Paint Vintage Oil, Gas or Kerosene Can for Makeover

 

Turn old grey galvanized oil, gas, or kerosene cans into rustic country decor or vases with paint and your imagination.

These three cans were given to me by Donnie, Glasgow Trading Post, with instructions to "... paint roosters. Roosters are popular.". Well, he got a couple of chickens (one pretty primitive) and primitive rooster.

The trick to creating the chicken and rooster shapes - strictly speaking for myself - is to focus on the negative space surrounding the bird since I most generally don't trace.

Because the birds are mostly white, I chose dark backgrounds which allow the lighter colors to "pop" a bit more than if I were to use lighter backgrounds.

If you're unsure whether the colors you chose will contrast enough, simply paint swatches on scrap paper to compare. Scared of making a mistake? Here's the great thing about paint: You can paint over it as many times as necessary until you achieve the look you want.

And... be sure to take a brush and water to at least the exterior to remove anything that's loose.

The above can was based with nutmeg brown. The bottom border was made with a 1/4 inch brush. Antique white and barn red make up the colors of the primitive chicken. Burnt umber was floated along the interior edges of her body.

I chose a black background for variation since the piece was scheduled to be in a gift shop. I wanted to offer customers a choice. The colorful chicken was based in antique white, head in barn red and multiple colors and layers were added for her feathers. I added a bit of shading around a few feathers of the wing just to add interest and depth.

Again, nutmeg brown for the base color. I painted a simple leaf motif border around the bottom in antique gold. Barn red and antique white make up the body while antique gold was used for the feet. The primitive rooster's body was finished off with a light coat of burnt umber along the inside edges.

Rule of thumb: Keep the shapes basic and painting to a minimum. Think quick and easy to achieve a rustic country or primitive look.

All cans were sprayed with a clear coat - the cheapest I could find.

Why?

Because acrylic paint doesn't stick to metal very well so the slightest brush against it will chip or scratch the paint.

If the can is remaining inside the home, you can always use water based varnish found at a craft store.

Have fun! Don't be scared. Attack the can bearing in mind that you can paint over any mistake.

 

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