Upcycled Popcorn Tin Into a Beautiful Trash Can

11 Materials
$10
1 Hour
Easy

I have this huge pile of popcorn tins that I just can seem to throw away - so I decided it was time to turn one into something amazing - a beautiful trash can!!

start with some used popcorn tins - make sure to clean then out really well. Pick a size that works for your area as a trash can.

You can even use tins that are full of color like this one.

paint the tin with gesso, this covers up the previous design.

i then gave it a coat of paint in teal - but if this is not your style pick a color of your choice! II used a heavy body acrylic paint for good coverage.

I used a stencil brush to apply silver gesso to the tin thru the stencil, i had to move it around a few times to cover the whole tin, but you would never know :) After the whole thing had dried i applied a tin layer of clear gesso to seal everything.

After everything had dried I flipped over the can and glued on a section of felt to the bottom so it would not make noise or scuff up my floors. Works like a charm!

Now I have a pretty trash can that sits in my craft room that not only is super functions but adds to the decor of the room - plus it upcycled a popcorn tin that I had left over from the holidays!! Pop on over to my   BLOG for a few extra tips and additional pictures about this project!

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Erin Reed | Erin Reed Makes
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  3 questions
  • Ann Alt Ann Alt on Feb 02, 2019

    wouldn't a light sanding and then spraying with a white primer be quicker? I get that the brush strokes give it some extra charm.. I love your concept... and the stencil is very cute..

  • NancyMaria NancyMaria on Feb 05, 2019

    What about adding an old door or cabinet knob for a handle on top?


  • Shara Garland Shara Garland on Jan 13, 2021

    Very pretty, but I can’t find that stencil on your link. What is the name of it?

    thank you

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  • Donna Donna on Dec 28, 2020

    I use mine as they ar. They came with a plastic circle in the lid. I cut the plastic out and insert a plastic bag and replace the lid. The lid holds the bag in and I just remove the lid and tie up the bag to remove and replace with another bag. Yours is very pretty also!

  • Patty Patty on Dec 31, 2021

    Gorgeous

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