The title of this blog post should really read, “The aged galvanized metal tray that really didn’t want to age.”
And maybe it’s the fact that I turned 40 this year that made me feel a lot of sympathy towards this tray and its unwillingness to let me give it a faux aged look even while I was cursing it under my breath.
It all began when I was at WalMart this week and picked up a brand new, shiny metal tray for $7.99. And it was perfectly fine in it’s original state but I really wanted to make it look a bit less shiny and brand new. So I educated myself on the various techniques for achieving an aged look and set about giving this new girl a little bit of ‘seasoning’.
First I tried the toilet bowl cleaner and steel wool method. I sanded the tray to take off some of the shine, doused it in toilet bowl cleaner and scrubbed it with the steel wool. Then I left it outside in the sun for HOURS and when I returned to check on it? Nothing. No change. Nada. Zip. Zilch. So, the next day I tried the vinegar technique. I soaked it in vinegar for hours and once again, this tray was determined not to age.
Frankly, I admired it for that. But admiration wasn’t going to get me the look I wanted and at this point I was determined to prevail.
So, out came the black craft paint and after wiping it on and wiping it off and wiping it on and wiping it off I finally achieved the look I wanted in a matter of minutes as opposed to the day and a half my failed attempts had taken.
I think this tray and I will always have a special bond.
It was so resistant to the aging process, and yet it looks so much better with added character and depth.
Kind of like me! 😉
Thanks so much for stopping by the Fence today,
P.S. If you want to see one of the techniques I mentioned for achieving the look of aged galvanized metal I highly encourage you to visit Yvonne at StoneGable and read this blog post.
What a lovely post. I’m a little past 40 and had to embrace the new “patina” that comes with age. I so agree with you. It is a beautful thing…… and should be embraced. Now, as for the tray…I’m thinking oh-my-gosh…..this tray is from the set I got for my farmhouse coffee table makeover. I wish I could show you a picture. The shiny containers will be getting aged this afternoon. I’ll be thinking of you……and thanking you for this post. Have a lovely day…….and oh hey……welcome to 40. 🙂
I laughed. I think Walmart would think it was great that their tray was so resilient! But I agree – the aged look has so much more charm! It looks great and so do you!
love and blessings~
Lynda @ Gates of Crystal
Tip: Best thing (and easiest) to use is Apple Cider Vinegar. Only takes a few minutes! I did some shiney new galvanized pails from Home Depot. Just don’t forget them. A-hem. Seriously.
I love the way your try looks.
🙂
https://gwingal.blogspot.com/
TRAY (not try) bleh…
We too love things with a bit more patina and age. How funny that this tray was so resistant to change and resilient to keep its shine! Love the way it turned out!
Thank you so much ladies! So glad you stopped by today! 🙂
Love the tray and the lilacs! Walmart here I come!
I’ve done the method with toilet bowl cleaner…and the trick is to sprinkle it with salt after coating with cleaner! Leave it in the sun and I get great texture from it. Just found these trays at my Walmart this week and didn’t even think to age it. Looks like I have a project this weekend 🙂