We have the world's WORST tree stand... aesthetically speaking! It does keep our tree watered and fresh... but it is a monster... more like an octopus! Bobby LOVES this motley tree stand and I don't have the heart to tell him to get rid of it. He is almost gleeful when he takes it out to use it!
I can't cover it with a tree skirt because the water basin is open... the tree skirt gets wet and then wicks moisture to all the gifts We have opened soggy gifts more than one year!!!
This year I found the solution to the ugly tree stand... a galvanized tub! The stand and tree fits in it perfectly!
But with one problem solved... comes another challenge... the ugly shiny "new" patina, or lack of, on the tub!
But I have that licked too! I am probably going to be galvanized metal obsessed! I love the new look of the tub with the tree in it!!!
Finding a "recipe" to give a new "old" look to galvanized metal was a search! First I tried vinegar...the finish did not budge. Then vinegar and salt... not very good. Then clorex... nothing!
I knew that Muriatic acid would work... but I was was not too keen on using it.
I read... on pinterest... I think... that the finish could be aged by Lysol toilet bowl cleaner.
Here is my solution to age galvanized metal!
I first sanded the tub. Or should I say Bobby did! He has been such a project helper, lately!!! He got out his electric hand sander to make the process easier. But a regular piece of sand paper and some elbow grease would work just as well!
I found ACID TOILET BOWL CLEANER in Lowe's. I thought the acid would do the trick.
Bobby scrubbed the toilet bowl cleaner into the metal with steel wool and we let it sit about a half an hour before rinsing it off. Please wear rubber gloves and take wise precautions!
Because the toilet bowl cleaner was a gel, it did not run and streak.
Very easy... little work... and a very nice aged look.
Next week I'll show you my Christmas tree in the tub!
Thanks for sharing these tips!
ReplyDeleteOoooooh so pretty! I have some pails that this would work wonders on too! I've been really wanting to pick up one of these tubs, but the price wasn't marked on them at my local store so I was scared they'd be crazy expensive. Hmm, maybe I'll have to investigated a little more closely after seeing the one that you have! :)
ReplyDeleteCourtenay, I spend under 40.00 for this tub!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to age my containers.
ReplyDeleteI had a good laugh thinking about the croquembouche! Years ago I made one for a Christmas party for our church ladies group and filled them with ice cream. It was a big tall one too. When we went to serve it, we couldn't get the cream puffs off - it was frozen so solidly. We laughed and laughed.
Your tub looks great!
ReplyDeleteLove this look! I have several of these tubs! What a great idea! Thanks for sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tip! I love the "new" look.
ReplyDeletelove this tip, Yvonne. In the summer I pour white vinegar on mine and sit them in the sun. vinegar has quite the etching effect :)
ReplyDeleteI get all my galvanized items are the Tractor supply store- way cheaper than any other place and they always have a super supply in any size.
How neat! I love the look of aged metal, too. I bet it looks great with the tree in it; can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteThats interesting! Good for you....it looks really good.
ReplyDeleteLove the galvanized tub, but just had to give a shout out to your husband and his PSU sweatshirt! I'm a proud Penn Stater...
ReplyDeleteCarol
Great idea....I am thinking of lots of applications to buckets, etc.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, toilet cleaner who knew? Definitely have some tubs around here to age :)
ReplyDeletethat's perfect. I read that too about Lysol, but with being sick and nauseous, I had not tried yet. Was going to do the vinegar first, but now I'll just go straight to the Lysol. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteOh I love the aged look you achieved and I'm a fan of Christmas trees in metal tubs too!
ReplyDeleteLUV it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip, Yvonne. I have a tub on my list too but our local farm supply doesn't have one big enough. I will have to try further away.
ReplyDeleteI'll remember this, Yvonne. Love your tree in a tub...you were right, great minds.:-)
ReplyDeleteWe were fortunate enough to find a tub at J's Aunt Ruth's. If it isn't at Aunt Ruth's it isn't anywhere.LOL When I got the wash tub idea, we both said...bet Aunt Ruth has one.LOL It was already aged nicely.
Once you put your mind to something you always figure it out! The aged patina looks great now! Where is your tree this year? Foyer? Family room??? Do tell:):) XOXO
ReplyDeleteLove the galvanized tub, Yvonne. Can't wait to see the tree next week.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea for aging galvanized containers--I'm going to pin it for use in the garden next year!
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
ReplyDeleteMarvelous transformation!!!
I have two aged galvanized tubs in the shed...the trick is getting "Mr. Ed" to let me use them!!!
Wish me luck!!!
Fondly,
Pat
I discovered this trick too, only I used The Works toilet bowl cleaner that I got at dollar tree. No presanding required either. Maybe yours would work without sanding first too? I only give my version because I'm basically lazy & cheap! LOL! Have a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Would you mind sharing the dimensions of your tub?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Charlotte
One of our customers used your aged metal technique on the metal base for a rolling coffee table. Came out looking real nice!
ReplyDeleteI am going to use this method to age galvanized steel on the bottom of a possum belly baker's table that I am making. The sides of the drawers are wood but the bottom is metal, I am hoping it ages them enough to match the rest of the table in age. Thanks for the tip..Cassie
ReplyDelete