Air Dry Clay Patina Paint Effect Tutorial with Andy Skinner

Preparing the Moulded Casts
Lightly dust the Dance mould with cornflour to help with release. Press the clay into the mould along the full length of the character. Make sure the clay is pushed firmly into all details, filling the mould but making sure not to overfill. Smooth the back so it is as flat and even as possible. Gently bend back the edges of the silicone mould, using the mould lip to help release the piece. Work carefully around the character, easing the cast out. Leave to dry completely (up to 24 hours) before painting.

Copper Patina Effect Method 1

Step 1 – Base Coat
This technique creates the look of aged copper where the turquoise patina remains in the recesses while the exposed metal has been worn over time. Paint the entire cast with Ocean Breeze Matt Chalk Paint, ensuring all details and recesses are covered. Allow to dry thoroughly and touch up any missed areas.

Step 2 – Dry Brush the Highlights
Using a dry brush loaded with Chalkboard Matt Chalk Paint, remove most of the paint onto tissue paper before lightly brushing across the raised areas. Build the effect gradually, allowing the Ocean Breeze colour to remain in the deeper details. The result is an aged copper appearance with oxidised turquoise tones sitting naturally in the recesses.

Copper Patina Effect Method 2

Step 1 – Base Coat
This alternative approach starts with a dark base coat and adds the patina colour as a wash. Cover the cast with Chalkboard Matt Chalk Paint and allow it to dry completely.

Step 2 – Create a Patina Wash
Mix Ocean Breeze Matt Chalk Paint with water to create a thin wash. Brush this over the entire cast, allowing the colour to settle naturally into the texture and recesses. Adjust the intensity by adding more paint if required. Leave to dry naturally.

Step 3 – Add Metallic Highlights
Dry brush Antique Copper Shimmer Paint over the raised details using a very light touch. Once dry, repeat with Bronze Shimmer Paint, concentrating only on the highest points. This layered metallic finish creates the appearance of exposed copper beneath the weathered patina.

For an even more realistic aged metal appearance, allow the paint to dry for around 24 hours before gently buffing the raised areas with a microfibre cloth. This creates a subtle sheen only on the highest points, mimicking the way real metal becomes polished through years of handling and wear.

Lead Patina Effect

Step 1 – Apply a Grey Wash
For a cooler, aged lead appearance, start with a Chalkboard base-coated cast. Mix Slate Grey Matt Chalk Paint with water to create a wash and brush it over the entire cast. While the wash is still wet, gently wipe back the raised areas using tissue paper, leaving more colour in the recesses.

Step 2 – Leave to Dry
Allow the cast to dry naturally before handling. Additional washes can be added in selected areas to deepen shadows and create extra dimension.

Step 3 – Buff for a Natural Metal Sheen
Once fully cured, gently buff the surface with a microfibre cloth. This creates a soft metallic-looking sheen on the raised details while keeping the darker shadows intact, producing a convincing weathered lead effect.

Tips for Realistic Patina Effects

• Always allow base coats to dry fully before adding washes or dry-brushed layers.
• Use very little paint when dry brushing – it's easier to build colour gradually.
• Let washes dry naturally rather than speeding up the process with a heat tool.
• Buff only after the paint has fully cured for the most convincing aged-metal finish.
• Experiment with different wash strengths to create unique weathering effects.

Finished Results
Using just a handful of Cosmic Shimmer paints and the Dance Silicone Mould, it's possible to create a range of realistic aged metal effects, from oxidised copper to weathered lead. These techniques work beautifully on mixed media projects, home décor pieces, gift tags and decorative plaques, bringing moulded details to life with authentic-looking patina finishes.