Copper vent-a-hood doesn't match kitchen - 'problem' solved

Question

My kitchen in my 1950's ranch style house is almost completed except for a copper vent-a-hood doesn't match the updated stainless steel accents.  I hate to just get rid of it or even sell it. It has great potential as a focal point of the kitchen.  Any ideas? Can copper be painted? UPDATE:  Clearly I did not realize I had such a gem, nor did I realize I had so many options to add a patina to change it up a bit.  The scalloped edges will go somehow, trim will be added and and perhaps I will paint the drywall/frame a different color.  THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Katrina Warren · Answer

@Michelle Sure copper can be painted like any other metal, use a metal primer & then the paint of your choice. I however LOVE copper & would not paint it, to make it possibly blend more I would simply stop cleaning it & let it get a natural patina on it... (You can google chemicals that will help to age the copper rapidly.) Add a copper accent or two around the kitchen (perhaps a copper tea kettle, or copper measuring cups) & keep the copper vent hood, nothing wrong with mixing metals. The scalloped edge does look a bit dated, maybe that part could be removed... If you remove part or all of it, I would keep it & figure out some other use or craft for it, as copper is very expensive these days!

Barb · Answer

I don't see a problem with the mix of metals and painting it would detract from it being a focal point.

512181 · Answer

It looks like it is real copper. If it is, I would leave it. Sometimes it is nice to have something original in the house and I think the hood is quite pretty. Maybe use a few more copper things in the kitchen, like copper pots. KitchenAid makes a copper colored mixer--that would look nice too. I think you are lucky to have this!

Hope Williams · Answer

Hi Michelle.  Yes it is very out of place as it sits.  You can paint any surface.  Google painting copper.  Any by painting it, you in no way 'hurt' the metal.  Do it properly and you and the vent will be just fine.  Please share your finished product.

Moxie · Answer

copper can be painted with the proper prep and special primer -- ask at a commercial paint store (not big box) and they can help you.

Linda · Answer

If you really don't like the look of the copper, which I personally do :) you could use a chrome paint so it blends in with the stainless steel, it would help if you could put a picture of your kitchen, so we could see how the copper hood looks with the steel & other colours :)

Karen Barth · Answer

If you can, remove the scalloped edge. I think you will like the way it looks with the cleaner lines. Don't paint it!  Copper is a nice focal point if it is real copper. You could patina it though.

Joanie · Answer

http://www.sciencecompany.com/Patina-Formulas-for-Brass-Bronze-and-Copper.aspx This address has recipes specifically to color copper. Hope it helps.

Jen Calvert · Answer

Oh, that is wonderful! If it were me, I would shine that baby up and make it the focal point of the kitchen! Patina would be lovely. Paint done correctly is probably a good option. I found this kitchen that is a similar color scheme to yours, from what I can see, just flipped as your cabinets are white and walls are the color. I hope it's helpful. It really is a wonderful piece.

Duv310660 · Answer

paint it an distress back the edges. Actually no. Sell it to me!!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I would take the scalloped edges off if that is possible and use a metallic spray paint that would match your other metal.

Linda St. Laurent · Answer

Copper has become the next 'in' metal hitting the designer showrooms. You may want to hold off doing anything till this trend subsides. I do agree with Karen Barth, that removing the scallop trim may give a more updated look. Adding a few more copper accents throughout your kitchen may just pull it all together. Looking forward to seeing what you decided to do.

Lauren365 · Answer

I wonder if you could hire a metalsmith to create a sleeve that can be tight-fitted over the scalloped edge? Something that wouldn't ruin the copper (which is valuable), but would bring the hood up to date. I think a straight edge along the bottom would be beautiful - you might even be able to have it done in a silver metal color to match your stainless accents.

Glaynebaker · Answer

I think it could be covered with sheet metal that is fairly easy to shape and that can be purchased at large hardware/home improvement stores. If it is simply a vent and there is no heat, then I'd consider covering it with a printable material such as foam core, balsa wood, etc.

Tricia Jackson Jones · Answer

Seems you could cut thin strips of wood and glue them over the scallops. There are ways to age copper to give it a verdigris look, too.

Mary · Answer

Please do not ruin this. If you don't appreciate it carefully remove it and sell it on Craig's list. Someone will love it!

Buster Evans · Answer

At first glance it looked like it was just over the stove coming out from the wall then I saw the scallops on the far side so Im thinking its over a center island...I wonder if you could cut the scallops at the corners and fold them up inside the hood to where they arent visible and dont cause any safety issues.. that would change the look of the vent hood itself... use some copper polish to shine it up , and add a few copper accessories to the kitchen (copper colored knobs to cabinets etc) to help blend the new look with the old rather than taking down the vent. I would rather do that than paint it.

Gra2185158 · Answer

It is absolutely charming. I would remove any surface finish, clean it, and put an aged copper patina on it.

Skyval · Answer

Yikes , I would have remodeled the kitchen to match the vent hood !

Cindy Means Zuniga · Answer

Have you thought of doing a Verde Gris aging finish?

Kimber · Answer

Please don't change the copper it goes with many styles from old farmhouse to modern !

Linda Johnson · Answer

Yes, copper can be painted. We painted our vent hood to match our kitchen appliances. (We have aged copper in our kitchen, but our hood wasn't copper.) I would put wood molding around the top of the hood towards the ceiling and paint the hood.

Barbara · Answer

Please DON'T get rid of it! I think it's charming! I agree with Cindy, a Verdi Gris finish would be lovely for a more 'vintage' look or you could paint it black for a more modern feel. I'd give my eye teeth for a copper hood in our kitchen, they are VERY pricey! And the scalloped border adds softness to a sometimes squarish space.

Me · Answer

I think that a non-matchey-matchey look is always more interesting and unique. As suggested by Cindy Zuniga, you could give the hood a verdigris look. I've done this on 'builder grade ' brass chandeliers and had great success. Embrace a look that's mixed up and eclectic.

Gladys · Answer

If it bothers you, get some copper pots!

Find the most unique or valuable aspect in a project area, in your case the copper hood, and design around it.

Gladys · Answer

I remember when homeowners put down wall-to-wall carpet over beautiful (authentic) wood plank floors because it was all the rage in the 60's.

Dottie Weirich · Answer

Why not frame with wood as said above and age the copper to bring out the patina thus preserving it and making it a real focal point. It looks like the scalloped trim has been polished / buffed so it should patina well. 
 Good lock & have fun - just make it yours to love!

Pauliegirl1 · Answer

There are two companies that specialize in metals, LOTS ANS LOTS of info!! Sculpt Nouveau has a lot of videos on u-tube, and Modern Masters Paint is also a good one!! I used Modern Masters on wood to make it look rusty...turned out very neat!! Be sure you 'study' each one, it gets tricky!! Good Luck and please post your results!!

LD · Answer

Here is a link showing you how to add patina to the copper rangehood. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gse7Ykwnjuw

Rebecca Eckman Farrell · Answer

Leave the upper portion of the copper vent but go out and buy some flashing to cover up the bottom scalloped portion. Even if it's aluminum flashing it would still look good. That will cover the part of that hood that makes it look so dated and give it a straight more modern design look. The 2 separate metal looks will look designer as well. Then, as stated in other posts, add a few other copper pieces around the room to tie it in.

Copper vent-a-hood doesn't match kitchen - "problem" solved

Suggested Project Book

Use Your Old Corks For These 9 Clever Ideas

Other

More

Copper vent-a-hood doesn't match kitchen - "problem" solved

Suggested Project Book