DIY Patina Faux Finish with Paint
I started this project a while back but never finished it. I started going in one direction with it and…stopped. Do you have any projects like that?? I bet you do! Well, when I realized that our “Trash to Treasure” was only a few days away and I didn’t have anything remotely ready, I pulled this one out and decided to make it pretty! It was certainly almost in the trash pile or at least the “I’ve forgotten all about you” pile! ha!
If you remember, we recently finished our hall bath update/remodel. Did you miss it? If so, you can catch the full remodel, even painting the tile floor, here. >>> Hall Bath Remodel Reveal (x2!)
The mirror that was in there (pictured below) was replaced by a new mirror. The white framed mirror needed a new look. White is great and was a nice, new addition to the first bath remodel we did years ago in there. But it was time for a full update.
Which means I had an extra white mirror on my hands and well, blah. Let’s do something fun with it!
So I did.
DIY Patina Faux Finish with Paint
MATERIALS LIST
So, I had begun this makeover months ago. I had taken it down, taped it up to protect the mirror, and spray-painted it gold. I realized that was not what I wanted to do with it but wasn’t sure just what so set it to the side.
I pulled it out for today’s project and decided to create a faux copper patina with it instead. So I took it outside and spray-painted over the gold with the Sparkling Canyon (copper-colored) paint. This is a great base and the same one I used for one of my favorite patina’d projects.
You can see that project here >>> Old Metal Makeover with Faux Patina Finish
This makeover is similar.
Here it is with the newly painted copper base coat color. It’s the perfect color for this and looks like real metal underneath.
Once that was fully dry I began painting a slightly watered-down mix of French Eggshell (linked above) over the copper with a paintbrush. You can use a chip brush for this too. I think this color is perfect for the blue patina look.
Chalk paints also work great with this tutorial. You can also use acrylic craft paints too if that is what you have on hand.
Create the patina faux finish like this…
I’m not trying to cover fully here because I want some of that copper paint to show through. So there is no need for a second coat for this painting technique.
I worked in sections so the paint wouldn’t dry too much before I began to wipe it back with a paper towel. You can also use an old rag too.
There really is no wrong way to do this. You want some of it to show through on the high points so just wipe and if you wipe too much, just add back a little paint. You can wipe or dab the paint away.
You are definitely not going for perfection. As copper weathers, it does so organically, not perfectly, right?
I continued this all the way around the mirror creating “layers”.
Once I was happy with how much copper was showing through I let it dry.
Then I applied some Bronze Gilder’s Paste over the copper areas and even some of the blue areas. I simply wipe with my finger and add to the frame to give it the look of true aged copper.
It added a different hue of bronze as well as some shimmer and a little more dimension too.
You can also use bronze paint in the same way if you like.
And that’s it!
I didn’t seal it with anything since Fusion Mineral paint does not need to be sealed. I liked the more “flat-ish” look, sort of weathered look instead.
Oh, look at who I see.
My sweet little guy hanging out with me snapping photos. (and sucking on his “baby bed”…his favorite, the bed that was in his first little carrier)
Up close…
His two favorites, “baby bed” and “baby” which is right behind him. Both he’s had since he was a puppy baby.
I thought I’d stage it up on the small chest too. A little big for it but at least it shows it a bit better.
Have you tried a patina finish before?? It’s really easy to do!
Like this finish?
I have another post about this you might like here >>> How To Create Faux Patina (done just a little differently)
And this one for more of a “verdigris” look here >>> How To Create Faux Verdigris
PIN it to save it!
Don’t forget to stop by my friends and check out their makeovers too!
Hope you enjoy!!
Have a wonderful week, friends!
xoxo
What a gorgeous makeover, Nancy. I adore the new look and aged vibe.
Thank you, Larissa! xo
👍😁❤️🌹🤗
How wonderful! I’m going to look at your patina instructions. 🙄usually when I find something I really like, I go for it, maybe too much🤔. I wouldn’t be too surprised if I ended up doing a whole patina finish on our car🙄
Haha, you sound JUST like me!! :) xoxo
Beautiful!
Thank you, Ruth! xo
I love the look of patina. It fits into my coastal vibe. Thanks for your instructions.
Yes, exactly! You are so welcome, Rita! xo
I love this Nancy, it can go either way, formal or a more casual home. Those colors would be gorgeous to use at Christmas for decorating a tree and garlands.
I think so too, Cecilia. Ohhh, yes, wouldn’t they?! xo
Hi Nancy! I have used your faux verdigris tutorial before and this faux patina mirror turned out so good. I do have some french eggshell so I will have to try this tutorial. Thank you for the inspiration. Great size mirror too.
Perfect!! And now I’m trying to decide if I’ll keep this one to hang in the kitchen or paint the one I already have in the kitchen the same way! ;) xo
You had me at that copper/bronze spray, the patina looks gorgeous! And your fur baby gave me a big smile too! XOXO
Yes, that copper is so pretty by itself even! Thanks, Denise! xo
It’s beautiful. What a difference!
Thanks, Lizzy! xoxo
That’s a gorgeous combination I would have never ever thought of. Sure looks great with a beachy vibe. What a great size mirror too. Well done, Nancy!
Beachy, yes! I am now thinking about painting my kitchen mirror just like it! (it’s sort of painted faux driftwood now) Thanks, Michele! xo
It looks amazing, Nancy! I hope you can find a spot for it in that room…it pairs perfectly with your rug! XOXO
Thanks, Christy! I’m trying to figure out what I’ll do with it! lol xo
It’s so pretty, Nancy! I like the spray paint on its own, too. Going to look for that color.
Isn’t that copper so pretty?! It would look great for Thanksgiving decor too. I love it. And thank you, Marcie! xo
Ohhh, I LOVE that “new” mirror Nancy! Great job! I have a cabinet (small and tall) that I could try this effect on. I think it might just look great!
Sweet baby doggie, too.
Great!! Do it! Thank you, Caye! :) xo
Love it!
Thank you, Imelda! xo
I’ve enjoyed looking at all your painting techniques, Nancy, since I subscribed to your blog a couple of months ago. I’m wondering if you know anyone that has painted a leather sofa with Fusion mineral paint. I’ve seen few entries in a google search. Is this a crazy idea in your opinion?
Hi Diane, I am so happy you are enjoying my blog! And no, not personally but YES to seeing many leather sofas painted with it. Check out this Facebook group and search “leather sofa” and you will see lots! (and they are beautiful) I actually have been wanting to find an old leather piece just so I can paint it and see for myself! I may still!
I love the new look, Nancy! Love the colors and finish you created!
Thanks, Jen! xo