We see verdigris all over the place. The Statue of Liberty is verdigris, for instance. Many don’t know what verdigris is or how it’s obtained, other than it’s a pretty shade of green or turquoise.
Since I happen to love turquoise and all shades of it, verdigris was the perfect choice for a thrift store planter I have.
There are a lot of specialty paints that mimic the oxidation process, and they’re probably wonderful. I honestly don’t know, being the cheap frugal gal I am.
I just use craft paints and the finish comes close enough. For me.
There are only a few steps and they’re super easy so anyone can do it, if you happen to love turquoise like I do.
1. Basecoat the object with copper, bronze or brass – unless it’s one of those colors already.
(Full supply list at end of this post)
Of the two spray paints pictured above, I chose the bronze on the right, mainly because it wasn’t “hammered”. I prefer the copper color but didn’t want the hammered pits on this planter.
2. Brush on a deep turquoise paint after the metallic basecoat has dried thoroughly.
You could use teal, deep green, or any shade in between.
3. Gently wipe off the turquoise from the ‘high’ points with a damp cloth.
You want part of the bronze – or whichever metallic color – to peek through.
I used a damp paper towel. Slightly damp. If you do this right after you paint the turquoise it’ll rub off quite easily without much need for much pressure.
It’ll look a little blotchy at this point and that’s okay. See how a lot of the bronze shows through? You can control how much metallic highlight you want.
4. Paint on a lighter shade of turquoise. Or just mix some white into the deep turquoise.
Again, wipe off a little here and there.
See how only a tiny bit of metallic shows through?
This finish can be done on anything but it really works well on items that have a few raised areas. But I have done it on a smooth clay pot too.
You don’t have to wipe off the entire spot. The pale turquoise that slightly covers some of the ornament adds a bit of authenticity.
5. Apply white paint with an old bristle brush.
You want to work the white down into all of the crevices.
Wipe off some of the white to reveal the bronze.
After four layers of paint and a little wiping you’ll have a very nice patina.
Of course, you can continue adding and subtracting as much as you’d like. You won’t hurt the finish. On the contrary, it’ll add even more depth to the final product.
Now . . . I actually left it this way for a few days. And was quite happy with it too. But then I had a thought . . . I mean, the holidays are coming . . . what could a little more, ummm, oomph hurt.
No she di’ent.
Oh yes I did.
If you want to make your metallic a little more . . . shiny, you can rub on some Rub ‘n Buff. Just a smidge. With your fingertip.
A little goes a long way. Trust me on this.
Then go ahead and seal it with a matte sealer. If you use satin or gloss it’ll defeat the look you’re going for.
Also, matte sealers will bring all the dimension out in a faux finish. No sheen, just a glorious depth of color.
I really love using turquoise with Fall colors. They play well off of each other because they’re on the opposite sides of the color wheel.
Complementary is the word, I believe.
Then you get to decide what to put into your nice new, er, old verdigris planter and where it’ll go.
Plants?
Not bad. Ties in with the bookcase.
Yes, they’ve been switched back to Fall from Halloween, in case you’re paying attention.
My house is in a constant state of flux, depending on what I’m painting at the moment.
sigh. It’s just heavenly to have a house again to make a mess in, clean it up, then mess it up all over again.
Absolutely the best.
After a day or two on center stage – the game table – the planter found its way up to the bookshelf.
It’s happy up there amongst the rich browns, russets and golden tones.
Supplies used in this tutorial:
- Rustoleum Metallic Rich Caramel
- FolkArt Aqua
- FolkArt Calypso Sky
- FolkArt Wicker White
- Rub ‘n Buff Antique Gold
- Krylon Matte
Have you tried a faux finish? What did you mimic? Would you like to see more faux finishes?
Colleen
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Hi Colleen! The planter looks so nice with the verdigris finish! The tutorial is very informative! Yes, I would love to see more on faux finishes! Thanks for sharing! Blessings from Bama!
This is an awesome tutorial Colleen! I love it!!! I wouldn’t have guessed to paint the copper first, but that made a big difference in the real look.
I love this, Colleen! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it. I would love more faux finish tutorials I also wanted to say I adore your new house.
Katy
Colleen! You are beyond talented. This us such a great tutorial! Love how it turned out.
Heather
Oh nice job Colleen! I would love to try this. I’ll have to add it to my to-do list Thanks for the fab tutorial!
Oooo! I love how it turned out! Beautiful! Thanks for the step by step details too! Pinned it!
This is one of my favorite post of yours, by far! I love learning different faux painting techniques and this one is gorgeous! Thank you, Colleen!
Fabulous tutorial. Thanks for sharing!
The planter is gorgeous and I love your faux technique too – very helpful! Pinning!
oh i love this and the weathered look. I love that we can achieve stuff like this by applying some faux paint techniques!
So cool! You are the expert in all things paint! xo
I just did this to a old wrought iron headboard I’ve had for years just sitting in the shed and it looks amazing,I just want to say thank you so much for the DIY
Awesome, Jimmy! I’d love to see photos if you ever get the chance. Thanks for sharing with me.
Colleen, i have just started a home project for my office in the Industrial chic motif. i want to faux paint one wall in steel grey with a rust effect. Do you have any tutorials on this?
thanks for the tutorial and for the list of products you used. I picked up an old, Brass Candlestick, at a thrift store, that had beautiful “Natural” looking patina on it. Wanted to know how to do it, when just two days ago, I picked up a Large, Beautiful, Brass Serving Dish. I knew immediately what it needed and even though I didn’t know how to faux verdigris, I knew someone on the Crafty Pinterest would know. Thank you so much for the information and the Fantastic Tutorial. I am running out this morning to get the supplies, so I can start finishing it today! Can’t wait to see the finished product!!!!!
I’m so glad you found my tutorial, Brenda. If you haven’t bought the supplies already, I’d recommend getting “multi-surface” paints, available in craft stores. Since you’re painting over brass, you’ll want a multi-surface paint so it adheres nicely. Otherwise you’d want to primer the entire piece and add your own “brass” highlights. Either way should work fine with a good sealer. I recommend Krylon Matte – no sheen and it’s a spray. Have fun!
~Colleen
Hi, thank you for a simple tutorial – simple method and products – I purchased two concrete lions and am going to apply this method to their finish. regards Cathy
Wonderful Cathy! Have fun and I’d love to see photos when you’re done if you don’t mind.
FANTASTIC !!! Merry Christmas !!!
Thank you for the tutorial. I was given a cherub birdbath about 7 years ago for Mother’s Day. It’s made out of resin and didn’t fare too well in the weather.
I sprayed it with Rust-Oieum Hammered paint in copper. I do believe this particular line is alkyd-based so acrylic probably shouldn’t go over it. I did use thalo green and white over the copper and, wow, does it look great!
Yeah, you never know how resin will hold up in weather. Love your verdigris! I’ll have to try that when it warms up. Thanks Lynne!
Thank you for the tutorial.
Great post! More shine??? Oh no she di’ent hahah
Thanks for the tips, it helped me paint a light fixture on the wall. Was wondering what to paint over it as a sealer since the one you suggested is a spray.
Did you already find a sealer, Donna? Sorry for my delay getting back to you. Any type of sealer would work. You might check the craft store instead a home store as you can get smaller bottles there. It’ll be in the paint section. Good luck!
Hi Colleen,
Do you have a tutorial or pictures of using this process on a smooth clay pot?
It’s so pretty.
Thanks
No, Patricia, I don’t. Sorry. When I taught faux finishing we’d always practice on clay pots so it’s funny you should ask! You might give it a whirl and see how it turns out! I think with these colors, you might come up with a lovely result.
I have a concern about using an oil based spray paint with an acrylic paint on top. Is this an issue when using for an outdoor patio table ?
You’re right, Jeanne. Acrylic paint will likely flake off of an oil base. Not sure if you primed over oil how that might affect it. Sorry. Wish I had better guidance for you.
Colleen
Hi Colleen!! Yes!! I too love a faux patina Verdigris and I will not buy those products that actually do cause it to rust. I have tried the white wax yet though of white paint. I do use a deep orange sometimes if I want a slight rust spot. Definitely show us more!!
I have not tried the white yet. Sorry for the typos. Fat fingers
Hi Cheryl! A deep rust would be a lovely touch. Thanks for the idea! Let me know how the white wax works out. I haven’t tried it yet either.
Colleen
Love your tutorial Colleen!!!
Any advise on using this method and these products on a resin garden statue?
Hi Donna! This method would certainly work on a resin statue. You might need to prime it first really well and then just follow with the paint colors, sealing really well when paint has dried thoroughly. Let me know how it turns out!