The Best Copper Spray Paint for Your DIY Projects

Transform battered furniture and home decor accessories into eye-catching statement pieces. The best copper spray paint refurbishes surfaces for indoor and outdoor use, creating a high-end designer look.

Best Overall

The Best Copper Spray Paint Options: RUST-OLEUM 247567 Universal Hammered Spray Paint

RUST-OLEUM 247567 Universal Hammered Spray Paint

See It

Best Bang for the Buck

The Best Copper Spray Paint Options: Rust-Oleum 210849 Stops Rust Hammered Spray Paint

Rust-Oleum 210849 Stops Rust Hammered Spray Paint

See It

Best Metallic

The Best Copper Spray Paint Options: Krylon K02203 General Purpose, 12 Ounces SPRAY PAINT

Krylon K02203 General Purpose, 12 Ounces SPRAY PAINT

See It

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Copper spray paint is a top choice of home decor enthusiasts, DIYers, and crafters who love to transform furniture and accessories into fashionable, on-trend, decor pieces. Available in a variety of formulas and finishes for indoor and outdoor use, copper spray paint rejuvenates old picture frames, furniture, lamps and fixtures, and cabinet hardware. Outdoors, it refurbishes worn-out patio furniture and breathes life into planters and flowerpots. Used creatively, copper spray paint turns mason jars, vases, and bottles made from glass or ceramic into interesting art objects. Unleash your imagination as you consider the best copper spray paint for your DIY and craft projects.

  1. BEST OVERALL: RUST-OLEUM 247567 Universal Hammered Spray Paint
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Rust-Oleum 210849 Stops Rust Hammered Spray Paint
  3. BEST METALLIC: Krylon K02203 General Purpose, 12 Ounces SPRAY PAINT
  4. BEST FOR CRAFTING: Krylon K01020A07 Premium Copper Metallic Spray Paint

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Copper Spray Paint

When selecting the best copper spray paint for any DIY or craft project, it’s essential to consider several factors. Think about the type of surface to be painted as well as whether the item is intended for outdoor or indoor use. Because several finishes are available, it’s important to consider whether a high-gloss, a brilliant, or a textured finish is desirable. Read on for information that may help to make the decision process easier.

Surface

Copper spray paint provides successful adhesion and coverage on numerous surfaces, including wood, plastic, ceramic, glass, metal, plaster, paper, and paper-mache. Additionally, copper spray paints formulated for outdoor use adhere to concrete and wrought iron.

Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean and dry. For covering a glossy finish, sand the surface lightly to make it dull and receptive to the coating of spray paint. Product descriptions include information regarding how many square feet of surface area each can of spray paint covers.

Spray paint is particularly advantageous for surfaces with intricate shapes or angles, allowing users to apply the paint in hard-to-reach places. Some manufacturers advertise that their paints spray evenly, even when the can is held sideways or upside down.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Before purchasing copper spray paint for a DIY or craft project, it’s important to consider the intended function and placement of the object to be painted. Different paints are suitable for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. Manufacturers include information about outdoor and indoor use on labels and in product descriptions.

Some oil-based spray paints stop rust from forming on outdoor surfaces. These paints resist the adverse effects of weather and corrosion on metal and other surfaces. Additionally, copper spray paint formulated for outdoor furniture and accessories provides protection from fading due to exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun.

Although oil-based spray paints can be used on both outdoor or indoor items, water-based spray paints are intended for indoor use only. Use water-based copper spray paint on indoor furniture, home decor accessories, and craft projects.

Primer

Preparation is always the key to successful results in painting projects. Along with ensuring that the surface is clean, dry, and dull, users may prepare surfaces by spraying or brushing on a coat of primer. This practice promotes adhesion and coverage for the spray paint, and priming is especially helpful when applying the copper spray paint to dark-colored surfaces.

Some copper spray paints include primer mixed with the color, eliminating the priming step from the painting process. These spray paints offer convenience, as they cut down on the time and effort required for the painting project while providing optimal adhesion and coverage.

Finish

Copper spray paint is favored by home decor enthusiasts, DIYers, and crafters because of its elegant, high-end appearance. For only a few dollars, users can transform items made from numerous materials to achieve the on-trend look of copper metal.

Copper spray paints with high-gloss and brilliant finishes yield a shiny appearance that resembles copper-metallic plating. This look is popular on furniture pieces and decor objects as well as craft projects.

For a textured appearance, spray paints with hammered-copper finishes offer a slightly rustic metallic look. The textured finish covers dents, scratches, and dings on worn-out surfaces. This quality makes hammered-copper spray paints especially useful for rejuvenating old furniture and other treasures discovered at yard sales, flea markets, and thrift stores.

Our Top Picks

With numerous options available, DIYers and crafters may choose from several high-quality products to find the best copper spray paint for each painting project. To facilitate the selection process, below is a list of the top picks. The copper spray paints on this list represent diverse finishes formulated for indoor and outdoor use. Additionally, products from leading manufacturers with reliable reputations in the field of spray paint development are included.

Best Overall

RUST-OLEUM 247567 Universal Hammered Spray Paint

See It

The oil-based universal formula for Rust-Oleum’s hammered-copper spray paint provides reliable adhesion and coverage. It produces a durable finish that prevents rust and resists fading from the UV rays of the sun. Use it on a wide array of surfaces, including metal, wood, plastic, concrete, aluminum, and more.

Increasingly popular among home decorators and DIYers, the hammered metallic look serves a utilitarian purpose. A hammered texture is not only visually interesting, but it also hides multiple scrapes, dents, and other imperfections on battered surfaces. With its attractive texture, this hammered-copper spray paint offers an ideal way to rejuvenate worn furniture, thrift store finds, and myriad home decor items.

For optimal results, shake the can for one minute before spraying. Rust-Oleum spray paint is dry to the touch after 30 minutes. One can of paint covers approximately 15 square feet of surface area.

Best Bang for the Buck

Rust-Oleum 210849 Stops Rust Hammered Spray Paint

See It

Prevent the ravages of weather and corrosion on outdoor furniture and accessories with this oil-based spray paint that features a special rust-prevention formula and yields a handsome hammered-copper finish. Use it on wood, masonry, and concrete as well as metal surfaces. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor purposes.

The formula for Rust-Oleum’s Stops Rust protective spray paints originated in 1921 with the work of sea captain Robert Ferguson. On fishing voyages, the captain noticed that his boat stopped rusting in places where fish oil splashed. He began experimenting with the oil and developed the first paint with rust-resistant properties.

Today, 100 years after Captain Ferguson’s discovery, this hammered-copper spray paint offers durable protection for outdoor as well as indoor use. In addition to resisting rust, it resists fading from the UV rays of the sun and resists chipping and abrasion from use.

Best Metallic

Krylon K02203 General Purpose, 12 Ounces SPRAY PAINT

See It

For use on indoor furniture and decor items, DIYers and crafters favor this copper spray paint that dries to a smooth, brilliant finish. With its water-based formula, it dries quickly to provide a bright, metallic appearance.

For large furniture pieces, the metallic look presents a fresh, on-trend vibe. For small decorative objects, a bright copper finish mimics the appearance of high-end luxury items. Use this paint for fun crafts or creative DIY projects.

One can of this paint covers approximately 25 square feet of surface. It provides durable adhesion and coverage on wood, metal, plaster, glass, ceramic, plastic, wicker, paper-mache, cardboard, and paper surfaces. After spraying, the paint is dry to the touch in only 15 minutes.

Best for Crafting

Krylon K01020A07 Premium Copper Metallic Spray Paint

See It

Elevate a craft project to present the appearance of elegance with this copper metallic spray paint. It dries to a bright and shiny copper finish on wood, metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, wicker, and paper-mache. The smooth finish resembles the look of copper-metallic plating.

Crafters and DIYers use this brilliant metallic copper spray paint to get the decor look offered by high-end retailers for a fraction of the cost. As an added bonus, the smooth, high-gloss finish is durable and resists chipping with use.

For optimal results, spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area with temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees and humidity below 85 percent. The paint is dry to the touch in only 10 minutes and dry to handle in two hours. One 8-ounce can covers 20 square feet of surface.

FAQs About Copper Spray Paint

By now, your mind is probably racing with ideas and images for future DIY and craft projects employing copper spray paint to achieve eye-catching results. With an array of available formulas and finishes, the choices abound for high-quality copper spray paints. To make the most appropriate choice and get started with your new copper spray paint, you may have questions. Here are the answers to a few questions that copper spray paint shoppers frequently ask.

Q. Does copper spray paint contain copper?

Some copper spray paints do contain copper metal-leafing flakes. These make up a small portion of the paint formula and give the paint its metallic luster.

Q. Can you spray paint on copper?

It is possible to spray paint on copper. The metal should be clean and dry, and an epoxy primer may be applied before spray painting to promote adhesion.

Q. How long does copper paint in a can last?

Leftover copper spray paint in a previously opened can last two to three years. Unopened spray paint in a sealed aerosol can last indefinitely. As long as it sprays after shaking the can, it is useful.

Share

WHY YOU CAN TRUST BOB VILA