I think I should paint black, then a green color and then dry brush copper over it? I don't know what kind of paints to use, oil? water based? acrylic or latex? I went to the store and was so over whelmed I came home w nothing!
I can't find a copper paint either, does anyone have a brand or name? I found some that looked like for interior or paper type of things? Also what type of clear top coat to keep it from weather?

We spray painted our cupelo even though it was done in real copper but it tarnished so badly we spray painted it with Rustoleum using the copper color and it's held up beautifully. We didn't polyurethane it. Terrible photo but it did turn out nice.

@Frillylily I create a faux copper patina frequently. I normally use the copper paint first, then dab on the 'patina' to reflect the natural order of 'aging' that occurs on real copper. I.E. The copper gets the patina...not the patina turns to copper. I'm not home now so I can't send photos. I've recently had a bit of difficulty finding copper paint as well. I just bought a new can of Rust-oleum copper spray paint, but haven't used it yet, so I will wait to post recommendation. If you are on Pinterest, I have a board dedicated to antique and faux finishes.

I started painting plastic pots years ago, because I don't like the appearance of plastic. But due to the the lack of 'chunkiness' the only realistic finishes I could think of was metal.

Sue

@Never_Ending_Quest
I had the idea to use a dry bush technique w the copper, how would that work using spray paint? I did not look for copper in a spray paint, I guess I was looking for a small can, like a sample size container. They had the paint in gold, silver, ect but no copper and not even a place on the shelf for it that I could see. Maybe I need to order something on line?
Do I need to use exterior paints? If I use a clear sealer for exterior, the paint under it should not matter, right? Well I guess if it is not exterior, it could fade without UV protection. Thank you for your ideas, I do see what you mean about painting the copper first. That makes sense.

Well this is getting complicated

Frillylily, The artist in me wants to know what you are painting, please. I have painted from oil to acrylics to watercolor to spray paint to even house paintinf. A few model cars to my off time. What are you painting makes a huge difference. Is this goldfish in the water? One might go to a cement maker in your area, I know they have dies for cement. Do not use house paint on cement. Photo please.

it is a concrete fish spitter I bought at a statuary a few weeks back. It has never been painted, it will go outside w my pond, but not IN it, but yes it will get weather on it, rain, full sun.

Not to hijack the thread but I'm interested in painting some metal objects and a couple of resin or concrete objects in a way to simulate aged copper with that gray-blue-green patina. Is there a method which will hold up in hot sun, cold wet winter?

You're not hijacking the thread at all! I hope you get some good ideas here

I sure would use cement stains as I have seen some fountains painted and you have to paint them almost yearly. Then seal the paint job. For metal I'd use rust-oleum spray paint.

At first I had the idea that you might be able to electroplate your concrete with real copper and forgo pretend paints. But did not find a lot of electroplating for larger objects.
Then I came across this website, but it seems like a service they provide rather than a product they sell (they do mention statuary as a possible):
https://plateall.com/

I guess I never posted the finished fishy, so here he is!

GREAT Job!

Frillylily said: I guess I never posted the finished fishy, so here he is!

What did you use for the copper?

Looks great!

Frillylily said: I guess I never posted the finished fishy, so here he is!

@Frillylily I'm a little behind, but you did a GREAT JOB!!