Don’t let that rust keep you from buying and using the watering can of your dreams – here’s how to make over even the rustiest watering can.

I’ve had this watering can for over 10 years – and was at the point where I decided I was either going to get rid or it or make it over; and BOY I’m glad I went with the second option!

Watch the transformation here, along with our project last year to create our French garden pathway.

*This post contains affiliate links to products I know &/or love.

How it Looked Before…

Here’s how the can had sat looking for the past 10 years. I knew I wanted to clean it up, and that it would look amazing once I was done with it. It just needed some TLC.

The Transformation…

I began by sanding down the worst sections of rust and giving it a good scrub with soap and water.

Then I left it to dry outside in the sun to make sure no moisture remained when I started painting.

I wanted something that would protect it from future rust – and found a rust stopping primer that did just that.

Before I started painting I knew I wanted to save the beautiful gold band accent, so I taped it off carefully, using a razor blade to cut perfectly straight lines along both edges.

Then I sprayed on a coat of the rust stopping primer and let it dry completely.

Once that was dry, I covered it with two coats of my favorite white spray paint – Rust-Oleum Heirloom White. I love this color so much, I buy it by the case so I can always have some on hand!

Looking for More Spring Inspiration?

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•   5 day audio devotional, led by Sarah
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And now back to our regularly scheduled programming…

Once the white paint dried, I was able to do the BEST part – pulling off the tape. I just love how the gold stands out against the heirloom white.

And I love that the gold on this watering can coordinates beautifully with another watering can I have that I gilded with gold leaf. (If you’ve never seen that one, the process was documented HERE.)

The last step was to style it along our newly created French garden pathway! I set it on top of our sweet children’s bench that my daughter’s thrifted for me a few years ago for just $5!

I had painted this bench with some of my favorite paint by Fusion Mineral in the color “Lichen”. This paint has beautiful self-leveling properties, a lovely consistency and is such a dream to work with.

If you want to try some for yourself, use this link for 10% off your order! When I’m using painted pieces outside, I also love to use Tough Coat as a protective final layer- It’s another fusion mineral product that I highly recommend.

I finished the styling off with a few potted black violas.

This area was one of my favorite places to sit and enjoy while working at the end of summer last year, and I can’t wait to begin again once the spring weather arrives!

Related Journal Posts & Resources:

Don’t forget to get one of my Spring Decor Boxes before they’re all gone! Click HERE to learn more & order yours.

• Easy Garden Inspired Spring Decorations for your Home
• Creating a Beautiful French Garden Front Porch for Spring
• 3 Easy Spring Decorations you can Easily DIY
• Styling Thrifted Decorations for Spring
• 5 Elegant & Creative Uses for Spring Flowers

You can also pin with me on Pinterest:

Vintage Spring Inspiration | Vintage Garden | Vintage Exteriors | Thrifting Tips & Inspiration | DIY Projects |

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