How to Use Enamel Paint on Copper

Mix white vinegar and table salt in a bucket. The amount of solution you'll need depends on the size of the copper surface. For every three cups of vinegar, use one tbsp. of table salt.

Dip one clean rag in the vinegar and salt solution and wipe down the copper object with it. Scrub the surface gently, removing any dirt or impurities.

Wet the second clean rag in warm water and wipe down the copper surface to remove any vinegar or salt remnants.

Dry the copper object with paper towel.

Apply one coat of metal primer over the surface of the copper object. Ensure the primer is applied to all of the parts of the copper you want to paint. Metal primer is similar to regular paint primer but it contains elements that make paint bond to the smooth, hard surfaces of metal better.

Allow the primer to dry. This will vary depending on the size of the copper object, but you should leave it for at least 30 minutes.

Paint one coat of enamel paint on the copper object. With the one coat, ensure you cannot see the metal primer underneath.

Allow the first coat of paint to dry for at least one hour.

Inspect the copper object after one hour and decide whether you'd like to add more coats of enamel paint. The more paint you add, the more opaque and shiny the copper surface will become.