Upcycled Metal Home Decor DIY

Here are a few ideas on ways to upcycle metal decor pieces that will compliment your home, make a wonderful gift or sell for profit.

Hoping that you will be inspired to recreate your own metal decor & maybe even head to your local thrift store & pick up a few pieces.

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A new look for metal decor

For today’s projects, I will be making it easy & using the same color paint for all of these pieces & the same spray sealer. I try as much as I possibly can to batch paint so there’s less to pull out, clean up & I can work on them one after another, easily.

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Materials & tools I used on metal decor

Rustoleum Chalk Paint in Linen White (in can)
Rustoleum Chalk Paint in Linen White (spray paint)
Paintbrushes
Dollar Store Chalkboard paint (3 coats)
Small piece of fine-grit sandpaper
DIY white wax (outer edge of the metal chalkboard tray)
Spray sealer – 6 pack (added 2 coats to each piece)

I used two very thick types of paint so I added less baking soda than I did when using only latex paint previously. (I did half paint & half baking soda). Just eye your mixture & add baking soda in small amounts until you achieve the thickness you want.

Before photos of metal decor

Here are photos of the four metal home decor items we will be upcycling today. I picked these pieces up recently from local thrift stores for a few dollars each.

Painting metal decor

Prepare each piece with a good cleaning & be sure each piece has dried prior to painting.
Each piece was spray painted except the outside of the flower planter & the top of the rectangle tray. (the inside of the planter was spray painted for easier coverage)

The reason I chose to brush paint that piece was all of the wet distressing that would be done to bring out the details of the embossing. I find it MUCH EASIER to wipe off the brush paint vs. the spray paint.
When distressing metal I find that I get a better finished look by wet distressing using a soft cloth or baby wipe. I have tried fine grit sand paper but end up with bright silver edges which sometimes does not compliment the piece.
After each piece had been distressed they were sealed with a coat of Rustolem Spray Sealer, excpet the magnetic chalkboard. I used DIY white wax to seal the edges & give it a smoother look & texture. The chalkboard itself did not need sealing.

1. Textured metal tray

This piece was so easy & quick to transform! Using the brush on chalk paint makes it so much easier to wet distress and bring out that amazing embossing. I love that this tray can be used in any room, styled up in any fashion & fits into most home decor styles.

2. Magnetic chalkboard tray with upcycled magnets

Chalk-painted trays are so much fun. Both to create & use! The fact it’s magnetic is a plus for function & decor. They are great to use as a message center, holiday display & menu board.

The magnets we used are upcycled clip on earrings that we thrifted this summer & used E6000 to glue magnets on the back

3. Tiered metal pedestal riser

This 3pc riser set will be getting a lot of use & the fact you can add a candlestick to the top to add another layer is such a BONUS! Adding a small glass or wire cloche to the top of this tray would be a beautiful addition. You could even use it on a hot cocoa or coffee bar filled with your favorite toppings & cups!

4. Metal flower planter

I love all of the embossings on this container that the wet distressing really brought out & added such texture & highlights. Planters like these are wonderful because they are not just limited to plants but make a great place to display vintage books, wooden kitchen utensils or even store & display cloth napkins or hand towels.

Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive: using items you have on hand, ones that you cherish, or even thrifted finds will give your home a warm, cozy feel. Adding touches of natural elements like pinecones, leaves, gourds & even using different kinds of squashes add to the “Fall Harvest” feel and natural beauty.

For more Metal Tray Makeovers

Check out my post Metal Tray Upcycle- A New Welcomed Look & How to Give an Old Platter a New Look!