How to Change Brass Finish to Copper Finish

Clean your brass item well using a brass cleaner. Wipe off any residue with a clean cloth. Hard to reach crevices may be scraped with a cotton swab to remove dirt or soil.

Sand the entire brass piece with specialized sandpaper made for metal objects. Use a light- to medium-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a damp rag when finished to dispose of any small brass particles.

Move to a well-ventilated area to complete the project -- preferably outdoors. Shake your can of copper spray paint for about 30 seconds. Hold the can of paint about 8 inches from your brass item. Press the nozzle and add a light coat of copper paint. Allow to dry. Add a second and third layer of paint, if needed, letting each coat dry completely before the next coat is added.

Brush on a mixture of dark brown umber paint with glaze, if you want an antique look. Stir together clear glaze and add the brown paint, in equal portions. Use a damn sea sponge to pounce or wipe on the paint and glaze mix. Dab the area with a dry terry towel for a more natural look.

Place a small amount of teal latex paint in a bowl and add a small amount of water. Use the sea sponge and lightly and randomly stamp the mixture onto small areas. Less is more for this effect.