PAINTING METAL IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK
I have to admit that painting metal seemed quite intimidating to me! For some reason, I felt it would take a lot of steps and I would never be able to get a nice, smooth finish on a piece.
When this cutie-patootie cart came my way and I knew I needed to jump in and try it! I must say that I am very pleased with the result and I will be doing this again!
***This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  You can read my full disclosures here.
This is what my cart looked like when I found her at a yard sale for $2:
Clearly, she had seen better days!
First I took her apart and gave her a thorough cleaning using warm, soapy water. Then I used steel wool to scrub the shelves so that the paint would stick.
I considered using primer, but decided to go without since this cart was technically a “test piece”. I wanted to find out what actually needed to be done in spite of the fact that the paint said no primer was needed. Being a bit of a skeptic, I tried it for myself and was pleasantly surprised to find that to be true!
I partnered with Dixie Belle Paint Company on this project and I am in love with the color I chose: Mermaid’s Tail!
So pretty!
It took three thin coats to cover the shelves to my liking. When it comes to painting I tend to do several thin coats, rather than one or two thick coats. I always feel like the finished piece looks better that way.
My biggest challenge with this cart was putting it back together! I was on my own and I must say that my heart rate was up high enough to be burning calories while I stumbled through the process.
That bit of honesty lets you in on the fact that I can be a bit impatient.
OK, a lot a bit impatient!
I managed to reassemble the cart just fine and that is what counts, right?
Now I just need to figure out what to do with her. A coffee bar? A craft stand in my office/work room?
She will fit in nicely in my small house!
If you love the look of this cart but do not want to make it yourself, check out these cuties I found on Amazon:
Happy DIYing!
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I am linking up at these wonderful parties!
Love your teal cart! I’ve never heard of that paint brand before but I love to paint anything so will have to check it out. Visiting from Show + Tell.
This looks fabulous and what a steal for $2!!! I get the impatient part – I’m the same way!! You did a great job and that color is fantastic!
Thank you, Melissa! 🙂
I’ve been in search for a post like this, thanks for sharing and what a great color.
http://www.sandalsandsunshine.com
Love that color! It looks so cute. My vote is coffee bar. 😉
How pretty! I love that cart now. This is the first time I have been to your site. I can’t wait to explore it more. Found your post through the pin junkie linky party:)
I adore that colour and this would be perfect in my bathroom 🙂
What a cute cart that you found and at such a bargain price!! You sure gave it a beautiful new look! Love the colour that you chose Randi!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your awesome project with us over at Waste Not Wednesday!
Thanks a bunch, Sam!
Beautiful update! Pinning and featuring tonight at our link party. Have a great week!
Thanks, Stephanie!
I have this exact same cart, bought for $5!! Sadly, I’ve had it for a year and have yet to do anything with it and it is in way worse shape than yours was. And, what a beauty yours is now! Now I want mine this pretty!!
Lisa, go for it! I figured that if i messed it up I could just throw it away and find another one! LOL!
This cart turned out awesome. Love the color. Thank you for sharing it with us at the Waste Not Wednesday link party.d
WOW this is fabulous! You came across the perfect cart for an upgrade. Love your color choice, it’s one of my faves. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
I love your cart, it looks brand new. I was very excited to read this post, I am just starting on mine. It is yellow and has a plug in cord attached to it. Has anyone seen one with a cord? Sadly, mine is in a very rough state. Scrubbing will help a lot, but how do I deal with the rust on the legs? I love your blog and am excited to follow you.
Hi Missy,
Mine started with a cord too and I just removed it.
I took some rust off of mine with steel wool. It worked pretty well. I have also heard that a wadded up ball of aluminum foil works well too.
Randi 🙂
Great post! I am featuring you today at Thursday Favorite Things! I hope you will join us again this week!
https://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/summer-crafts-makeovers-decor-and-more-at-thursday-favorite-things/