How To Upcycle Tins With A Faux Marble Effect
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 year's Christmas sweet treats.
Over the years, I have amassed quite a collection of ugly tins, from coffee 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 impressive, considering how simple it is to create. My upcycled tins are like a gift in themselves. I will use them for other things, not just as posh-looking cookie tins.
This very affordable craft gives a second life to all your old tins. I got this idea by making a marbled tin can base for my illuminated pine cone Christmas tree.
We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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
Step 1: Firstly, remove any stickers or labels from the tins. Usually, a good soak in hot soapy water should make the labels easy to remove. You can also buy a sticky stuff remover that helps remove stubborn extra sticky labels.
Step 2: Secondly, spray paint your tins and lids. I used a creamy/white spray paint and applied two coats.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: This bit is fun; 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.
Step 5: Add more nail varnish to the water and repeat with the tin lid. If you want to protect the marble upcycled tins, I recommend a final stage of spraying a protective acrylic varnish on the outside.
You can experiment with different nail polish colours 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.
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 using old maps and leather; they look stylish.
One of my favourite ways to repurpose old tin cans is into a tin can planter, like these jean planters and crushed gold planters.
Even the smallest tin cans can be upcycled into something fun and beautiful. I have made a fabulous sardine tin can ornament and tuna can butterfly ornaments.
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.
Ahh, that's very kind of you to say so, thank you!
You make such pretty planted Claire and as a gardener I love them
Thank you!
You're clever girl! I love this DIY. So simple, yet, so satisfying. It's definitely on my to do list 🙂 #HomeEtc
Thank you so much, it is really simple to do.
What a fab idea , I love this technique so I can imagine how much fun this would be.
Thank you, it was fun.
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
Thanks, Caro! So many possibilities and so many colours to choose from.
Oh wow these look so effective, you'd never know they started off as ugly old tins x #HomeEtc
Thank you ?
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!
Thank you and thanks for the invite.
Thanks for linking up with us!
Thank you for hosting.
I made a clear acrylic tray sometime ago this way! The colors are perfect!
Thank you Christina.
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!
Thank you Sara. Look forward to seeing your marble crafts.
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.
Thank you Cynthia. Yes they make lovely tins for all year round, I've actually commissioned one as our new biscuit tin.
The tins are beautiful, Claire! I think I have to do some marbling soon. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you, it is an easy and kind of addictive craft.
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.
Thank you and good luck with it.
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.
Thank you, Sarah. I can't wait to fill them with gifts.