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.

Turn an old rusty plant stand into a gorgeous side table with this patina tutorial via maisondepax.com #upcycle #diy

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:

Turn an old rusty plant stand into a gorgeous side table with this patina tutorial via maisondepax.com #upcycle #diy

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!).

Turn an old rusty plant stand into a gorgeous side table with this patina tutorial via maisondepax.com #upcycle #diy

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.

Turn an old rusty plant stand into a gorgeous side table with this patina tutorial via maisondepax.com #upcycle #diy

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.

Turn an old rusty plant stand into a gorgeous side table with this patina tutorial via maisondepax.com #upcycle #diy

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.

Turn an old rusty plant stand into a gorgeous side table with this patina tutorial via maisondepax.com #upcycle #diy

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?

pin it image

Turn an old rusty plant stand into a gorgeous side table with this patina tutorial via maisondepax.com #upcycle #diy

 MORE CREATIVE MAKEOVERS:

brushed steel look sign cool

How to Give Metal an Industrial, Brushed Steel Look

Find out how to create a chipped, aged look on metal using chalk paint at maisondepax.com

Chippy Metal Chalk Paint Finish

Create your own aged patina on terra cotta pots with this simple tutorial!

Paint Washed Terra Cotta Pots

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13 Comments

  1. 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.

    1. That’s wondeful, Jill! I’ve used Rub n Buff in gold and silver, but never patina… will have to check it out. 🙂

  2. 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

    1. 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

  3. Such a fun pop of color without being overwhelming! Love the aged patina technique, I will have to try that one of these days!

  4. 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

    1. 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!

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