With summer in full swing, our garden is really starting to flourish. The bushes and trees in the yard are green and lush. I realized that I need a little “primitive” or Americana area tucked among the trees. My mother-in-law had such a primitive flair. She is the first woman I ever knew that had her own little wood workshop. Flo would have a little open house around Christmas to sell her creations. My love for Americana and Primitives were born in her little cottage home. So, I am starting with this little table that needs some love. It, of course, is a Thrift Store find. It has some great detail and is made of metal so it is perfect for outdoor use under our pine trees.

Today is Thrift Store Décor Team Wednesday!

What better time to share a fabulous upcycle??!! As always, on the second Wednesday of the month, you will find my special post followed by each of the team member’s posts for the day. Be sure to click on them all and see the fabulously creative projects. And if you are particularly interested in rustic gardens, like the one I am starting, pay special attention to Carlene’s blog, Organized Clutter. Her garden is consistently beyond inspiring! You will find many unique metal garden decor ideas.

Upcycling a Metal Garden Decor Table

I think that this table was originally a deep brown color, rather a mimic of copper. Someone sprayed it black, which has worn away in spots and you can see the rustic brown beneath the black. As always, when painting furniture, whether metal or wood, start with a light sanding. You don’t have to sand down to bare wood or metal. Just give the surface a light sanding.

This light sanding serves 2 purposes:

remove loose surface paint from previous coats
remove or loosen surface dirt

If you have damaged areas that are scratched or chipped, you might need to sand a little heavier in these areas. But normally, a light sanding is sufficient.

Prepping is the Key to Success

Sanding is always a must. Follow up with a good cleaning. Dust or wipe down your furniture piece to remove the dust generated from the sanding process.

Follow your light sanding with a wipe down with soapy or warn water.

I always follow the bath process with a wipe down with TSP (trisodium phosphate) which preps the surface a little further for paint by removing residual dust and oils from the surface.

Allow the piece to dry and then…

You are ready to paint!

My choice of paint for this project is Gonna Need A Bandage, a rich red from Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint. It is a fabulous red that screams Primitive! My mind is racing with other items, mostly galvanized and vintage metal items, that would be well enhanced with this color.

Shopatblu Earth Day recycle bin project black dog salvage furniture paint

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the paint use and invest in a good quality brush, like the BDSFP one pictured above. Here is my affiliate link for 20% off supplies.

Always Seal Your Paint!

Though many paints today do not require a top coat, I always seal my pieces for extra protection ESPECIALLY if the piece is going outside. I sealed this table with several coats of Crab Coat which is BDSFP’s heavy duty sealer made specifically for outdoor use. Check out the details on the product here.

I decided to only use one coat of the red so that the finish was somewhat transparent. I like that the previous black is faintly peeking through. You know I love a rustic or dry brushed finish. Rustic is my second choice behind a vintage chippy finish. Here she is with one coat.

Shopatblu Upcycle your metal garden decor

But once the paint dried and cured, it looked like this:

How incredible is this finish?! It looks antiqued! I just love this paint! It always surprises me. The coverage is incredible. For complete coverage, two coats is necessary. But I always allow my project pieces to guide me. I mean, this finish is awesome and had I proceeded with the second coat, I would not have gotten this effect, which works for this project and my unique patina loving soul. Feed your creativity. If you like full coverage, you will get it with this paint. Just apply another coat for a silky vibrant color.

shopatblu black dog salvage furniture paint

She’s going to be so sweet sitting under the pine trees. But for now, she’s waiting outside of our little shed.

She will look great with some patriotic accents.

And some potting and garden must haves.

Or how about beside my Upcycle Vintage Garden Bench.

She looks great beside my flowers too:

So many possibilities!

I did add some shasta daisies to this galvanized tub the other day.

With my rustic garden underway, I thought I’d share a few of Flo’s things that I absolutely love.

Flo’s drying rack, feed scale, hooks, primitive star.

If you are lucky enough to have some special items that belonged to loved ones who are now watching you from above, scatter them around your home. They will make you smile everyday…I promise.