See how to make a decoupage tin can planter in only a few simple steps. By taking your time and working with patience, you can learn decoupage easily. A decoupage tin can planter would make the cutest Mother’s Day gift!
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Recently, I’ve seen the art of decoupage floating around. It’s such a simple craft but makes the cutest little tins! If you’re a homemaker with any sort of pantry stocked up then you certainly have tin cans on hand.
Last week my husband had a craving for Campbell’s Tomato Soup, a rare commodity in our home. Usually I would dispose of the soup can, but this time I thought I’d utilize it for decoupage! You could also decoupage old mint tins such as Altoids, or any leftover tin can you may have lying around. Old soup or chicken broth cans work well to make these tin can planters.
Decoupage is simply the art of decorating objects with paper cut-outs. Since spring is underway, I decorated my tin can with cute vintage spring napkins. Aside from a cute planter, these would also make great Mother’s Day gifts or look adorable as spring decor in your home!
FAQs About Decoupage
How do you decoupage metal tins?
- Remove labels by sitting the tin in warm water until it pulls away from the can. Peel the label away and let the tin dry.
- Before starting the decoupage, take white acrylic paint and paint a thin layer over the entire can.
- Prepare your napkin to decoupage by removing all layers except the designed layer. Too many layers will cause separation and decoupage that’s not smooth.
- Using a paint brush or paint sponge, apply your medium to part of the tin can in a thin layer. Use Mod Podge or clear Elmer’s glue and work on one section at a time.
- Press the napkin on to the tin can.
- Spread a thin layer of the medium on top of the napkin once it’s applied to the tin can.
- Once the entire can is done, let it sit to dry overnight.
Can you use Mod Podge on tin?
Yes, you can use Mod Podge on tin as a great medium for decoupage. Clear Elmer’s glue also works great.
What can I use instead of Mod Podge for decoupage?
You can use clear Elmer’s glue instead of Mod Podge as a medium for decoupage.
Supplies You’ll Need
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Mod Podge or clear Elmer’s glue
Tin cans
Scissors
How To Make A Decoupage Tin Can Planter
See step-by-step instructions below to learn how to make a decoupage tin can planter!
First, peel the label off of a tin can so that you have a bare can. Using a foam brush, paint a layer of white craft glue over the entire can and let it sit until fully dry.
Second, separate the layers of the napkin so that you’re only left with the patterned side. If you try to decoupage without doing this then the napkin will begin to separate on its own.
Next, using a pair of scissors, cut the napkin in half.
Now it’s time to decoupage. Using a foam brush, paint a smooth, thin layer of mod podge over a small section of the tin can. You will get the best results by working in small sections.
Carefully adhere the napkin to the glue and gently smooth it out with your fingers. Slowly and carefully work your way around the tin can until the napkin is fully applied.
To add a glossy finish and seal the decoupage, add a layer of mod podge on the entire tin can over the napkin. Allow it to sit and dry fully. You should be left with a fully decoupaged tin can with excess napkin on the top.
Fold the excess napkin into the inside of the tin can and cover it with a coat of mod podge using downward strokes. Leave to dry.
Finish and Style The Decoupage Tin Can Planter
Your decoupage tin can planter is finished! An optional next step would be to add small holes in the bottom of the can using a screw driver for drainage. Or, like me, you could use the planter as a vase and display fresh flowers!
I’d love to hear from you in the comments! Share any tips and tricks you found helpful for creating your own decoupage tin can planter. If you found this post helpful, share it with a friend on Pinterest.
Question re prep for the can, you state to apply medium to the bare can, but in the illustration you show a bottle of acrylic paint and foam brush – Which is it ? Or can you apply either one to prep the can ?
Hi ginger, thank you for your question! I’ll clarify this in my post for the next person. I chose to first paint my can white and then begin the decoupage process once it had dried. You can choose to not paint the can and begin applying mod podge or elmer’s glue instead.
Do you ever cut out the flowers or do you usually use the entire napkin? Thanks!
I usually use the entire napkin, but you could definitely just cut out the flowers! I’d recommend painting the tin can first so that the flowers have something to stand out against. Would love to hear how it turns out for you!