Can you paint a copper backsplash?

Question

Mine is old and dark.  I need to know what type of paint is best to keep clean as it is also behind my stove.

Debbie · Answer

You can brighten with ketcup

Janet Pizaro · Answer

In my opinion I think you should just clean the backsplash .Trying to paint behind a stove could lead to some issues.

William · Answer

AAH! The beauty of copper! I agree with cleaning the copper. Any paint will behind the stove can bubble and peel. You can use ketchup and a small brush to get the details. You can also use vinegar and salt. If you do want to paint .... you would need to sand to remove any shine and roughen the surface for paint. Prime with KILZ, BIN, or Zinsser primer. Then you would need to paint with a heat resistant paint made for metal.

Mike · Answer

There is a very good metal polish that works wonders on copper, it is called Nevr- Dul.

LibraryKAT · Answer

All the above are good.  Rustoleum makes a line of really nice metallic spray paints if you really want to paint, you just need to make sure the backsplash is grease free.  As to the behind the stove area, we have used a sheet of plexiglass which is easier to clean; my parents actually used glass behind their stove to protect some stenciling.

Pat Westbrook · Answer

Paint will peal off  I tried it what a mess .

Amanda Shahan-Shields · Answer

Clean it with salt and lemon to come up like new then spray it with car lacquer which is clear and suitable for high heats and it will stay shiney and clean and able to be scrubbed

Hotheadzmarine.williamson · Answer

I have to agree.. clean it or rwmove it and replace it entirely... painting it could present more problems..

Sharon Morton · Answer

I agree also that the area to be painted must be clean.  Use Dawn dish soap to cut the grease then wash it with tsp.   Rustoleum makes a latex primer for Aluminium and Galvanized metal.  I am using this in my home on my back-splash.  Then you can paint   I love the idea of covering the area with glass.  Glass is so easy to keep clean.

Shaza Lee · Answer

there is no paint that is easier to clean than copper and it likely will not adhere well.     clean it with salt and white vinegar.     dip cloth in vinegar first... then dip into some salt.   the salt acts as the abrasive.

Nancy · Answer

You can paint it, first clean then lightly sand it. I used a magic eraser then prime at least 2 coats then use high gloss oil based paint. You can clean it just like your trim

Kelly Denoyer Russell · Answer

if you paint use a fireplace paint after cleaning

Abbigail Hunter · Answer

I agree it must be cleaned first.  I would use Soft Scrub and a Dobbie sponge it should come up fairly easy.  Then I would use vinegar and salt then spray it with a good lacquar to seal it.Copper  is beautiful when clean but ugly when dirty so that is why you use lacquar.

Sandi · Answer

After cleaning it..... try using plaster or chalk paint.  it goes over everything.  I have seen hacks to make your own but you can buy it in so many colours.... and wax when you're done the painting to give it shine and make it easy to clean up spatters.

Barb · Answer

Once again, there is a bonding primer that you can get at a home improvement center.  Then paint any color you wish.

Tracizelda · Answer

It seems a shame to paint the copper. Maybe use some tarnex or other type of copper polish and bring it back to it's original glory

Ricardo Lugo · Answer

Clean it with vinagre !! It will shine again...

Darci Weber Salinas · Answer

Not sure about painting. I think you may have problems with paint scratching  and/or peeling off easily.  If it's real copper, working in sections, smear on ketchup, let sit a while (but not get dry) then rub gently and rinse with a clean damp cloth.  It will look like a fresh new penny.  Repeat on any stubborn spots.  Try a small area and you'll see it really works!

Susan · Answer

Instead of painting why don't you try sponging with salt and vinegar to bring out the green and blue patina. Such a shame to cover copper.

Nakedframes · Answer

It would be a shame to cover up  beautiful copper with paint.  You will be amazed at the results using copper cleaner.

Barbara C · Answer

Plain Tomato Ketchup smeared on and left overnight will clean copper,and bronze.

Diane · Answer

Clean it with copper polish! It just needs to be cleaned.

Bre13665846 · Answer

Please don't paint it. It is beautiful, clean with ketchup & salt.

Frances · Answer

Get some bonding primer.  One coat of bonding primer let dry then paint with your favorite color!

Grandma Coookie · Answer

Use some Brasso cleaner and then clear seal it.  It will shine and you will love it.

Charles Prock · Answer

I agree, don't paint it....but if you must, just wipe it down with vinegar and then rinse with plain water....Now the paint will adhere to it.

Chris Smith · Answer

I like the shiny look so would clean it but I seem to recall that this pressed metal was designed to be painted back in the day.

To clean before painting I would use sugar soap with a good splash of vinegar. Then prime, then paint and then seal with a non-yellowing polyurethane to improve cleaning.

Good luck!

Kathy Murray · Answer

I know no matter what you do it will need to be cleaned 1st. because of the grease that accumulates above a stove.  I don't know about the vinegar for cleaning, it might affect the coopers color & texture.  Unless you want a beautiful turquoise patina then you add salt & let it sit for a few  hours and Wow gorgeous. But yes these tiles can be painted. Good Luck

Lorri R · Answer

I googled it and this is what I found.  Hope it helps.  'Painting Copper. This metal is pretty easy to work with. All you need to do when painting copper is to simply sand it, and then use a red oxide metal primer to prepare the surface for painting.'

Chr4787838 · Answer

I would love to have it.  Even if you leave it dark. Clean with a good degreaser.  Then use brass to shine the copper.   Seal with a metal sealant

Can you paint a copper backsplash?

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Can you paint a copper backsplash?

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