planters gathered much dust!

The Work Area

You want a large area to work in, so you’re not cramped when moving around and painting. I use our basement to paint my large projects like furniture, but you could also do this in your garage or outdoors. (The fact that we have sub-zero temperatures in our area means painting outdoors is not currently an option!)

Supplies

Supplies needed for prep work:

  • Hand sander
  • White rags

Supplies needed for painting:

  • Modern Masters Metal Effects Primer
  • Modern Masters Copper Reactive Metallic Paint
  • Modern Masters Green Patina Aging Solution
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Paint Brushes
  • Water Jar

Tutorial

Step One: Prep your surface.

Since these planters were old, and had lots of chipping paint, they needed a thorough sanding before any painting could be done.

It’s not a fun step.

It’s definitely a messy step. (I marched my clothing straight to the laundry room after I was finished.)

However, it’s a necessary step when you’re starting with any piece that has paint chips flaking off, as you don’t want any pieces coming off when you’re applying the paint. I used my small electric hand sander to make quick work of this step, then wiped down all the surfaces with white rags to remove all of the dust.

Step Two: Apply two coats of Modern Masters Metal Effects Primer.

The Metal Effects Primer is made specifically for use with the Modern Masters line of reactive metal paints and solutions.

Modern Masters Metal Effects Primer

Specifically, this primer provides a protective barrier on the surface you’re painting, so it blocks any of the special activator solutions – for either rusting or achieving patina effects – from reaching the actual surface where they could start eating away at your actual project. Oxidation is a fascinating thing, but since you want your project to stand the test of time, use this primer first!

Modern Masters Metal Effects Primer on Wood

The second coat of primer can be applied 30 minutes after the first coat. This is a nice feature! Once I finished applying the first coat to the second planter, I was able to begin applying the second coat to the first planter. Did you follow that?

I left the planters to sit overnight.

Step Three: Apply one coat of the Modern Masters Copper Reactive Metallic Paint.

Th Modern Masters Reactive Metallic Paints are SO cool! They have actual metal particles in them, which will oxidize naturally over time when exposed to the elements!

Modern Masters Copper Reactive Metallic Paint

Think of those fantastic weathered urns and garden objects you’ve admired in catalogs, in stores…or when touring old gardens here or in Europe. (If you want a solid copper finish that won’t tarnish, use their regular metallic paints.) 

Let dry for several hours. Again, I left mine to sit overnight.

You could leave your project as is, after applying this paint – although I’d suggest at least two coats – if you want your piece to slowly achieve a patina finish. But who wants to wait that long? Not me! But if you were patient, you could apply two coats of the Reactive Metallic Paint and stop here. 

Modern Masters Copper Reactive Metallic Paint on Wood

Step Four: Apply a second coat of the Modern Masters Copper Reactive Metallic Paint, working in small sections at a time, and while the paint is still wet, spray on the Modern Masters Green Patina Aging Solution.

This is the most involved step, but also the most fun!

First, what exactly is the Patina Aging Solution?

It’s an acidic solution (also water-based) that reacts with the metal particles in the Reactive Metallic Paints, thus speeding up the oxidation process. Modern Masters offers their patina solutions in both Green and Blue. You can apply this solution with a brush, a sea sponge, or with a spritzer/sprayer cap that conveniently attaches to their bottles – which is what I used.

Modern Masters Green Patina Aging Solution

You want to work in small sections at a time because the Patina Aging Solution must be applied within about 5 minutes of applying the Reactive Metallic Paint.

Once you paint and then spray one section, move onto the next section and repeat the process until you’ve covered your entire piece.

By the time you finish the last section, you’ll see the paint already beginning to oxidize! Science at work! (And I would have definitely been more attentive in science classes growing up if we were doing cool projects like this!)

Step Five: Touch up your work. – or – Admire your work!

After a few hours, I went back down to the basement to check out the planters. They looked good, and the paint was dry to the touch, but I knew it was still oxidizing. Since the look I was going for was a mix of shiny copper in some areas with green patina in others, I applied more copper paint here and there until I was satisfied with the look.

Again, I let the planters sit overnight and do their thing, and the next morning was pleased as punch to see my new aging wood metal planters! Seriously – how cool are they now? Very!

Faux Patina Finish on Wood Planter Boxes

Of course, you can’t see the feet in the snow we got this week, but trust me: you’ll be seeing these planters in future garden posts!

A couple of close-up detail shots . . .

faux patina paint finish close up
faux copper patina detail

I just love how fast these planter boxes were transformed into a pretty patina finish! And just think: these planters will keep on aging over time. Love!

Wooden Planters get faux patina makeover
Easy Faux Copper Patina Paint Finish #ModernMasters

Making over these planters was the perfect project for our backyard gardens, and I can’t wait to see how they look in the Spring when I’m ready to fill them with flowers. This project also satisfied my gardening obsession, which isn’t easy to do during the Winter months.
Old wooden planter boxes get an easy faux copper patina paint finish! #DIY #ModernMasters

More Inspiration!

We’ve been slowly redoing our Library in our home. We’ve had a used lamp in there that I’ve been wanting to redo, and can I just say how awesome the Metallic Effects system worked on the lamp base? There. I said it!

old metal lamp makeover
This beautiful copper patina lamp was once an ugly purple one!

Such a cool result! You can see how it turned out here: Copper Patina Lamp Makeover

June 2014 Update

June 14, 2014 update: I’ve written a post on how this paint has held up after spending months in the Winter outdoor elements. (Hint: it’s lookin’ great!) You can click here to read and see more pics.

DIY Faux Copper Planters - an update!

Happy crafting!

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Filed Under: Crafts & DIY Tagged With: #modernmasters, #shinebigshinesmall, container gardening, DIY, faux copper patina finish, Faux Paint Technique, garden planters, Looksi, Looksi Square, metallic paint, Modern Masters

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Virginia

    January 24, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    What a awesome transformation!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 24, 2014 at 11:47 pm

      Thanks Virginia! I loved seeing the before and after too!

  2. Designed Decor

    January 24, 2014 at 9:55 pm

    Laura, These turned out fantastic! I love them and I cant wait to see your lamp too! I am loving the Modern Masters paint!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 24, 2014 at 11:49 pm

      Thank you DeDe! Can’t wait to see your project next week!

  3. malia

    January 25, 2014 at 12:20 am

    Wow Laura that is super cool! I love copper anything… we have a copper clock from Target I picked up probably 15 years ago and it’s still hanging in our kitchen. Good to know I can turn to Modern Masters for more copper paint!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 25, 2014 at 12:37 am

      Thanks Malia! I love copper too, much more than gold or silver! You’ll LOVE their copper paint!

  4. Debbie Pearl

    January 25, 2014 at 2:21 am

    Laura…we think alike! Your planters came out beautiful! I haven’t tried the copper before but I will. You did a very informative tutorial too! Debbie

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 26, 2014 at 5:59 pm

      Thanks Debbie! And I absolutely LOVE the urn you rusted! It’s perfect!

  5. Tara @ Suburble

    January 25, 2014 at 3:13 am

    Love the planters, Laura! I’m a sucker for anything that’s metallic!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 26, 2014 at 6:27 pm

      Thank you Tara! I’ve always leaned toward stone planters, but now I’m super-in-love with metallic planters since this project!

  6. Amy Renea

    January 25, 2014 at 3:00 pm

    Love the copper Laura!! I also love the way you think — I totally eyeball my stash of winter pots everytime winter starts to get to me…dreaming of painting and planting them!!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 27, 2014 at 4:17 pm

      Thanks Amy! And yes, it’s either daydreaming about what to plant, or daydreaming WHERE to plant! Either one…my husband ends up hearing my plans probably more than he wants to! LOL

  7. Megan Burleson

    January 27, 2014 at 4:22 pm

    I love the look of copper! It is so in right now. And your planters turned out great!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 27, 2014 at 5:44 pm

      Thanks Megan! I’m so happy that copper is trendy again…although I swear I’ll keep loving it even when everyone else gets tired of it! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  8. Lisa Hall

    January 27, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    Wow! So neat…I love the look of copper and love the fact this paint is water-based!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 27, 2014 at 5:50 pm

      Yes Lisa – this paint being water-based makes a HUGE difference, especially with the cleanup: it washed off of my brushes so easily!

  9. Meredith @ Wait Til Your Father Gets Home

    January 28, 2014 at 3:00 am

    That paint is so fun…I’ve never used metallic paint like that before!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 28, 2014 at 4:06 pm

      The paint is SO cool Meredith, I bet you’d create something fabulous with it! ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Cheryl @ That's What Che Said

    January 28, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    I love those!!! I adore the look of copper patina! I have a few planters that this would be awesome on! Thanks for sharing!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 28, 2014 at 5:39 pm

      Thanks Cheryl! I can’t wait to try this paint on my smaller pots and containers, as I’m imagining them all over our gardens, tucked here and there…slowly aging! Well, first they’d age quickly, but then continue slowly over time! ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Randi~Dukes and Duchesses

    January 28, 2014 at 6:00 pm

    What a great transformation … I love the copper look!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 29, 2014 at 4:50 pm

      Thanks Randi! Another copper lover — hooray for us! ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Stephanie Chan

    January 29, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    Wow, Laura! Gorgeous!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 29, 2014 at 10:34 pm

      Awwww, thank you Steph!!

  13. Katie

    January 29, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    wow what an amazing transformation and look at all that snow!!!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 29, 2014 at 4:55 pm

      Thank you Katie! As for snow: we rarely get this much here at the Jersey shore, but after loving it in New England…and then missing it since…I’m over-the-moon happy about it! (I know not everyone will agree with me…)

  14. Lisa Huff

    January 29, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    Laura, WOW that is amazing how much they actually look like copper pots. Great job!!! Have a great day, Lisa

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 29, 2014 at 10:33 pm

      Thanks Lisa! So happy to hear they look “real” to you too! Very nice to hear! ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. Leanne

    January 30, 2014 at 6:04 am

    I love the transformation! The copper looks great!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 30, 2014 at 6:14 pm

      Thanks so much Leanne! ๐Ÿ™‚

  16. Kadie Arrington

    January 30, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    Very cute! I’m loving the patina spray you used!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 30, 2014 at 6:15 pm

      The spray nozzle (that easily attaches to the solution bottles) makes it effortless! ๐Ÿ™‚ You’ll have to try it, Kadie! (And I’m LOVING your colander light fixture – it looks like an heirloom!)

  17. Four Marrs and One Venus

    January 30, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    Oh My GOSH! What a fun Paint…love how it turned out! You Go girl!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      January 30, 2014 at 6:19 pm

      Oh I’ll keep going, Jen! LOL Thank you!

  18. Melanie @ bear rabbit bear

    January 31, 2014 at 2:36 am

    This paint looks so awesome!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      February 3, 2014 at 3:16 pm

      It IS awesome, Melanie! You would LOVE it! ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. Heather SettingforFour

    February 2, 2014 at 12:56 am

    Wow – what a gorgeous color and I love the aged patina effect! Your planters are beautiful!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      February 3, 2014 at 3:18 pm

      Thanks Heather! I love that I can keep the planters outside, and any further aging or distress will just make them look better and better! So I say to the elements: bring it on! ๐Ÿ™‚

  20. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon Designs

    February 3, 2014 at 12:04 am

    These turned out so cool Laura! The color is great!

    • Laura Kuhlmann

      February 3, 2014 at 3:29 pm

      Thanks ladies! So glad you love the color…and it’s only going to get better! ๐Ÿ™‚

Trackbacks

  1. DIY Faux Metal Wall Art says:
    November 27, 2014 at 1:18 am

    […] metal effect, I used a paint line from Modern Masters. I’ve used this system before, on my large copper planter boxes and on my copper pipe […]

  2. Thrift Store Lamp Gets Gorgeous with Copper and Patina Finish says:
    November 27, 2014 at 1:29 am

    […] Recently I was given the awesome opportunity to try out the Metallic Effects Paint line from Modern Masters. I redid some old planter boxes, which you can learn more about in my post here: […]

  3. Top Ten Craft and DIY Posts for 2014 by Pet Scribbles says:
    December 31, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    […] Easy Faux Copper Patinaย Paintย Finish […]

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Welcome to Garden Sanity by Pet Scribbles. Iโ€™m Laura, an artist and self-taught gardener. Gardening is therapeutic for me, peaceful and calming. I write articles and film videos centered around my own gardens, with plenty of plant suggestions and gardening tips. Iโ€™m glad youโ€™re here and happy to share my garden inspiration with you!

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