Faux Oxidized Metal Finish Tutorial
If you’ve been following for a while, you know I love a good trash to treasure… and I love age and patina… even if it’s fake. And today, my friends, I have another easy tutorial for you that hits both those marks. Do you have any old metal plant stands? Then you’re in luck.
I originally shared this tutorial on Love Grows Wild, but after your wonderful response to my faux oxidized copper candlesticks tutorial, I thought you might want to see this one, too. I started with an old, cheap flower pot stand that we’ve had for years (and we probably only spent $5 or so originally). It was a little rusted, but the size and shape was just what I needed. Here’s the transformation:
And here are the supplies I used:
- old plant stand
- metal primer spray paint
- funky green latex (that looked like oxidized copper color to me)
- gold craft paint
- dark wax
- off-white latex or chalk paint
I already had everything except the green paint (which I probably could have mixed up myself using things I already had… but when I spotted this sample for $3 at Lowe’s, it just seemed too easy!).
To achieve this look:
- spray the stand with metal primer (you might not need it, but I thought it would be good to cover up the rust)
- dry brush on the green (keep the coverage fairly light)
- hit a few highlights with the gold (just wherever it strikes your fancy)
- cover the entire thing in dark wax, rubbing into the paint to give it the worn effect
At this point, you might be done! I really liked the finished product while I was outside, and I probably would have left it just so if I were leaving the table on the porch. Once I brought it in, though, it seemed a little too vibrant against my other furniture, so I gave it a light wash with the off-white paint.
If you’re not familiar with a “wash,” simply dip your paintbrush in a cup of water before you dip it in the paint; it will water down your paint to a nice, thin consistency. For more tips on whitewashing, see this full tutorial.
I love the final result! It’s a perfect little side table: small enough to fit into any nook or cranny… but large enough for a book and a cup of coffee. For now, though, it is actually holding the diaper bin in my daughter’s nursery.
Talk about versatile! I love how it adds just a touch of vibrant color but still has an aged, layered, worn, natural metal look. What do you think? Could you use a faux oxidized metal finish on something?
MORE CREATIVE MAKEOVERS:
How to Give Metal an Industrial, Brushed Steel Look
You can also get similar effect using Rub n Buff in the Patina color. So easy. Just rub on with finger. Found mine at Michael’s.
That’s wondeful, Jill! I’ve used Rub n Buff in gold and silver, but never patina… will have to check it out. 🙂
Hi Rachel, this is so cute i can’t stand it ( : I was looking for some inspiration for my metal bench i have, out on the deck. The cushion i have on it is sort of rust with yellow flowers and turquoise-y paisley-ish leaf design (don’t you just love all those technical terms i use ? ) and also i have a darling childs chaise that is made out of the same twisted metal that your plant stand is made out of. I am going to have to sew a cushion for that one so i was waiting for the right inspiration for both and i think i just found it. Thanks to you. 😀 Can you tell me what brand and the name of the color green that you used ? It has only rained here about 2 days in months ( we are in a terrible draught here in Northern California ) but I’m sure as soon as I get everything layed out on the deck, it will rain so I’m not sure if I will start now but i will definitely pin for later. Thank you so much. Sincerely Diena p.s. if and when I get them finished maybe i will be brave enough to post a pic or two 😀 <3
Yay! So glad you like it, Diena! The paint was Emerald by Pantone. I hope you have fun, and I would LOVE to see pictures!! xo
I absolutely love how this turned out! Beautiful color and such a feminine touch! LOVE!
Thank you so much!! I love it, too. 🙂
Such a fun pop of color without being overwhelming! Love the aged patina technique, I will have to try that one of these days!
Thank you, Betsy! So glad you like it. 🙂
Oh Miss Rachel!! It’s so pretty!! WOW!!! xoxo
Thank you so much, Christine! So glad you like it. 🙂
What a great, simple little tutorial!
Eliza.
I have a file cabinet similar to the one you used in the faux brushed metal tutorial. I would like to do something like that but with a copper metal look instead. Do you have any tips or supplies (i.e. color of paint) suggestions that would help? Thank you, Joan
Hi Joan, I’m sorry, but I haven’t done a copper look. I have heard wonderful things about Fusion’s metallic paints, though, which you can find here. I hope this helps!