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How to Make a New Metal Bucket Look Old

October 5, 2018

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A lot of times I show how to use old items and give them a new purpose, like this headboard bench or this kitchen island made from an old desk. Today is a little different. I’m going to show you how to make a new metal bucket look old. Have you seen the collection of these galvanized steel or metal trays and buckets that are in the dollar store for $3, $5, or $7? I really like them except for one thing. They’re a bit too shiny for my taste. I was wishing they weren’t so “new looking”. I like old, chippy, worn, and well-loved pieces so much more.

new metal bucket from the dollar store

How to make a new metal bucket look old

I was holding on to a bucket, a tray, and an organizer in my office all summer long. I’d look at them from time to time trying to come up with a way to make them fit into my decor. And then it hit me! I had a bottle of some kind of zinc antiquing solution that I had forgotten about. I wondered if that would work. The bucket is first!

bucket-and-zinc-antiquing-solution

Following the directions on the bottle of zinc antiquing solution, I applied a small amount of the solution to the bucket with a sponge-type brush.

bucket-and-zinc-antiquing-solution

The bucket darkened immediately.

how to make a new metal bucket look old

This photo was taken as the solution was drying on the metal bucket.

how to make a new metal bucket look old

Once the solution was completely dry, I applied some clear wax and then buffed.

how to make a new metal bucket look old

It worked beautifully! I’m very happy with the results and will definitely use this solution on the other new metal pieces.

how to make a new metal bucket look old

Now it’s time to see what my friends have done with their dollar store purchases:

fun fall projects using dollar store items

Updated Dollar Store Pumpkins

DIY Reverse Message Sequin Pillow

Fairy Lantern in a Mason Jar

Mod Podge Foam Pumpkins

Fall Door Decor From Dollar Store Bowls

If you like it, please share it!Share on pinterest
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Filed Under: Dollar store crafts, Fall Decor, Home Decor, Tutorials

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Comments

  1. Candice says

    October 8, 2018 at 10:20 am

    I love the look of aged galvanized buckets! Thanks for the tutorial!!

    Reply
  2. gail says

    October 9, 2018 at 8:18 pm

    Awesome job Jeanie! I love the way your bucket turned out. I’ve often wanted to age buckets but didn’t have an easy way to do it.
    pinned!

    Reply
  3. Ann says

    October 11, 2018 at 7:48 pm

    That is great stuff…Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJs!

    Reply
  4. Nancy Wilson says

    October 12, 2018 at 5:36 pm

    Thank you for such a fun tutorial! I will be giving this a try! Nancy

    Reply
  5. Jen @ The Frozen Mind says

    October 13, 2018 at 9:32 am

    I actually have a bucket similar to this that my Great Grandmother used in her garden. I use it for Artificial flower arrangement that is in my living room.

    Although this bucket has sentimental value that can’t be duplicated, the process you are using gets the same look! I am scheduling this to post on Pinterest because I just might need it!

    #OurMiniLinkyParty

    Reply
  6. Nikki Gwin says

    October 14, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    I prefer the aged look also! Your tip is one of my features s at this weeks OVER THE MOON Link Party which goes live this evening, Sunday, at 5 pm central. Please sto by to see your feature and link up again.
    🙂 Gwingal

    Reply
  7. Benita says

    October 14, 2018 at 5:51 pm

    Love this look! I don’t think I’ve ever seen the antiquing solution. Where did you find it? Have a great one!

    Reply
  8. Kyra Rodriguez says

    October 22, 2018 at 5:24 am

    That was a good idea! I’ve really wanted to age buckets but none really works. Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  9. portella says

    November 26, 2018 at 10:36 am

    How cool! Somehow I haven’t seen articles like that on the net before. Although I saw pretty much of those who wanna make their bucket look new. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Dorothy says

    January 24, 2019 at 7:40 am

    Very Great and helpful article, Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  11. Smith says

    March 28, 2021 at 7:56 am

    I really like this project!!! Good Idea!!! I thought about using clay and designing flowers and leaves!! Once it’s dry….. paint and seal it!

    Reply
  12. Deborah Gero says

    May 17, 2021 at 4:30 am

    Nice Idea. I will try to make one

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. All Things Fall for the Home - What Meegan Makes says:
    October 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm

    […] Making a Metal Bucket Look Old by Create and Babble […]

    Reply
  2. Over the Moon 145 ~ Gwin Gal Inside and Out says:
    October 14, 2018 at 6:01 pm

    […] How to Age New Metal by Create and Babble […]

    Reply
  3. Fall Home Ideas Fun ways to decorate on a budget - Refresh Restyle says:
    January 3, 2019 at 1:46 pm

    […] Making a Metal Bucket Look Old by Create and Babble […]

    Reply
  4. Updated Dollar Store Pumpkins - My Repurposed Life® says:
    January 29, 2019 at 7:42 pm

    […] How to Make a New Metal Bucket Look Old […]

    Reply
  5. 3poverty says:
    January 12, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    2vagrant

    Reply

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About Jeanie

About Jeanie

Welcome to Create & Babble. This is where I share my loves: crafting, hiking and camping

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