Who doesn’t love a cool metal patina? Layers of rich blues and greens that reveal years of aging. Well, I’m gonna show you how to get that in a matter of minutes! Faux real! It’s easy to do with Modern Masters Metal Effects! Metal Effects Metallic Paint contains real metal particles and will tarnish naturally over time. To speed up the process, we’ll be using Metal Effects Green and Blue Patina Aging Solution. They create an authentic patina that is simply amazing! I’ve been playing around with this stuff for a while and I’ve patina’d just about everything I can! Seriously, I went nuts for a minute…hence the crazy looking containers!
Remember this Funky Upcycled Wardrobe? I used these products on the large door on the right.
I finished all those projects, plus several small things for myself, multiple sets of hardware, and I still have over half my products left!
Now, I’m a faux finisher at heart and I love the unpredictable part of faux finishing. It’s very exciting to watch this stuff do it’s thing and its “thing” is different every time! If you are okay with experimenting, you will love Metal Effects too! If you are a control freak, start on a frame or something small! You’ll be hooked in no time! I’m working on this sweet cow head I picked up at Bella Noelle inside Mid-Towne Antique Mall. I’ve been wanting to add a patina to her for weeks! Here’s what she looked like to start:
First things first. A layer of Primer. I must admit, I have used the products without this but I think they work better with it. Imagine that! Make sure your surface is clean and dry then apply two thin coats with a brush or roller, whichever is most appropriate for your surface.
The first layer of Metal Effects Paint is just a base coat. I chose Bronze as my base coat and applied one thin layer. It looked like this when I was done.
This is where the fun begins! It’s also where you want to be prepared for your next steps. The Aging Solution needs to be applied to the second coat of paint while it is still wet so have your solution close at hand. Let’s talk about the solution real quick before we move on. It’s an acid, so use caution and protect your skin, eyes and your surfaces. I did not do that the first time I used it! Also, I like to apply it a few different ways. The spritzer is convenient and helps you create runs but using a sponge gives you control. I like to have a variation of the green and blue aging solution on my pieces so the sponge comes in handy for that. Okay, moving on!
I wanted my cow head to have depth so opted to use two paint colors, Copper and Bronze. Since time is of the essence, I just poured them both onto a plate and loaded my brush.
You don’t have to apply it evenly. I just kind of slop it on, flipping my brush around to mix the colors.
While the paint paint was still wet, I sprayed it with both the Green and Blue Aging Solution. You can see how the colors run together with just a light spray of the aging solution. That’s okay!
I know watching paint dry is no fun but this is totally different! It’s like magic and you won’t want to miss it!!!
AMAZING…RIGHT?!?
After it sat for a bit, but while it was still moist, I used my sponge to remove a little of the patina and expose more of the base coat. I like to rub back a bit more where there are details, like the ears.
I also decided I wanted a little more depth down the nose so I added more Copper Paint and Green Aging Solution. You can add to the finish like this as much as you’d like.
I was tickled with it at this point so I stopped! My heart beats fast for Patina! Faux Real!!!
These perfect Patina finishes don’t require a protective finish but you can apply one if you’d like. Modern Masters makes one just for the Metal Effects Paint called Permacoat Xtreme. I have not used it but I’ve never met a Modern Masters product I didn’t love so, I’m sure it rocks! I get my Modern Masters products from my friendly folks at Spectrum Paint in Sherwood but you can order online if there isn’t a retailer near you!
So, what do you think? Do you love my Patina Cow as much as I do? I can’t wait to find her a home!
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Wow!!! That cow head looks like a million bucks!!
Well, thank you Allison!
You are sooooooo brave. I could only bring myself to add some white wax to mine!! I love this. Absolutely LOVE this!! I might just give it a whirl!! After I stare at yours for a long time!! Love!!
Awe, thank you Lori! Prepare to shut down operations for a few days and patina everything in sight! It’s that addictive
Textured surfaces are the MOST fun! I can’t wait to see what ya do! I bet the white wax is gorgeous too, btw!
Angela, that’s quite a handsome cow! I love how you applied the patina and made him unique from all the rest – great look!
Have a great weekend, and I hope everybody’s well soon, and that you don’t get it – not good for a supermom!
Rita
Thank you Rita! I’ve been popping extra doses of Acidophilus, so, fingers, toes and ovaries crossed…I’ll get through the plague!
Can you use any object, or does it have to be metal or wood? I was thinking of those brown, cardboard like things in the hobby store that you can paint, like books, etc.
Hi Cheryl! You can certainly use it on those cardboard things…and books
I’ve painted several substrates with no issues! Have fun with it!
WOW just WOW!!!!! And an amazing tutorial! Going to try it on some cabinets!
Thank you Ashley! All the best with your project! I’d LOVE to see it!!
Awesome job! I want to combine the iron and rust with the copper and bronze patina. Have you ever tried that?
Are you reading my mind Laura?!? I have that exact finish in mind! In fact, I’ve had the Iron paint and Rust activator for weeks! I’ve just been trying to carve out a little time! I’m hoping I can squeeze it in this week! I will for sure be doing a step by step tutorial so stay tuned
Ok, I have all the stuff and i am going to try it! I’m thinking iron paint then rust activator first. Then the coppers and patinas. What cha think?
Hi, Angela! A quick question for you: can the Modern Masters products be used on metal that’s outside, I.e. exposed to the elements? If not, what do you recommend? Thanks for your expert opinion! – JoAnn
Yes! They certainly can! In fact, if you leave them unsealed, they will continue to patina and age naturally! Pretty dang awesome
Love it! Where did you find that cow head?
Jennifer, I got the cow head at Midtowne Antique Mall but I think you can find them on Decor Steals every once in a while
mine didn’t turn green our blue… What kind of time frame is it between spraying the piece and when it starts to turn?
boo boo face
It’s been an hour and a half and it’s darker in spots but no green or blue patina,
Oh!!! Heather, your comment went to spam! I am soo sorry for the delayed response. You’ll need to spray the paint while it is still wet to activate the reaction. If your first attempt didn’t work, just add some more paint and spritz it while it’s wet. I hope that helps! Feel free to email me if you need more help!
GIrl, you had me at “Faux” Real…. this is the coolest thing Ive ever laid eyes on. YOUR AWESOME, just sayin!!!
Sooo sweet! Thank you, Christine! Xo
i am in your local area. Can you tell me if you found your Modern Masters products locally or did you have to order online? I love this cow!
Hi Stephanie! Thank you for your kind words
I ordered my product online but you can find it locally! Spectrum Paint on Cantrell carries a large line of Modern Masters products and the new Metal Effects kits are coming to Home Depot. I have not looked yet but will update you if I find it there. Hope that helps! All the best
Awesome! Would you recommend these products for use on ceramic pieces? I’m trying to get the same look on a gaudy old pastel colored Nativity set from the early 90’s.
Oh!! Yes, yes, yes! The transformation will be incredible, Ashley! Please say you’ll share your custom creation with me! All the best!
As a lover of Pinterest and paint techniques, I was totally intrigued by your tutorial. After reviewing a lot of other projects with Modern Masters paints, your site is the most comprehensive. As a result, I immediately ordered the paints from Amazon, and have three different projects going. Thanks so much for such detailed description and pictures. WAY IMPRESSED! The only thing lacking is that our connection is only online. I would love to meet you and excitedly discuss what we transformed!!
Look at you making me smile before bed, Lynn! Such. Sweet. Feedback. I feel your passion too! I hope mine continues to translate thru my posts
I’m working on a video series using Metal Effects, btw, so stay tuned! All the best new friend! Angela
I am interested in doing this on a modern fireplace wall. How hard do you think it would be to do a 12ft high wall and have it turn out? Just not sure how this would look on a flat surface….
It would look phenomenal, Julie! Sectioning the wall and adjusting the mist pattern will help you tremendously. I’d suggest practicing on a sample board first to get a feel for how the product works. Please share your creation with me when it’s done! Al the best, Angela
Can the blue patina aging solution be used on top of the iron paint?
Yes!
I love these products. Used them 18 years ago for outside welded products. The problem came when it rained. All the patina effects left. I tried all brands of clear protectant but none left the pieces with the beautiful Latina’s. Have you tried the clear coat on any of your pieces to make then impenetrable to water changing the pretty results?
Thank you, Kris in Gainesville TX
Yes! Modern Masters makes a clear coat for that very purpose. It’s called Permacoat Xtreme. Hope that helps!