How to Age Galvanized Metal Quickly

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How to Age Galvanized Metal Quickly Without Chemicals #farmhousestyle #diy Interior Decorating Home DecoratingThis post contains affiliate links

How to Age Galvanized Metal Quickly

Without harsh chemicals

I am still in love with elements of farmhouse style, including galvanized metal used as home decor. I came across this galvanized metal pail from Amazon, and planned to use it as a centerpiece. But once it arrived I realized it was a tad too shiny for my taste and it could use a little tarnish, but I wanted to age galvanized metal quickly.

Here is the stock image from Amazon.

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To age the metal, I decided to hand paint the aged metal patina. I’ve read about aging metal using chemicals, but I didn’t have those materials on hand. Plus, it would not age galvanized metal quickly, and I would have to wait overnight. So instead, I pulled out my  Martha Stewart Craft Paint in “Gunmetal” — I always opt for materials that I already have lying around my house.

How to Age Galvanized Metal Craft Paint

I used an artist brush at first to spread the paint. Then I realized the technique made it look too “perfect”. So I painted while standing over my kitchen sink using a combination of brushing it on and sponging it OFF with a wet sponge. I kept working with it until it looked natural.  (What, doesn’t everyone paint while standing at their kitchen sink?) :)

Aging Galvanized Metal Sponging Technique

Perfection isn’t required for aging. At first, I was planning to add another layer of copper paint, but I scrapped that idea once I saw how pretty it was with the natural metal showing through.  My advice when aging a piece – don’t overdo your layers. When you do, sometimes the results backfire. It takes very little effort to get an aged effect that looks natural. Plus, you achieve the aged galvanized metal look more quickly than you would using chemicals, and waiting overnight.

Aging Galvanized Metal 3

 So now, I have a farmhouse style centerpiece. Not busy. Just fresh, simple and pretty. And aged galvanized metal effect dried quickly, within an hour or so, I had a brand new centerpiece. As the weekend progresses I may add a few ornaments here and there.

DIY Aged Galvanized Metal Centerpiece

For our dinner party this weekend, I found these pretty paper placemats, a pack of 24 for only $7! It’s really hard to find things like this locally, and when I do they’re extremely pricey. (I found something similar for $24!!) Yet another reason I love stumbling around online, I always find items that look expensive that fit within my budget.

I am a Prime Amazon member, so anything I order on Wednesday always shows up on my doorstep by Friday. Perfect for party planning and DIY projects.

Shop Amazon – Give the Gift of Amazon Prime

Vintage Paper Placemats

Source List:

  • TableCloth – I made this from canvas painters’ drop cloth & hot glued trim from Joann Fabrics
  • Galvanized Pail: Amazon.com
  • Faux Paperwhites: World Market
  • Spanish Moss:  Joann Fabrics
  • Cable Knit Table Runner:  Homegoods
  • Mercury Glass Votives:   World Market
  • Vintage Paper Placemats:  Amazon.com

 

Thanks for following along! More simple holiday decorating ideas to come!

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9 Comments

  1. Love what you did with the galvanized tub. BTW, I painted over my kitchen sink today, just too cold in the garage. Busy days ahead in 2015. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Inspiration Party.

  2. This is not a comment about your article , rather a comment about products at Amazon. I followed your link to Amazon.com as I really LOVED your aged galvanized tub . My question to Amazon would be this . Why is the tub $4.59 in the US with free shipping if ordering over $49 dollars while the same tub (identical) is $43.08 plus $9.54 cents shipping on Amazon.ca.

    Even with exchange on the dollar I WONT be doing this tub idea any time soon, at least not with the help of Amazon.ca! It is one thing for an item to cost a bit more here in Canada but to be gouged like that ……..well, I don’t think so . Shame on Amazon

    1. Michelle Hanson says:

      I feel exactly the same way!! Shipping to CANADA is astronomical!!
      I purchased Dollar Tree plastic bins similar in shape but not identical to the one here for $1.25
      and I spray painted it in Gunmetal Grey and was thrilled with the transformation!! Give it a go and You too will be amazed at how
      ‘Authentic’ it will look, at a price anyone would be pleased with. I purchased the spray paint at Walmart for less than $8…….So for under $10 and no shipping costs, You too can create this look!!
      I realize this was posted a couple of years ago but the option would still be stunning!!
      Blessings from Vancouver Island, BC
      xo Michelle

    1. Just acrylic paints, links to the exact products are in the post itself :)

    2. Michelle Hanson says:

      She stated that Martha Stewart Gunmetal grey craft paint was painted on and then while still wet She used a damp sponge to wipe it off creating the spotty finish that gave the Metal Container the aged look w/o the use of Chemicals.
      xo Michelle

  3. I love that this is aged without chemicals! I am choosing your project to feature next week on Talk of the Town.

    Pinned!

    gail

  4. Panicmose says:

    Galvanized metal normally needs to be treated before painting… it has oil on it from production and many paints will peel off. Use a bit of ammonia to wash the oil off, then sand it a bit before painting. Don’t leave the ammonia on it because it will become weathered and rusty. There is also a spray primer created by rustoleum just for galvanized metal. CHEERS!!