When it comes to adding character and depth to your painted furniture, nothing compares to the beauty of a patina finish. That aged, weathered look can bring a sense of history and charm to any piece — and with Dixie Belle’s Patina Collection, it’s easier than ever to create that authentic look right at home! Whether you want to achieve a rustic copper, a weathered bronze, or a vintage iron finish, the Patina Collection has everything you need to bring your vision to life.

What is Patina?

Patina is the natural aging process of metal when exposed to the elements over time. Think of the greenish-blue on aged copper roofs or the brown on old iron gates — that’s patina! Dixie Belle’s Patina Collection lets you recreate this aged look on wood, metal, glass, and plastic.

Patina forms through a chemical reaction between Patina Spray and Patina Paint. The reaction creates a genuine, aged look within hours — no waiting for nature!

An angel figurine sprayed and painted with Patina sitting outside on dirt and wood chips with trees and purple flowers in the background. A drum-shaped table painted with purple paint and Patina sitting on a brown wooden floor in front of a black painted wall and a pink plush couch with a white potted plant sitting on top of it. A piece of home decor painted with Yellow Patina sits on a white floor with brown sticks and yellow books sitting to the left of it.

How to Create a Patina Finish

Ready to give it a try? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful patina finish using Dixie Belle’s Patina Collection:

Step 1: Prep Your Piece

Start by cleaning your surface with Dixie Belle’s White Lightning Cleaner to remove any dirt, grease, or residue. If you’re working on a slick surface like glass or plastic, use Bonding BOSS to ensure proper adhesion.

👉 If you are applying to a metal surface: First, apply a coat of Prime Start and allow it to dry for 24 hours before applying the Patina Paint. This step is essential when working on metal, as Prime Start prevents the patina from corroding the metal underneath. Without Prime Start, the Patina Spray could cause rust or oxidation on the surface over time.

An open jar of Prime Start sitting on a red tabletop with a red paintbrush sitting across the top with paint dripping off of it

Step 2: Shake and Stir Well

Before applying both the Patina Paint and Patina Spray, it’s crucial to shake and stir them well. The Patina Paint is full of real metal particles, which will settle at the bottom over time. Proper mixing ensures that the metal particles are evenly distributed, giving you the best patina effect.

👉 Give the container a good shake and then stir thoroughly with a stir stick to make sure the metal is evenly mixed throughout the paint or spray.

Step 3: Apply the Patina Paint

Once your surface is clean and dry, apply one coat of Patina Paint. Dixie Belle offers three stunning shades:

  • Iron – for a weathered, rusty finish
  • Bronze – for a deep, aged metal look
  • Copper – for that classic green-blue aged copper effect

Closed jars of Patina Paint in Iron, Bronze, and Copper sitting in a pyramid on top of a brown tabletop with a brown wooden background The top view of an open jar of Bronze Patina Paint sitting on a rusted plate with a paintbrush sitting to the left of the jar with paint on the bristles

Let the first coat dry completely, then apply a second coat only in the areas where you want the Patina effect to develop. If you apply the second coat over the entire piece, the patina effect will appear everywhere — for a more controlled look, target specific areas for the second coat.

👉 Iron Paint only works with Green Spray — if you want to create a rusted, aged iron look, be sure to use the Green Spray. Other sprays will not react properly with the Iron Paint.

Step 4: Add the Patina Spray

While the second coat is still wet, lightly mist the surface with the Patina Spray. Choose from:

  • Green Spray – for a verdigris, aged copper look
  • Blue Spray – for a cooler, weathered effect
  • Yellow Spray – for a warm, golden patina with a subtle rusted appearance

Patina Spray in Green, Blue, and Yellow sitting on a white tabletop with a white background

👉 Shake the Patina Spray well before applying to ensure the active ingredients are properly mixed and the spray will react evenly on the surface.

👉 After each use:

  • Remove the sprayer from the bottle.
  • Rinse and flush the sprayer with warm water to prevent clogging and residue buildup.
  • Recap the bottle tightly to keep the spray fresh and ready for your next project.

The patina process will begin almost immediately, but you’ll see the full effect within 24 hours.

Color Combinations

Here are just a few color combinations you can achieve using our Patina Products:

  • Iron Paint + Green Patina Spray → Rust
  • Bronze Paint + Blue Patina Spray → Blue Patina
  • Copper Paint + Green Patina Spray → Green Patina
  • Copper Paint + Yellow Patina Spray → Blue-Green-Yellow Patina

Experiment with different combinations and layering to create a custom patina effect!

A metal start with Yellow Patina hanging on an orange wall with a green plant below it The top part of a pillar-style plant stand showcasing Patina A watering can done with Patina sitting on a cement step with a plant inside of it; sitting in front of two blue painted planters that hold multi-colored flowers

Step 5: Seal the Finish

Once you’ve achieved the look you want, seal your piece with Patina Guard to protect the finish and preserve the patina effect. Patina Guard is specially formulated to stop the oxidation process, locking in the aged look and preventing further reaction.

👉 Apply Patina Guard with a soft brush or cloth in thin, even layers, allowing it to dry between coats. This step helps prevent further oxidation and protects the surface from wear and tear.

Tips for Success

  • Shake and stir well – Always shake and stir both the Patina Paint and Patina Spray thoroughly to ensure even distribution of metal particles.
  • Apply the second coat only where you want patina – This gives you better control over the final look.
  • Layer it up – For added depth, try mixing and layering different Patina Paint colors.
  • Experiment with texture – Use a sponge or a stippling brush when applying the Patina Paint to create more dimension.
  • Don’t be afraid to let it drip – The natural dripping and running of the Patina Spray is part of the charm, so let it happen!
  • Use Prime Start on metal surfaces – This step is key to protecting the metal from rust and corrosion under the patina.
  • Seal with Patina Guard – Once the patina process is complete, sealing it will help lock in the aged look and prevent further oxidation.
  • Clean your spray bottle – Rinse the sprayer after each use and keep the bottle capped to extend the life of your Patina Spray.
  • Mix Sprays for a Custom Look – Try layering the Yellow Spray with the Blue or Green Spray for a multi-dimensional, aged effect.

A uniquely shaped treasure chest done with yellow and green Patina sitting on a wooden table on top of a fish net with a piece of drift wood behind it and a green plant hanging down over it; a green vase is to the left of the chest. A bust painted with yellow and green patina sitting on a metal table with a green plant to the right, a red burning candle to the left and green and red leaves draped across it

Why Choose Dixie Belle’s Patina Collection?

Unlike other patina products, Dixie Belle’s Patina Collection makes it easy to achieve professional-level results with minimal effort. The water-based formula is easy to use, non-toxic, and low odor, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor projects alike.

From vintage-inspired furniture to decorative accents, the possibilities are endless. Try the Patina Collection on metal garden ornaments, lamp bases, picture frames, and even walls — the only limit is your imagination!

Bring a touch of history and old-world charm to your next project with Dixie Belle’s Patina Collection. Whether you’re going for an industrial vibe or a vintage feel, patina is the perfect way to add character and personality to any piece. So grab your Patina Paint and Spray, and let the aging process begin!  For more tips on using our Patina Collection, check out our blog, How to Use Iron Patina Paint with Green Spray.

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Dixie Belle Paint Company

Dixie Belle Paint Company provides a line of chalk mineral paint that is high quality, easy to use, and most importantly priced so every DIYer can create and discover the joy of painting.

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