How to Upcycle Your Christmas Popcorns Tins Into Metal Planters

5 Materials
$15
1 Hour
Easy

We all know and love those Christmas popcorn tins full of cheddar, white, and caramel popcorn don't we!

Well, have you ever thought about saving the tins and upcycling them into planters after the season is over?


With a little paint and time, it's very easy to make faux galvanized tin planters from your popcorn tins.

Here are a few of my Christmas popcorn tins before their makeover. First, we enjoyed the popcorn, and ate way too much of it.

Then, we reused them as year-round decor in our home.


You can see all the supplies I used in my original post for this project on my blog, justalittlecreativity.com

To begin, wash and clean the tins on the inside and outside with dishsoap and water. This step is important to remove any oils that may be left over from storing the popcorn.


Next, use a good quality metal spray paint and give them a full, shiny coat of paint. I personally have had good results with both Krylon & Rustoleum brands.

Next, you'll be using regular craft paint in gray, black and white. This paint will be a more flat finish compared to the shiny metallic spray paint, and this is ok. It tends to add a look of age and texture this way.

You're going to use paint brush and pounce your craft paints all over the can, layering and layering and layering the colors until you're happy.


Keep in mind, this is just paint, and if you add too much of one color, or you're not pleased with how it looks, you can let it dry and paint over any mistakes. Don't stress!

One easy way to pull back too much paint and blend it better is with a wash cloth or other type of textured fabric.

When you're happy with the finish, find your favorite plant and add it to the tin!

I kept my plants in their plastic pots they came from the store with, and just sat them into the tins.

However, you can definitely drill or punch holes into your tin for drainage and add potting soil directly to the new planters.


Enjoy!

Resources for this project:
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Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Tambra A Golden-Haidon Tambra A Golden-Haidon on Dec 26, 2023

    The ones made 30 years ago were, no doubt, made with products that are superior to those that are being pushed out today! I know my older ones are clearly more durable. However, as you said, and like anything, if you take care of it, and use some good ole common sense, the current ones can/should be recycled/upcycled. Precautions can be taken to overcome all the negatives that others are presenting - like rusting. It’s all about using your noodle, getting creative, and putting the item that we already have to use. These popcorn tins are a great example of something that should never be disposed of as they can be used for so, so, so many different things/projects!

  • Sheros Sheros on Dec 26, 2023

    I use the big ones for dry dog food. I decoupage pictures of cats on the outside just to freak the dogs out..lol

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