Something Old, Something New...

A
by A
4 Materials
$4
2 Hours
Easy
This is Part I of a bigger project that will be posted sometime this spring. I am a collector of things that might be useful later on. Coffee cans are on top of that list. When the weekly challenge to turn something new into something that looked old, I decided to put a few of those cans to good use. I have been looking at the paints that oxidize and thought that this was the perfect opportunity to give it a try.
These are the supplies I started with. For this project, I chose to try the Dixie Belle Starter primer, Copper paint, and Blue Patina spray. A standard coffee can was used, as well as a basic paint brush.
To begin, I removed the plastic wrapper around the can and then cleaned the can to remove adhesive residue. Be sure it is thoroughly dry before moving on to the next step.
After shaking the jar of Dixie Belle Starter primer, apply two coats to the can, allowing it to dry in between coats. The primer is only necessary for use on metal surfaces - it prevents the oxidizing process from eating away at the metal. I don't worry about the inside because I protect it when I spray it with the patina.
Shake the Copper paint thoroughly, and then some more. The reason for this is because there are tiny metal particles in the paint that interact with the patina spray. This is the can after one coat of Copper.
In order to protect the inside of the can from the patina spray, and to make spraying easier, I cut away the rim of the plastic lid, poked a hole in the center and attached a string to hang the can. The lid fits under the rim of the can to hold it up.
I created a sort of a spray booth using a Styrofoam insert from some appliance that I had on hand. I hung the can from the top. While hanging, I applied a second coat of Copper paint. Before the paint dries, I applied a misting of Patina spray all around the can.
This is right after the Patina spay was applied.
This is approximately 20 minutes later.
About an hour after spraying.
Once thoroughly dry, I took a damp cloth and ran it over the surface. This takes away some of the chalky residue. So you see, a once new and shiny coffee can now appears to be old and weathered. I can't wait to see how it is going to look paired with the old crate I found at my father's farm.
Suggested materials:
  • Dixie Belle Starter primer   (local merchant)
  • Dixie Belle Copper paint   (local merchant)
  • Dixie Belle Blue Patina spray   (local merchant)
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