Faux Copper Patina Painting Crafts
Verdigris is a natural patina that turns copper a dusty turquoise or greenish color. It occurs when the copper is exposed to the elements---you can see verdigris patina on the hardware of sailing vessels due to the reaction of salt on the metal. To get the look, you don't have to hunt for antiques that have acquired the patina over time. It's easy to create your own verdigris pieces to embellish your home or garden.
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Aged Garden Pots
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"Antique" your patio, garden or front entry with a simple one- or two-step paint treatment that can age inexpensive flower pots in practically no time. A smooth finish concrete or clay pot, planter or urn is easiest to transform with a kit you can purchase at an art supply, craft or paint store.
Clean the pot and let it dry. For all-in-one verdigris patina finishes, paint the pot with the solution and let dry. For a bit more control, use a two-step finisher. Apply the first coat of copper paint evenly to the outside and the inside rim of the pot with a brush or sponge. (When painting the inside rim, cover to below where you expect the surface of the soil or planting medium to be.) Follow instructions for applying the second solution, which will react with the base coat and begin to turn the pot into the verdigris patina of aged copper. This second coat has to be timed right in order for the chemical reaction to take place.
You can vary the finish effect by sponging on the top coat unevenly or applying it with a bunched up, lint-free cloth. Work the top coat into any ridges or decorative scrolls on the planter to bring out the detail.
When the paint dries completely, use clear lacquer to protect the finish or simply allow your "aged" pot or planter to weather in the garden.
Verdigris Ceiling Tiles
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Create the look of original tin ceiling tiles but go one better---and cheaper---with paint and plastic. Real tin ceiling squares are expensive, but you can paint a lighter, less expensive version of ceiling tile to look like a rich, aged copper.
PVC tiles embossed with the patterns used in old tin ceilings are available at home improvement stores. Paint them before installing, using a verdigris patina kit or a graduated application of paints.
If you elect to create your own patina, begin with a base of metallic copper paint. After the copper coat dries, sponge on a dark turquoise paint in uneven splotches, leaving some of the copper to show through. Let dry and then sponge on a light turquoise paint, once again applying unevenly so the other layers show. You can install the tiles at this point or spray with a light coat of clear lacquer for protection.
To further simulate the darkening of age and use, coat the verdigris tiles very thinly with watered-down black lacquer. It's best to test this step on a spare tile to determine exactly how dark you want your final product to be.
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Old Copper Lampshade
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An original and rich-looking lampshade is an afternoon's craft project that will give lasting pleasure. Remove the fabric lampshade from its base and set on an empty bottle or jug---a stand that lets you work on the entire shade, including the rim. Center the bottle on sheets of newspaper to protect the work surface. Be sure the lampshade is dust-free before you paint.
Use a faux verdigris paint kit, stroking or sponging the paints on lightly. Cover all the fabric with the base coat, but don't soak it. Apply the second solution unevenly to create a realistic verdigris effect. When the shade is completely dry, spray with clear lacquer so it will be easy to wipe down when dusting. Then glue or tack a border of copper or verdigris hanging bead trim to the bottom rim of the shade.
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References
- Photo Credit Old European copper street lamp in front of bricks wall image by Rony Zmiri from Fotolia.com
