How to Make Copper Chargers

Turn those dollar store chargers into vintage inspired copper charges with this easy DIY project!

Copper, copper, copper.  Oh how I love you.  I have a thing for copper and I’m drawn to anything in that coppery/ rust color these days.  From vintage home decor to even clothes… it’s a copper crush around here.  When I think of the fall season, I think of copper… and any excuse to add to my copper collection makes my heart pitter-patter.  My color scheme for the fall includes copper, of course.  I pictured copper chargers as part of my fall tablescape {coming soon on the blog!}, but as it turns out, they’re not cheap!  So, I decided to make my own copper chargers and even add a little vintage patina to them.

Copper Patina

As copper ages over time, it naturally forms this gorgeous, weathered look of different colors that we call patina.  Sometimes the patina is greenish blue color and other times it’s black.  Nerd Alert!  I did a little research on copper and patina- and there is a lot of science involved!  Basically, it’s a chemical reaction, called oxidation, that causes the copper to patina. The environment and people’s lifestyles affects the color it will be and how fast the patina forms.  The greenish blue color is formed by oxidation and moisture in the air, called copper carbonate.  A black patina is a chemical reaction between oxygen and copper when heated.

I used one of my vintage copper kettles as my guide, and it’s patina was black, so I choose a black patina for my copper chargers.  Feel free to create the greenish blue patina instead using the same method below!

Off to the local dollar store I went and bought a couple of gold chargers.  I picked the gold chargers up because it was in the metallic family – but any color charger will work.  Now it’s time to make DIY copper chargers!

Copper Chargers Supplies

• 6-8 chargers {from the dollar store, or any old chargers you want to switch up!}
• Copper Spray Paint – I used Rustoleum Metallic Finish Copper Spray Paint
• Paint Brush
• Black OR Aqua Paint {Optional – if you’re going to add patina for more of a vintage look}
• Paper Towels or Old Rag

How to Make Copper Chargers

1. Make sure you wipe off the chargers well with a paper towel or old rag.  If there is dust left behind, the paint will not adhere to the surface.
2. Lightly spray each charger with the copper spray paint with even strokes.  You may need to spray more than one coat of the spray paint – just let them dry a little in between each coat.  Let your freshly painted copper chargers dry completely.
3. If you don’t want to add the patina – you’re done with the copper chargers once they are dry and you don’t need to do anything else!  If you want to make the copper look a little aged, let’s add some patina using black or aqua paint – you could use both colors if you want to.
4. To add the patina, dab your paint brush into the paint.  Lightly paint around some of the chargers’ edges, then quickly wipe most of the paint off with a paper towel or an old rag.
5. Repeat this step until you like the patina on the chargers.  The more you add, the better the patina will look.
6. Let the paint from creating your “patina” dry completely before using.

It’s important to note that we will NOT eat off of these chargers, because they are not food safe.  Food is never served on the charger.  A charger plate is used for a special occasion on the table with another plate on top of it to dress up your tablescape.

I love that my DIY copper chargers cost me under ten dollars!  The copper chargers are so versatile and I will use them for so many tablescapes and festive, family meals in the future. Chat with me in the comments or connect with me on social media!  Use the hashtag #sweetsouthernoaks on Instagram to share inspiration from the blog. As always, feel free to find me on Facebook or Instagram. I’d love to chat with you about all things home décor! You can also pin with me on Pinterest for even more inspiration for home décor, recipes and more!