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Painting an Old Cooler Like an American Flag
by
Jann Olson
(IC: blogger)
1 Material
I love rust, but this old cooler was a bit too rusty for my taste. I decided to give it a fun makeover and stencil it like an American flag.
A fun and functional Americana cooler.
I picked up this old cooler at a yard sale a couple years ago. It was pretty rustic then, but after being outside it was in dire need of a makeover!
I love rust, but this was just a bit more than I like.
I painted the entire top white with some leftover latex paint. Then I taped it off with some 1 1/2 " wide painters tape.
I chose to stencil it because I knew it would be faster. I did go over it twice. Remove the tape as soon as you are done stenciling. That way, if any paint leaked underneath it can be removed before it dries.
I cut two stars out of a recipe card. They make great stencils.
When stenciling I always blot my brush onto paper towels. That keeps it drier and eliminates leakage.
I just stenciled them randomly for a primitive look.
Last of all I sanded it lightly so that it looked time worn. I started to brush it with a water base varnish for protection, but the red paint began to smear. I decided that I needed to let it dry better.
But it didn't stop us from taking it to the park for a 4th of July picnic.
My daughter made a yummy fruit pizza for dessert.
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Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Old cooler, paint, stencil brush, painters tape, star punch (Yard Sale)
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Published July 4th, 2016 6:03 PM
Comments
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4 of 48 comments
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Joanie on Oct 12, 2017
If I comment on any DIY's today, I HAVE to comment on yours...........this is beautiful.......Not only did you do a great lookin' job....it symbolizes' our great country. Patriotic is a great theme.....and you did it!!!
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Jann Olson on Oct 12, 2017Thanks so very much!! Your sweet comment made my day. Love our country too!!
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Joan on Apr 08, 2019
OMG I have this exact cooler and it's just as rusty! What a difference you've made!
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Jann Olson on Apr 09, 2019
Thanks!! It was such a fun project!
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Frequently asked questions
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Can you paint this on a plastic cooler?