How to Paint a Copper Patina

Pour dark brown latex paint with a satin finish into a paint pan. Cover the surface of the item you wish to apply patina to with the dark brown paint. Use a foam roller to apply a smooth coat of paint to a large surface or a foam brush to apply paint to small areas and shaped objects.

Spoon a small amount of light teal and dark teal latex, satin-finsh paints and water-based metallic gold paint onto three separate disposable plastic plates with plastic spoons. Set aside a different sea sponge for each color.

Apply a random pattern of dark teal paint over the dark brown paint with a clean sea sponge. Use different parts of the sponge to avoid repeating the same patterns.

Sponge on some light teal paint with a second sponge. Add areas of highlights to the dark teal with the lighter shade. Make sure that some of the dark brown base color continues to show.

Add touches of metallic gold with the third sponge. Use less of the gold paint than of the other colors. Add more areas of teal if the gold is too pronounced.

Soften the sponge marks by blotting the surface with a soft rag. Continue adding paint until you achieve the desired effect.

Allow the surface to dry approximately 24 hours. Add an optional coat of water-based varnish with a roller or a synthetic-bristle brush to protect a high-traffic surface.