DIY Quick and Easy Force Patina on Most Metals

by Parsiarts.net

5 Materials

15 Minutes

Easy

Here is how I force a natural looking patina on most any metal!

Now this will work on most any metal that will patina itself in time. For my testing purposes I needed to try a copper paint or copper leaf. The paint was not a regular acrylic paint. It was actual copper in a suspension liquid. I used a Krylon brand for this. My second test was with cheap metal leafing. I used a Martha Stewart Brand of leafing, which was not *real* copper.

This is the 'copper leaf'. The process was a bit finicky as the vinegar wanted to eat away the glue that held the leaf to the wood. (I just used elmers to test a stronger non washable glue would be more suitable)

This is the test of the copper paint. I loved the deep vibrant colors I got from this.

The process is so simple and easy. You mix 1 part water with white vinegar and a few pinches of salt. I used a spray bottle to wet my test strips. You also need a small container of ammonia. Then place them in a plastic container with a lid to create a vapor chamber. Leave this for several hours or overnight depending on how deep you want the patina to be. My mind was literally blown when this worked! I have a box full of brass drawer and door hardware I can't wait to try this on!

Check out my blog to see how I took this paint method and gave my bathroom bi-fold doors a complete makeover!

https://www.parsiarts.net/blog-1/diy-copper-patina-bi-fold-door-panels