How to Paint Aluminum Gutter to Look Like Copper Patina

Real copper paint develops a verdigris patina.

To achieve the blue-green verdigris effect, you simply need to paint your gutters with a copper-containing paint. While a patina develops on copper surfaces over time, a patina medium creates the same results instantly.

1. Clean out your gutters. Remove loose dirt and leaf debris by spraying them with a hose. Add liquid soap to a bucket of water. Apply a lather of soapy water with a large grout sponge. Remove any dirt that is clinging to your gutter with a scrub brush. Rinse off the gutters with a hose. Allow them to dry.

2. Apply a bonding primer to the aluminum gutters. Look for a product that was formulated to use on metal surfaces. Use a wide brush with natural bristles to cover the surface with primer. Clean your brush with mineral spirits when you are finished priming the gutters.

3. Apply two coats of copper paint with a 3-inch synthetic-bristle paintbrush. Be sure that you are using a paint that contains copper. Only genuine copper paint will develop a verdigris patina. Wash you brush with soap and water.

4. Protect your hands from the corrosive qualities of the oxidizing patina medium. Use safety glasses to shield your eyes.

5. Brush the patina medium onto the painted copper surface with the same brush that you used to apply the copper paint. Apply the medium while the copper paint is not yet completely dry for a more pronounced effect. The patina will continue to develop as the medium sits on the copper paint. Apply more than one coat for a dramatic look.

6. Wash your brush with soap and water. Take care not to splash any patina medium in your eyes or on your skin.