How to Make Stainless Steel Look Like Copper or Bronze

Place dropcloths on the floor and over any furniture or item you wish you paint in a well-ventilated area like a garage or workshop. Move the stainless steel item you want to paint onto the dropcloths; remove any handles from the item and set aside. If the item you want to paint is not removable, cover the surrounding area with newspaper and painter's tape and place a dropcloth over counters and floors to protect the finish of the cabinet, appliance or drawer.

Put on gloves, goggles and a mask to protect yourself from dust and fumes as you work. Clean the stainless steel with a rag and acetone; let the acetone evaporate and dry.

Lightly sand the entire area of the stainless steel, including any handles, with a 400-grit sandpaper to prepare the surface for a coat of primer. Wipe away excess dust with a damp rag.

Cover the stainless steel in a coat of black spray primer. Use short, even strokes to get a uniform coat; allow the primer to dry completely. Sand down the primer to a smooth finish and apply a second coat of primer if any of the stainless steel shows through. Sand the second coat and wipe away excess dust.

Apply a coat of spray paint in a copper or bronze color to the stainless steel, using light, even strokes of paint to achieve uniform coverage. Sand the finish smooth and apply a second coat of paint if the color is not to your satisfaction. Reattach the handle if necessary.