How to Create Green Patina (and what to do with the cornstarch in the back of your pantry…)

You know those items you have in your pantry? The ones you hardly ever use but you always have a big box taking up space? Please tell me I’m not the only one! Well, my friends, today’s tutorial will not only help you achieve some super gorgeous faux metal patina, it will help justify the square inches being eaten up by one of those random products in your pantry. Are you ready???

Oxidized Copper Tutorial- Maison de Pax

So I recently acquired that gorgeous tall candlestick, and I loved the finish so much that I decided to undergo a little creativity therapy and try to create green patina myself.

Oxidized copper Candlestick tutorial- Maison de Pax

To do so, I found some old glass tea light holders that had seen better days… I’d say they’re much improved now.

Green and metal candlesticks- Maison de Pax

The process involves quite a few steps, but each is quick and easy. I used all Country Chic Paint products, and I find that they layer, distress, and “play” beautifully, but you could certainly attempt a similar effect with any chalk-based paint. If you need a recipe to create your own, go here. And then give this a try:

Steps to create patina with corn starch on candlesticks- Maison de Pax

  1. sand object to be painted (not normally required with chalk-based paints, but these had paint flaking off… it’s always important to remove any flaking paint)
  2. paint with CCP chocolate tart (in retrospect, a combo of chocolate tart and brandy might have been better)… let dry a full day
  3. wax with CCP gold wax (this imitates the shimmer of real copper and provides a resist for your next layer)
  4. paint with a 1:2 mixture of CCP vanilla frosting: tropical cocktail… do NOT let it dry
  5. while paint is still wet, spritz with a spray bottle of water and watch the paint run… rub it in places if desired to allow more of the underneath layers to show through
  6. wax with clear wax to seal (feel free to use some dark and/or gold wax in places to create greater variation)
  7. use your secret weapon…

You’re probably asking why there is a box of Corn Starch in the last picture… True oxidized copper has a chalky finish (which looks a lot like non-sealed chalk-based paint). I wanted to seal my work with wax, but I didn’t want the sheen of wax. I originally thought about using baby power (which I think would work great), but the cornstarch was closer. Brutal honesty here, folks. 😉  Anyway, just rub a pinch of cornstarch or powder into the wax to remove the shine.

Patina Green Oxidized Candlesticks- Maison de Pax

And that’s it! I love these little tea light holders with their new dynamic finish, but wouldn’t this same technique be amazing on an old metal plant stand? Or an intricately carved frame? Or a metal figurine? The possibilities are almost endless!

Candlesticks with Patina- Maison de Pax

And your cornstarch will thank you for allowing it to take part in a beautiful, creative endeavor. 😉

Disclaimer: As a part of the Country Chic Paint blogger squad, I do receive compensation in the form of goods and products from Country Chic Paint, but, as always, all opinions are 100% my own!

 MORE CREATIVE MAKEOVERS:

antique frame staged close-up- Maison de Pax

“Antique” Frame Tutorial

Paint washed pots tutorial- Maison de Pax

Paint Washed Terra Cotta Pots

Distressed and painted window tutorial- Maison de Pax

Paned Mirror Makeover

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23 Comments

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  2. Love the look of patina. Excited to try out these DIY projects.
    Found you via Kelly at My Soulful Home. Look forward to visiting again 🙂
    Have a beautiful week!

    1. I’m so glad you came to visit! Thank you so much for your sweet comment. Hope to “see” you soon! 🙂

  3. Okay, these are super cool… sorry I missed them earlier! Do you think it would work for doing stools though?? I love the color but it might not wear well on stools?

    1. Thanks! I think you could manage it on anything… Since it’s waxed, I assume it would hold up just as well as any other color, but I can’t promise given that I’ve only done it on tiny candlesticks. 🙂

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  5. hello from Barcelona!!!

    sorry for my english, I don’t speak it very well!
    in 5th step with the spray you put water or oil?
    without chalk paint, the diluted effect can be done?. I think isn’t possible, do you know any way to do with acrylic paint?
    thank you very much!!!

    1. In the 5th step, spray water. The diluted effect can still be done as long as the paint is water based. Acrylic paint is also water based. It may not dilute quite as easily as chalk paint, but it should still run if you use enough water. I hope this helps!

      1. I tried to do it with acrylic paint and looks different. 🙁 Paint is much diluted.

        It’s a shame, I dont find chalk paint close to home.

        ¿As time passes since green paint apply until spritz?
        google dont translate “spritz”. I suppose you mean to use a spray quickly with a small amount of liquid

        thanks

        1. Yes, “spritz” means spray with a small amount of liquid. Like a mist. I’m sorry it is not turning out as you hoped!

          1. Thank you. I’ll look in Barcelona city (I’m from a town), I hope there find CCP 😉
            then I’ll prove
            very thank you

          2. You might try online, too, Miquel. I do not believe Country Chic Paint is available in Spain, but there may be other brands of “chalk paint.” You could also try creating your own (google “homemade chalk paint” for various recipes) by mixing plaster of paris with some latex paint. I have had success making some of that myself, but I have not tried this aged copper look with homemade chalk paint. I hope this helps!

          3. It is true!! I will look on the internet to buy online or to make it myself.
            I really want to do this patina !!
            Thank you!!

  6. I love the patina look of your candlesticks.
    I would like to do this with a clay pot. Is this doable. It needs to be finished with a lacquer as it is for outside by the ocean. My concern is the wax. This is my first attempt.
    Please for your expertise.

    1. Hi Judy! It’s worth a try. I haven’t exposed this process to an outdoor environment so I don’t know how it will perform.

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