To paint faux bronze patina, start with a dark brown base. Apply metallic bronze or copper, allowing some brown to show. For the patina, use a mix of turquoise, green, and a touch of white, dabbed on sparingly. Finish with a light dry-brushing of the metallic bronze to highlight edges.
Bronze is primarily a mix of red, yellow, and a touch of black or brown. To achieve a realistic metallic effect, start with a base coat of a warm brown, then layer on metallic gold and copper paints. Use a dry brush technique to highlight raised areas, and consider adding a very subtle green or blue wash for an aged patina. The key is building up thin layers and allowing each to dry.
To paint faux bronze patina, begin with a base of metallic bronze paint. Once dry, mix a small amount of turquoise or verdigris green acrylic paint with a glazing medium or water to create a thin wash. Apply this wash unevenly over the bronze, concentrating in recessed areas. Gently wipe away excess from raised surfaces. You can also lightly stipple a darker brown or black for added depth and age.