Shiny copper with a natural robin's egg blue patina takes my breath away every time. It's probably my favorite rustic look because 1) it's shiny (and I love anything shiny), and 2) it paints a story that only time, and the natural elements can tell.

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One morning I was shopping on Amazon and fell in LOVE with this Hammered Patina Copper Hose Pot. My kinked up and leaky mess of a hose was not worthy of this beauty, but it did give me an idea that made me giggle over my cup of java. What if I could recreate this oxidized copper look on a piece of furniture? And, in a way that would NOT require sanding! That would be awesome!!! I just needed a few things, a swatch board, a copper metallic paint and two Porch Nook chalky finish paint colors to create the patina.

TIP: The best, and least expensive way to test out a new furniture painting technique is to use upcycled cabinet doors. Habitat For Humanity has a selection of sizes and finishes $1-$10/piece.

 To create a metallic copper surface my first choice would be to work with a copper foil like Barnabas Blattgold Genuine Copper Leaf Sheets, roughly $6-$10. However, I didn't have enough time in the day to run out to Joanne Fabrics, so I decided to work with what I already had on hand. I grabbed a can of handy Rusto-Oleum Hammered Copper spray paint. This stuff is so stink'n versatile; you can apply it to wood, metal, plastic and masonry.

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Find the video demonstration here

I cleaned the board with water and Mineral Spirits to remove all the dirt, grease and grime. Then I lined the board with some paper, so the spray paint is only applied to the center panel of the board. I especially like Rusto-Oleum Hammered Copper because it creates an irregular texture and tones.

To create the robin's egg faux patina color I mixed 3:1 of Porch Nook's "The Real Teal" and "Butter Me Up". Believe me, this is NOT an exact science... just eyeball it and you'll be fine :D To be honest, when I mixed the colors on FB #LIVE I had no idea how much "Butter Me Up" I was going to throw in there. I'm a "just go" kind'a girl.

(Disclosure: I receive commission for purchases made using Amazon links in my article. I appreciate your support!)

I grabbed my large sea sponge and began dabbing away. I began thinking about how marble counter tops have a veining affect to it, so I figured I should do the same here. Theoretically, rain and wind would move across a stationary piece of copper consistently, that made me think applying a thicker strip of the mixed Porch Nook paint would make a cool affect. 

To create a more authentic appearance, apply a dirty patina or dark wax on top of the mixed chalky finish paint. Doing so will help enhance the rustic appearance you are looking for. Keep in mind, if you plan to seal your faux copper work, make a mental note what is wax, oil or water based. Water based products do not adhere well to wax or oil based products.

The existing oak surrounding the Rusto-Oleum Hammered Copper  is washing out its bright metallic quality. By surrounding your work with a rich, darker color like Porch Nook's "Charcoal" chalky finish paint will take its appearance to the next level! LOVE IT!