• Vintage milk can
• Paint brushes
• Round tray
• Wooden circle – little bit smaller than tray
• Shelf brackets (I didn't need to use mine)
• Chalk paint
• Rust-Oleum spray paint (I used primer black matte as I didn't want a gloss finish)
• Duram NS1 Rust Buster
• Plascon Paint Effects Glazecoat or clear wax
• 2x screws
• Clear silicone
• Sandpaper, 80 & 300 grit
• Scraper (optional)

STEP 1 : SAND THE MILK CAN

Using the 60 grit sandpaper, sand off as much of the rust as possible, and thereafter use the 300 grit for a smoother finish.
I used a scraper on the bottom of the milk can to clean off stubborn rust. (Be careful of small rust pieces coming off; safety glasses is a good choice here!) Wipe off any dust with a brush and damp cloth. Let dry completely.

STEP 2: APPLY RUST BUSTER

Apply a generous coat of Rust Buster on the outside, inside and bottom of the milk can, and let dry at least 4 hours. (I let mine dry overnight due to the damp climate of Swakopmund).

STEP 3: APPLY SPRAY PAINT

Using the Rust-Oleum, apply 3-4 thin coats evenly (I did the inside and bottom too) and allow to dry between coats.

STEP 4: PAINT THE TRAY AND WOODEN CIRCLE

Sand the tray and wooden circle lightly with fine sandpaper and apply 3 or 4 coats of chalk paint. Let them dry in between.

STEP 5: MARK THE PLACEMENT

Measure the centre of the tray on the bottom and mark placement of the wooden circle with a pencil. 

STEP 6: GLUE THE WOODEN CIRCLE

Apply a generous amount of wood glue to the wooden circle, glue onto bottom of tray and allow to set for a few hours.

STEP 7: ATTACH THE MILK CAN

Measure the centre of the wooden circle and mark placement of the milk can. Apply clear silicone around the opening of the milk can, flip it over and place it face down on the wooden circle.

STEP 8: SECURE AND SEAL

Either use the shelf brackets to attach the tray or drill screws through the milk can brackets. Take care not to drill screws through the tray's top.
Turn the milk can over so that the tray is at the top and place a heavy object on the tray to ensure the silicone affixes to the milk can.
Seal chalk paint with either Glazecoat or clear wax.

FINAL: DISPLAY AND ENJOY!

Place your vintage milk-can-turned-side-table where everyone can admire it

Lindie Loock

Lindie Loock enjoys crafting and exercising in her spare time. She
lives with her husband, John, and three children in Swakopmund