This past summer I spied a metal cart in a dumpster. To be frank, I have never truly actually participated in dumpster diving. The thought of actually climbing inside a dumpster has never been on my acceptable things to do list. But, this metal bar cart was floating on top of the trash pile. It was (to quote a Seinfeld episode) above the rim! And it was begging to be upcycled into a beautiful plant cart.
So, I convinced myself it was okay and wasn’t officially dumpster diving. Feel free to debate this fact in the comment section.
I brought it home and knew I could do a quick makeover with some spray paint. But, first it needed a good cleaning and some prep work. The tops of the shelves were very rusty:
Upcycled Plant Cart Saved from “Above the Rim”
And the undersides were filthy. But, the end product was worth it! Here is how to upcycle your own little metal rusty bar cart into a beautiful plant stand!
Materials:
- 1 Discarded rusty bar cart (rescued from above the rim)
- Socket set
- Hammer for coaxing rusty bolts loose
- Can of Rustoleum Heirloom White spray paint
- Can of Krylon Copper Spray paint
- Sander/sanding block
- Fine grit sand paper
- Wire brush
- Rag and/or damp wipes
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloth
- Scraps of wood to elevate while painting
- Optional: Drill
Upcycled Plant Cart Instructions:
Loosen corner bolts with a socket wrench or drill and socket bit. Hammer out any that are too rusty to budge. Read more
