How to Create Patina That Looks Authentic

1 Material
$15
10 Minutes
Easy
You don’t need any fancy products to create this beautiful Patina finish. I’m going to show you how you can make your own chalk paint and create this authentic looking patina on anything.
Patina is a green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period. In this faux finish you are emulating a gloss or sheen that shows age, character, history. Not something store-bought and brand new! It's a great faux finish for farmhouse and beach styles.
I started out with only two colors. To make your Patina look authentic use green or blue colors. I use a deep teal and a light blue. I mixed it with this magic powder for making my own chalk paint and poured it on two separate paper plates. You don’t need much paint. I made ¼ cup for each to do this vase and still had some left over.
Here’s what you need a sea sponge and a spray bottle with water. Rip a small piece of the sponge, get it wet and wring out the water. This will make the fingers soft.


Next, lightly dab the sponge in one of your colors and dab it on the vase. Lightly mist it as you apply the chalk type paint. Not to much or it will wash off.  Go back and forth with the colors until they start to blend together.
It’s OK if it’s runny. That’s what gives it that patina look. Make sure you leave some area open so you can see the background of the vase.


It's beautiful! It's unique. It's aged! I love it.


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Suggested materials:
  • Paint
Cheryl Phan
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 2 comments
  • Nora Nora on Sep 22, 2019

    I’ve been looking for how to do patina. This is a great idea! And, it looks very real! Thank you so much!

  • Cheryl Phan Cheryl Phan on Sep 23, 2019

    Hi Nora:

    Thanks for your response. Good that you found this to be helpful. I have done many projects using this technique. I have many more DIY projects you might be interested in. Here's a link to my weekly blog if your interested in signing up for it. https://www.subscribepage.com/diy-projects

    Have a blessed day.

    Cheryl


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