Upcycling is the process of turning discarded or unused items into more functional and/or stylish ones. Not only is it environmentally friendly, reducing waste and reusing existing materials, but it can save you money and be a fun hobby.
Metal’s durability and versatility make it an ideal material for upcycling. The benefits of upcycling metal are significant. Many everyday metal objects can be transformed into new, useful items with a little creativity. Here are a few ideas on how you can upcycle metal.
The first step of upcycling metal is to make sure it’s suitably prepared; make sure it's clean and free of any dirt, grit, or damage that may interfere with its intended function.
Some metal items may only have minor issues like residue from glue or stickers. You can remove sticker or glue residue from metal with household items like old credit cards or razor blades. If residue persists, warming the surface with a hairdryer and applying spray lubricant can loosen it. For more stubborn glues, you can use acetone-based nail polish remover or methylated spirit. Try a few solutions (and a touch of elbow grease) to find out what works.
For more serious dirt, use a mixture of warm water and dish soap, as if you were cleaning a car. If there are tougher stains, or there's rust, try a commercial metal cleaner or a paste made of baking soda and water, scrubbing gently with a non-abrasive pad.
Some metal items may be damaged, which can lead to dangerously sharp edges and points. To file down sharp or jagged edges, use a metal file or sandpaper while wearing protective gloves and goggles.
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Small metal containers like tin cans and coffee cans are extremely common, and you probably discard them regularly. Metal containers can have many applications after they’ve been used.
For example, tin cans can be used to create herb garden planters — just cut out the bottom of each can and then paint the cans with weather-resistant paint. You could even turn them into bird feeders by cutting openings in the sides and attaching “perches” made of twigs or dowelling.
To turn tin cans into useful kitchenware, remove their labels and clean them, then place them into larger containers to create utensil holders for countertops. Alternatively, attach magnets to the back of cans and attach them to your refrigerator.
Coffee cans can become candle holders with a few decorative holes created with a hammer and nail. They could also be turned into outdoor lanterns with heat-resistant paint and strategically placed LED candles or string lights.
Apply just a little DIY knowledge and you can make old metal furniture pieces like chairs, tables, or filing cabinets as good as new. If you’re a creative person, you can even transform old metal furniture into something entirely new and personalized.
Sanding is vital to create a smooth base for painting or refinishing — you’ll need sandpaper with a coarser grit to remove rough imperfections like rust or paint, and a finer grit to smooth the surface more.
If you're using paint, choose high-quality metal paint or spray paint designed for outdoor use. Experiment with colors and finishes (e.g., matte and metallic) to add personality to your furniture. For extra comfort and style, consider reupholstering seats or cushions.
When upcycling outdoor metal items, the most important things to consider are weatherproofing and maintenance. Weather-resistant paint can prevent rust and extend the lifespan of items. If you would rather protect items without painting them, apply a clear protective sealant or rust-resistant coating.
There are many items you can repurpose. Old buckets or barrels can be transformed into planters for flowers or herbs, and metal containers into bird baths or feeders. You can even repurpose old tools like rakes, wrenches, and shovels into garden ornaments or wall art with creative arrangements and secure welding and/or screwing.
Scrap metal doesn’t just have to be upcycled into practical furniture or tools — it can be used for aesthetics and decoration, too! There are plenty of DIY scrap metal art projects online that you can check out and use for inspiration, but the possibilities are endless. You could make sculptures, wall hangings, mobiles, wall art, garden ornaments, and more. When using metal for art, proper cleaning and preparation is especially vital (unless you want dirt or damage as part of the effect).
Repurposing metal is a great way to unleash your creativity while reducing waste. Whether you’re aiming for function, aesthetics, or both, it’s a great opportunity to personalize an item to your tastes.
Whatever your project, remember to make sure all metal is properly cleaned and prepared first. If you need to file, sand, weld, or cut metal, make sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear.
