Upcycled Thrifted Metal Toolbox Tray

May 20, 2019
 I purchased this metal toolbox tray a few years ago for probably $3 or $4.

My first plan was to plant Sempervivums (Hen and Chicks) in it.  

But last week, I got another idea.

(When you click on the bold Amazon, Old Sign Stencils or Dixie Belle Paint Company affiliate links you will be taken to the products I use for this project. If you order it does not change the price or service at all. As an Amazon Affiliate, Old Sign Stencils Affiliate or Dixie Belle Paint Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)


First I scrubbed the tray with hot soapy water and used an SOS pad on the rusty areas.

After it was dry, I sprayed the toolbox with two coats of Zinsser Bulls Eye Clear Shellac Spray . 

This covered the rusty areas that I worried may bleed through my paint. 



Next I sprayed my toolbox with about 3 coats of Krylon Chalky Finish Spray Paint in Classic White. 

I lightly distressed the edges of the toolbox with 150 grit sandpaper.

I then decided to use Tim Holtz Numbers Remnant Rubs  and also Words Remnant Rubs.

These rub ons are getting a little trickier to find as interest in scrap-booking has declined.  

They can be found, however, not reliably, at Joann Fabrics online or in Joann stores, on Amazon, or other smaller online craft/scrapbooking shops.

I just cut out parts of the rub on words, numbers, and graphics to fit my toolbox compartments.  I rubbed them on with the enclosed popsicle stick.

I sealed the paint and rub ons with Dixie Belle Easy Peasy Spray WaxI like the matte finish and ease of use for small projects.

Upcycled Thrifted Metal Toolbox Tray #fathersday #diygift #organization #diy #timholtz #imagetransfer #toolbox
 So here is how my toolbox tray turned out!

Upcycled Thrifted Metal Toolbox Tray #fathersday #diygift #organization #diy #timholtz #imagetransfer #toolbox
 I don't know if your husband needs a junk holder on his dresser top or not, but mine does. (My husband actually needs something larger!)

Upcycled Thrifted Metal Toolbox Tray #fathersday #diygift #organization #diy #timholtz #imagetransfer #toolbox
 So here is a fun container to keep pocket change, keys, and other small guy stuff corralled in one spot.

Upcycled Thrifted Metal Toolbox Tray #fathersday #diygift #organization #diy #timholtz #imagetransfer #toolbox
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Thanks for visiting!
Thanks for reading my blog, Carlene

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Comments

  1. Very cute! I always wonder how to fight rust.

    ReplyDelete
  2. oh so cool! how do you come up with such clever ideas?

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great idea, Carleen. You took that rusty piece of "junk" and turned it into a useful container for your husband. Great Job. I love that you have repurposed an old piece of metal - and saved it from the junk yard.

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