A Generic Bathroom Trash Can Gets A Cute Cottage Style Makeover
I love my Shabby Chic inspired Master Bathroom.
I have had a little bit of a dilemma in there though. For months I have had to put my trash can up on the counter or shower ledge because one of my kids just could not seem to keep from digging through it and pulling out old tissues and whatever else she could get a hold of. UGH.
I was sick of having the trash can up on the counter, it was an eyesore but I needed something with a lid to keep Miss Jingles out of it. I had been looking for months but was coming up empty. I finally bought this stainless steel step trash can but was very unimpressed with the cold, harshness of the finish.
This generic, uninspiring trash can was going to get a cottage style makeover! I decided to dress it up with paint. I went with a pretty green spray paint that had been sitting in my garage for months just waiting to be put to good use. Once the paint was dry I gave the trash can a little distressing, added a pretty vintage bird image on the front and finished it off with a few coats of paste wax.
I really love the vintage bird image. It really finishes off the trash can and gives it personality.
TIP:
If you decide to tackle this project your self here is a couple of pointers. Use a spray paint that has primer in it or prime it first! The stainless steel is very slick and the paint may have a hard time sticking to it. I would also suggest sanding down the stainless steel finish a little bit with a fine grit sandpaper first.
This is just another example of how paint can be an easy, cheap way to make a dramatic change to any piece! This trash can would have stuck out like a sore thumb in my vintage inspired shabby themed bathroom. After it’s cute, cottage style makeover it blends in perfectly with the room.
If you love the bird image and want to use it for your own crafting projects you can purchase this vintage bird image for download here.
Thanks for stopping by today! Happy Decorating!
~Lisa
Sharing Today With:
sherry
Saw your trashcan on hometalk.com… I think it’s adorable. Thanks for the tips.
Lisa Hogan
Thanks so much Sherry!
Christy Roppel
Hi!
How did you attach the image? After painting did you just use Mod Podge? then a sealer? Did you “seal” the entire can when finished?
Thanks!
LOVE your blog 🙂
C
Lisa
HI Christy,
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I used printable sticker paper and then sealed the entire can with paste wax including the image. It wipes clean very easily and looks as good as it did when I created it!
Polly Alexander
I have a question about the bird design, I followed to your website and says you can purchase and print on plain white paper. My question, because I’m really interested and would love to use on a few projects. What do you do after printing it, cut it out? glue it?
Lisa
Hi Polly,
You can print it directly on printable sticker paper found at your local craft store. Yes you would have to cut it out. You can also print on regular paper or card stock (my preference as it is thicker) and glue it on with modpodge. Be sure to go over the top of the image with the modpodge as well as the back. It will create a protective coating. I would love to see what you create!