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You are here: Home / Crafts / How To Upcycle Tins With A Faux Marble Effect

How To Upcycle Tins With A Faux Marble Effect

17th November 2017 by Claire Armstrong 34 Comments

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Marble upcycle tin cans

One of the many things I love to do at Christmas is to make some gorgeous sweet treats such as fudge and biscotti to give as gifts. I’m a real sucker for great packaging and I even like the things I make to be packaged nicely. That’s when I came up with the idea of using upcycled tins for this years Christmas sweet treats.

Over the year, I have amassed quite a collection of ugly tins, from coffee tins to danish biscuit tins. I love the popular faux marble effect in home decor and decided to recreate this with my upcycled tins.

The finished faux marble effect is amazing considering how simple it is to create. My upcycled tins are like a gift in themselves. I will be using them for other things, and not just as posh-looking cookie tins.

This is a very affordable craft, which gives a second life to all your old tins. I got this idea when made a marbled tin can base for my illuminated pine cone Christmas tree.

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What you need to upcycle tins

  • Old tins, such as coffee, cookie, and sweet tins. All shapes and sizes work well.
  • White/cream spray paint.
  • Nail polish (not fast drying). I used red nail polish.
  • Large plastic container.

DIY Marble Christmas Upcycled Tins

1.. Firstly, remove any stickers or labels from the tins. Normally a good soak in hot soapy water should make the labels easy to remove. You can also buy a product called sticky stuff remover that helps remove stubborn extra sticky labels.

2. Secondly, spray paint your tins and lids. I used a creamy/white spray paint and applied 2 coats.

Spray painted upcycle tins

3. Next, to prepare for marbling the upcycled tin cans, fill the large plastic container with warm water. Then, pour the nail polish over the surface, you may want to use a cocktail stick to spread it out a bit.

nail polish on water

4. This bit is the fun bit, pick up your tin can, and then gently roll it over the surface of the water. The varnish should cling to the surface of the tin can as you go, leaving a lovely marbled pattern.

marbling an upcycled tin can

4. Next, add more nail varnish to the water and repeat with the tin lid. If you want to protect the marble upcycled tins then I recommend a final stage of spraying a protective acrylic varnish to the outside of the tins.

faux marble tin can

It is that easy! If you’re looking for some lovely homemade cookies to put in the tin you should try these iced oatmeal ones from Sugarbannas.

You can experiment with different colours of nail polish and maybe add more than one colour at a time. I do find though that a white or cream background gives the most dramatic effect.

DIY upcycled tins with marble
Have you got some old coffee and cookie tins, then why not upcycle tins into something much more gorgeous.  With a faux marble effect.

I love to upcycle tins into something much more lovely. You might want to check out some of my other tin can upcycles. I’ve made another set of fun upcycled empty tin can storage, by using old maps and leather, they do look pretty stylish.

One of my favoutire ways to repurpose old tin cans is into a tin can planter, like these jean planters and crushed gold planters.

Even the smallest of tin cans can be upcycled into something fun and beautiful. I have made both a wonderful, sardine tin can ornament, and tuna can butterfly ornaments.

How to upcycled denim and tin cans into awesome recycled jeans planters.

Upcycle tins with a faux marble effect to create some gorgeous Christmas cookie tins. They are like a gift in themselves.

Filed Under: christmas, Crafts, DIY Upcycling, Tin Cans Tagged With: christmas gift, christmas wrap, coffee tin, cookie tin, marble, marbleizing, marblising, packaging, tin can, tin cans, upcycle, upcycle tins

Previous Post: « Wonderful Felt Christmas Tree Made From Sweaters
Next Post: How To Make Christmas Tree Stamp Ornaments »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda Duensing

    16th March 2018 at 4:26 pm

    I lovd thisproject, but I am concerned about the paint because
    there is usually a smell. Should I be concerned.

    Linda

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      16th March 2018 at 6:01 pm

      Nail varnish does smell so I do it outside. But once it’s fully dried the smell goes away.

      Reply
  2. Leanna

    29th November 2017 at 7:26 am

    These are going to be great little gift holders,especially in the bright pink colour you chose. Your always so creative and your projects are fun.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      29th November 2017 at 11:48 am

      Ahh, that’s very kind of you to say so, thank you!

      Reply
  3. Amber Harrop

    27th November 2017 at 4:37 pm

    You make such pretty planted Claire and as a gardener I love them

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      27th November 2017 at 4:45 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Anne Marie

    27th November 2017 at 12:31 pm

    You’re clever girl! I love this DIY. So simple, yet, so satisfying. It’s definitely on my to do list 🙂 #HomeEtc

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      27th November 2017 at 4:22 pm

      Thank you so much, it is really simple to do.

      Reply
  5. Julie

    25th November 2017 at 5:46 pm

    What a fab idea , I love this technique so I can imagine how much fun this would be.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      25th November 2017 at 10:46 pm

      Thank you, it was fun.

      Reply
  6. Caro | The Twinkle Diaries

    25th November 2017 at 1:58 pm

    SO fabulous!!! I love the effect of the nail polish marbling and with amazing brands like Essie — and all their fabulous colours — the possibilities are endless! Thanks so much for sharing Claire. Much appreciated, Caro xx #HomeEtc

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      25th November 2017 at 2:39 pm

      Thanks, Caro! So many possibilities and so many colours to choose from.

      Reply
  7. Kimberley | Oh Just My Little Blog

    23rd November 2017 at 2:02 pm

    Oh wow these look so effective, you’d never know they started off as ugly old tins x #HomeEtc

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      23rd November 2017 at 6:41 pm

      Thank you ?

      Reply
  8. Mother of 3

    22nd November 2017 at 12:41 pm

    I have always wanted to try nail polish marbling; this is such a great upcycle and would be perfect for gifting off edible treats at Christmas time. I co-host an arts and crafts linky and we’d love to have you link up with us: http://www.ourunschoolingjourney.com/2017/11/virtual-refrigerator-rubber-stamp-and.html. Pinned!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      22nd November 2017 at 4:31 pm

      Thank you and thanks for the invite.

      Reply
      • Mother of 3

        22nd November 2017 at 7:54 pm

        Thanks for linking up with us!

        Reply
        • Claire Armstrong

          22nd November 2017 at 7:57 pm

          Thank you for hosting.

          Reply
  9. Christina Makri

    21st November 2017 at 4:44 pm

    I made a clear acrylic tray sometime ago this way! The colors are perfect!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      21st November 2017 at 7:44 pm

      Thank you Christina.

      Reply
  10. creativejewishmom/sara

    19th November 2017 at 6:04 pm

    love it Claire! I have also been crafting with nail polish with some cute results that would be a great match for these tins, stay tuned, and thanks for sharing on craft schooling sunday!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      19th November 2017 at 6:11 pm

      Thank you Sara. Look forward to seeing your marble crafts.

      Reply
  11. Cynthia Chilson Finger

    19th November 2017 at 4:16 pm

    Your tins are beautiful! I’ve used this technique on glass, but not sure why I never thought to use it on tin?! And wouldn’t you know I just got rid of my stash. Love your idea of using them for handing out treats. The recipient is more likely to reuse them because they’re not as specific as a Christmas tin. Take care.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      19th November 2017 at 6:10 pm

      Thank you Cynthia. Yes they make lovely tins for all year round, I’ve actually commissioned one as our new biscuit tin.

      Reply
  12. Julia - Vintage with Laces

    18th November 2017 at 6:03 am

    The tins are beautiful, Claire! I think I have to do some marbling soon. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      18th November 2017 at 8:05 am

      Thank you, it is an easy and kind of addictive craft.

      Reply
  13. Ivory

    17th November 2017 at 5:11 pm

    OMG, I don’t know how you came up with this creative idea, but it’s gorgeous, and I love it. Gotta try making this.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      17th November 2017 at 8:04 pm

      Thank you and good luck with it.

      Reply
  14. Sarah

    17th November 2017 at 4:32 pm

    I love these tins, what a great way to gift treats for the holidays. I am a big fan of marbling too and have marbled so many items, but tins are new to me. I am going to have to try this. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      17th November 2017 at 8:03 pm

      Thank you, Sarah. I can’t wait to fill them with gifts.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Good Life Blog | Repurposing Round-Up: Tin Edition says:
    26th December 2017 at 5:17 pm

    […] #4 Faux Marbled Tins […]

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  2. How To Make A Beautiful Air Dry Clay Candle Holder - Pillar Box Blue says:
    15th December 2017 at 12:01 pm

    […] the air dry candle holder is ready to marble. I used the same method as I used with my upcycle tins with faux marble. This basically involves splashing nail polish on the surface of warm water and then rolling the […]

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    28th November 2017 at 8:00 am

    […] Pillar Box Blue: DIY Marble Christmas Upcycled Tins […]

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