Rusty Aged Patina on Watering Can

Painted rusty patina.

Today's project features a decorative watering can that I bought at a local thrift store. I thought it was darling, but maybe a little too sweet, so I will give it a make-over that will add a bit of character and history.

I like to practice new painting techniques on small thrift store items. Let's see what I can do with this watering can.

I am working on perfecting a painted rusty patina. Before I scale up the process on a large piece I decided to give it a try on a couple of small pieces first. I began by applying a new dark base coat.

First I apply a base coat over the original finish.

My main color is Provence. I am literally scraping the paint from the bottom of the can, but I try not to let a drop go to waste.

Provence chalk paint. I use every last drop so it doesn't go to waste.

I used a combination of Chalk Paint, acrylics, and water colors (affiliate links) to create my rusty color palette.  On a larger piece I would use all Chalk Paint, but for a small project like this, I like to use the small tubes of paint. For this project I used chip brushes which helped create the rusty texture. It looks like a hot mess, but hopefully you'll agree it all comes together in the "after" photos.

The color palette looks like a hot mess. Don't be alarmed! You will be surprised once you see the final design.

AFTER:

Here is the watering can with its new rusty patina.

Watering can painted with a faux rusty finish.

 Does it look like it's been sitting outside for a few seasons?

Subtle color layers create a rusty aged patina.

I worked heavier areas of "rust" into the metal seams. Some techniques that I tried didn't work out quite as planned, but overall I am happy with the final result. I have another project that I will apply a similar technique to and will post that once it's finished. In the meantime, please enjoy the close up photos of the patina below. Thanks for stopping by The Black Sheep Shoppe today!

Provence chalk paint with a rusty patina.

I have another project that I will apply a similar technique to and will post that once it's finished. In the meantime, please enjoy the close up photos of the patina below.

Rusted finish is heavier around the seams.

Top view of my painted watering can.

Aged rusty patina.

Rusted watering can.

I utilized a variety of colors to created the patina.

The spout of the watering can would have been heavily weathered over the years.

Color dimension around the seams creates a more dramatic patina.

Subtle dimensions of color create a rusty aged patina.

The technique I used today was based on the Industrial Rust class taught online by Jonathon Marc-Mendes at the Painted Love Academy (NO affiliate -- just sharing the information). If you register you will have access to one (or is it two?) mini-tutorials for free. I will continue to work on the technique and plan to apply it to a larger furniture piece once I find the right project. Stay tuned! In the meantime, thanks for stopping by The Black Sheep Shoppe today!

A little paint can transform thrift store decor.


Transformed thrift store decor.

Comments

  1. Thank you so much for the mention here. I only found it because of people arriving from your blog to my website. You are a fantastic student and it's truly wonderful to see what you've achieved already. I can't wait to see more of your work! J x

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    Replies
    1. Thank YOU Jonathon for your kind comment. I absolutely love your online classes and can hardly wait to try out some more techniques that I've learned.

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