How to Create a Patina Paint Job

Lightly sand items with slick finishes to create a surface for the paint to grab. Apply a coat of beige paint evenly all over the item. Let the paint dry completely.

Dip the stippling brush into the dark-green paint. Tap it gently once or twice onto a paper plate to remove excess paint. Pounce the brush all over the pot in diagonal lines that go upward so that three-quarters of the surface area of the item is covered.

Let the dark-green paint dry most of the way. Mix together 1 part clear glaze to 2 parts medium green on a paper plate, and 1 part glaze and 2 parts light green on a separate plate. Apply these two colors with clean stippling brushes, alternating between the two and covering approximately half of the item.

Allow the new layer of paint to dry approximately 80 percent of the way. Apply the copper-hued paint with a clean brush, working it between the green areas so that it gives the impression of copper peeking through. Let all of the paint dry completely.

Seal the painted item after 24 to 48 hours. Spray on two coats of clear varnish to protect your work. Let the varnish dry completely before using your item.