How to Make Copper Look Like Aged Copper

Learn how to achieve the look of aged copper with paint.

Copper is my favorite metal to use in the kitchen. Copper pieces look beautiful mixed with wood and marble in a kitchen. In the past, I have purchased new copper pieces and feel like they look cheap. My style is changing and I love the vintage cottage look. I really love old things and things that have aged and natural patinaed. In my opinion, the prettiest aged copper pieces are found in antique stores, thrift stores, and maybe estate sales.

Aged Copper Techniques

While searching the internet, I found several ways to age copper using different chemicals. I really didn’t want to use any chemicals. I have made faux marble, faux aged stone, and faux concrete with paint so I thought I would try to create an aged copper look with paint.

After playing around with paint, I figured out how to make cheap copper look like real aged copper. This is such an easy way to update your home while using what you already have. The painting project only took minutes to do and the results are beautiful.

Before

After

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For the paint, I used paint that I had on hand. You can use colors similar to what I used if you want. I will share a link for the exact paint colors I used.

Supplies

Artist Loft Phthalo Green

Artist Loft Ivory Black

My favorite Paint Brushes

Folk Art Bronze Paint

Instructions

I will show you how to paint a bowl but you can do this technique on the item of your choice.

First I want to say that you shouldn’t worry about getting too much or too little paint onto the bowl. You can always add more paint to get the look you desire. The paint should look messy.

1. Randomly dab green paint all over the bowl with a paintbrush.

2. Randomly dab black paint onto the bowl with a paintbrush.

3. Keep layering the colors while alternating with green and black until you get the desired look.

4. To soften the paint and get the aged look, blot bronze or copper paint over the green and black paint. This step should help achieve the age patina look of aged copper.