Have you stumbled upon a really great find with fabulous bones and detail? The price is right. But the finish is horrible. Like this metal garden decor lantern I found at the thrift store for $5.
I suspect that my love for gaudy yet gothic things stems from my Catholic school education. Growing up in a church like St. John the Baptist in Manayunk, Philadelphia lends an appreciation for old churches. Isn’t she beautiful?
And the inside is incredulous.
I took these pictured during my last visit in 2022 for a parish celebration. Look at that detail and those classic arches.
Here is the magnificent altar.
Anyway, when I see something that reminds me of my childhood, I grab it. I have the perfect paint to transform this metal garden decor lantern treasure that has seen better days.
And, what a perfect project to share for this month’s Thrift Store Decor Team project. Yes! It is the second Wednesday of the month so, at the end of this post, I am sharing this month’s team projects!
Endless Paint Options
I have been working on sprucing up the outside patio area of our deck. I’ve been trying some custom paint recipes with Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint.
They have 13 basic paint colors that you can combine and mix to make an endless variety of colors. So I have some paint left over from previous projects. Having leftovers makes additional projects super easy. Just grab the paint and get to work. I stored this paint in a plastic Chips Ahoy canister. Simply place a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the canister and then place the lid on. This keeps for quite some time. I recently found out that BDSFP makes paint bottles. These are on my list!
I recently found out that BDSFP makes paint bottles.
So much more professional looking and beyond practical for both storage and use. These are on my list!
Get Ready to Paint your Metal Garden Decor Lantern
As always, prep your piece. In this case I checked the surface of the lantern for mars, damage, and rust. Fortunately, the rust was mostly surface rust so I didn’t even have to sand. There was a bit of rust but it was smooth and not flaking.
My choice of paint for most projects is Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint. This paint was designed for use on salvaged and antique or vintage items and works on all surfaces. Restoring or upcycling a metal lantern fits right into BDSFP’s wheelhouse.
I washed the lantern in warm soapy water and allowed it to dry thoroughly. Then I wiped it down with TSP which preps the surface for paint and removes dust and oils.
I applied one liberal coat of paint to the lantern.
After 3 hours, I applied another coat.
I allowed that to dry overnight and sealed the lantern with Crab Coat, which is BDSFP’s marine grade sealer for outdoor projects.
Finishing Touches for a Metal Decor Garden Lantern
You can see that this lantern has a small round metal holder for a candle.
I could remove that but decided just to cut a piece of luan to cover the circular spot.
This way, I can use it for a candle in the future. But for now, I painted the wood to match and set it over the circle.
Eventually, I will probably set a plant in the lantern.
The vertical dividers limit the size of a pot or planter. So I will have to find a planter that is just the right size. For now, I am using the lantern to display some fresh cut florals from my garden.
She is going to look great in the garden or on the deck or on the patio or even by the pool.
But, for now, I am loving her as a centerpiece on the deck…
Where I can enjoy the view everyday after work.
PS…after I took the pictures, I added some highlights via drybrush to give the metal garden decor lantern some character.
Is a project ever really finished?
Thrift Store Decor Team Projects
Domestically Speaking – Laundry Pod Storage
My Repurposed Life – Small Vintage Mirror Makeover
Petticoat Junktion – Spray Paint Clay Pots
Shop At Blu That’s ME! Thanks for visiting!
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