Iron Orchid Designs and Fusion Faux Copper Planters

Faux Copper Chairs using Fusion Mineral Paint and Iron Orchid Designs

It's spring in Florida...at least it was two days ago, today not so much!

This is the time of year that we all want to get out in the sunshine and spring planting fever sets in too. A fresh new look on the porch and the flower beds.

This project came about because I had two ice cream chairs that I had recovered and they never sold. When that happens I have to change things up a bit. 

Old chairs are fairly easy to find at yard sales and thrift stores, and since we don't need the seat...super inexpensive...after all what can someone do with a chair that has no seat? ALOT...they make the cutest planters! Easy Peasy, too!

Once you find your chair(s), remove the seat and take one of them to your local garden center to find a pot the right size and look for your project. The color isn't a concern because you are going to be painting it anyway. 

For the first set I thought a round plastic pot fit best.

Always put a little time in prepping your project. A light scuff sand and a good cleaning.

Always put a little time in prepping your project. A light scuff sand and a good cleaning.

You can attach the pot with wires or zip ties. 

My chairs were very plain and I wanted a little detail so I used an Iron Orchid Designs mould for the designs on the back of the chairs. Since these will be outside I used Amazing Casting Resin to make the moulds. These a glued onto the chair with an epoxy glue and clamped until the glue sets.

Next, I sprayed the  entire chair(s) with Rust-oleum Hammered Copper, including the mould. Now it looks like the design was always on the chair.

Make sure you have good coverage. I usually start my projects upside down. Let it completely dry, overnight is great! I have made two sets of these. The first set (with the round opening) I used Fusion Mineral Paint "Azure" to get the Patina look, just paint on and wipe of to get the look you want.

This set I used Gilder's Paste "Patina". I prefer the look of the Gilder's Paste but it took much longer to "dry." Both look great and definitely mimic aged copper!