DIY: A Crafty Half Hour With Copper Paint

Copper Spray Paint Upcycled Tealight Holders

Before I start this post, I think a disclaimer is in order – of being the least capable crafty person you will ever meet. There are fortes in my life – having a special and inexplicable bond with animals, Pilates, eating cake, these are all things I’m really good at. Crafting is not one of those SO I’m pretty chuffed with how this fun, cheap and easy experiment turned out.

I don’t remember whether it was Pinterest or Instagram where copper paint first popped onto my radar but once I knew such a thing existed there was no going back. On a Saturday visit to our local town centre, Pete was instructed to come back with a can of copper spray paint from Wilkinson’s – it’s the Rustoleum brand and cost only 3.00, such a bargain.

Being terribly uncrafty I hadn’t even given a thought to what I’d actually spray up, the cat is already ginger so he was out of the question and I don’t think Mr D would have been too impressed at coming home to find an entire kitchen of copper cupboards. IKEA as always to the rescue, glancing round our little home office my eye fell on our cheap and old tealight holders which were fairly replaceable in case it all went awry.

However, it turned out rather well and if a fool like me can manage it, anyone can. Here is my DIY guide to a bit of copper upcycling.

Copper Spray Paint Upcycled Tealight Holders

What You’ll Need

-Something to spray, ideally something you don’t mind losing in case you make a mess
-A can of copper spray paint
-Some masking tape
-A dust/decorators sheet

What To Do

-Carefully tape up the area you don’t want to be painted. The paint is like a fine mist so be sure to tape thoroughly.
-Clear your work area and cover the floor/furniture. See above about the mist effect..!
-Follow the instructions on the can, shaking well and spraying the item at arm’s length. I did try an initial project which was a disaster because I held it too close and went in like an elephant so it did take one round of practise.
-Add additional layers as needed and leave to try

Copper Spray Paint Upcycled Tealight Holders

Copper Spray Paint Upcycled Tealight Holders

And voila! I think these upcycled tealight holders are much prettier than the original wouldn’t you agree?

Copper Spray Paint Upcycled Tealight Holders

Copper Spray Paint Upcycled Tealight Holders

Copper Spray Paint Upcycled Tealight Holders

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22 Comments

  1. March 8, 2017 / 3:15 pm

    Ah, Lins! This made me chuckle ..exposing your non-crafty status! This is great though! We have those little ikea pots and they look fab in On-Trend copper! I’m expecting a crafting corner on your blog now!! 😉

    • Lins
      Author
      March 11, 2017 / 9:13 pm

      Haha well you’ll be pleased to know my next spray painting project is on the way! X

  2. Emily
    March 8, 2017 / 3:23 pm

    Such a simple upgrade to make something unique to you! I stumbled across rose gold spray when making a Christmas wreath… finding things to spray becomes a habit doesn’t it!

    • Lins
      Author
      March 11, 2017 / 9:19 pm

      It absolutely does! I’ve already got my next project on the way but I’ll have to look out for rose gold spray, even better! X

  3. March 8, 2017 / 9:06 pm

    Love these, I have a big mirror that needs painting for my hallway, I wonder if it would look good in copper or if it would be a copper overload. Excited to see you will be joining the homeetc hosts xx

    • Lins
      Author
      March 11, 2017 / 9:23 pm

      Funnily enough I have a mirror to that I was thinking of painting! Worth a shot I think 🙂 Thank you for your lovely words about #HomeEtc X

  4. March 8, 2017 / 10:32 pm

    They look so fab! I am partial to copper spray paint too, it’s so versatile! xx #homeetc

    • Lins
      Author
      March 11, 2017 / 9:14 pm

      It’s a lot of fun isn’t it and such an inexpensive way of jazzing something up X

  5. Sue @ Home Heart Harmony
    March 9, 2017 / 2:04 pm

    You can’t go wrong with a touch of copper! It’s so funny that it’s come back, my Nan used to love her copper accessories too! The tea light holders look so pretty! #HomeEtc xx

    • Lins
      Author
      March 11, 2017 / 8:59 pm

      Oh Sue I WISH we’d kept everything from when my grandparents died, it was so long ago that we had no idea what would come around again including so much mid-century furniture!! Xx

  6. March 11, 2017 / 7:19 am

    Great idea. They look great. I once tried to spray paint a white teapot and it was a disaster!! I needed to have a go again now I have your tips. #HomeEtc

    • Lins
      Author
      March 11, 2017 / 8:58 pm

      I’m always so cautious about trying anything crafty but I’ve just ordered a little something online which I’m going to try spraying, fingers crossed! Good luck with your next attempt X

  7. kerryvillers
    March 13, 2017 / 12:36 pm

    These look great line. You can never go wrong with a bit of metallic embellishment. I love that you went and bought the paint without knowing what you’d use it for. Sounds like something I would do! xx

    • Lins
      Author
      March 15, 2017 / 10:56 am

      Seizing the moment sometimes is the best way isn’t it? I’m looking forward to whatever the next project may be 🙂 Xx

  8. March 13, 2017 / 3:30 pm

    I love the result! I have some rustoleum gold spray & gold glitter spray but I’ve just been to nervous to use them! I’ve got some dark wicker baskets that need brightening up so I might just have to get brave & give it a go #HomeEtc

    • Lins
      Author
      March 15, 2017 / 10:56 am

      I think it would look fantastic on wicker baskets, please let me know if you do try as I’d love to see! X

  9. March 13, 2017 / 9:34 pm

    They look good and match the puss cat 😀 I expect to see him climbing into them sometime soon!

    • Lins
      Author
      March 15, 2017 / 10:48 am

      Haha I fond little dusty pawprints already all over this unit so he’s definitely been checking them out! X

  10. Jess Soothill
    March 14, 2017 / 7:56 am

    Gorgeous and very stylish!! I don’t craft either – I prefer to buy things BUT the sense of satisfaction when you make something is amazing isn’t it?? These look superb!! Thanks for sharing and linking up. Jess xx

    #HomeEtc

    • Lins
      Author
      March 15, 2017 / 10:34 am

      I have to say I definitely wouldn’t be too adventurous with my crafting even though i’m in awe of the brilliant things people come up with. It was fun to dip my toe in the water though! Thank you for hosting lovely Xx

  11. Colette B
    March 14, 2017 / 4:26 pm

    *dashes out to but copper spray paint*

    • Lins
      Author
      March 15, 2017 / 10:29 am

      Yes! Do it do it and let me know what you spray X

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