Faux Galvanized Metal Vase

Do you also have a collection of glass vases from flower deliveries? For some reason, these linger around and we always reach for other ones to use.

In the past, I’ve used spray paint to transform these clear vases. This time I wanted a more specific finish. Which required a bit of brainstorming and getting my hands dirty.

I love the look of galvanized metal. Especially the galvanized metal pitchers popping up on Pinterest, but unfortunately not in stores near me. So it’s time to fake it and make it.

I’m joining forces with some brilliant ladies to bring you some diy ideas for the Less Is More Series! These Thrifty Thursday projects are designed to give you diy home décor ideas on a budget. Whether that’s repurposing a thrifted item, giving something you already own a new look or creating amazing dollar store diy décor. You can find more DIY projects from Erin and Emily at the end of my post. So please make sure to check out their amazing projects too!

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Supplies for Galvanized Vase

Glass Vase

Makeup Sponge

Sponge Brush

Paint Mixing Palette

Black Acrylic Paint

White Acrylic Paint

Or

Light Grey Paint

Medium Grey Paint

Painting In Steps

There are multiple layers of acrylic paint required to get the galvanized metal look. But you only really need black and white paint. You could also get two shades of grey acrylic paint instead, a light grey, and a medium grey.

If you look closely at an actually piece of galvanized metal, it appears to have small squares and triangle sections. The crisp edges of a makeup sponge will help to achieve this effect better than a paint brush. 

Step 1: Light Grey Paint

Either mix up black and white paint together to get a light grey paint, or use a premixed grey paint in a light shade for your first layer of paint. Dip the square end of a wedge-shaped makeup sponge into the paint. And start dabbing the paint onto your vase. Aim to fully cover your vase while keeping the “square” shapes. Then let it dry.

Step 2: Medium Grey Paint

This time you’re going to mix up a slightly darker grey paint, or use a premixed paint that’s a medium shade. You can use the same makeup sponge or a new one. Again, use the square end of the makeup sponge for applying the paint to the vase. This time though, try to space of the coverage of the medium grey paint so that sections of the light grey still show through.

If you end up covering too much of the lighter grey, that’s okay too. Once the medium grey has dried you can go back over with a small section of the makeup sponge and reapply the light grey in small areas.

Step 3: Final Details

To add more character marks to the vase I mixed a slightly medium-dark grey paint. Carefully using the edge of a sponge brush, I lightly stamped a line down the side of the vase. This was to mimic the edge where metal sheets meet up. Not necessary but it was fun to play around with. The line was darker than what I wanted, so some medium gray paint was lightly dabbed over top in sections to give it a piecey look.

Another fun detail that turned out really good, was adding some distressed lines along the top ridge and the bottom ridge of the vase. Don’t make your lines too perfectly straight though! Making the edge look worn means not having exact lines or even the same thickness of line all over.

From Glass to Galvanized Metal Vase

Here are the end results of the faux galvanized metal vase! I’m loving how it turned out! I wasn’t sure what to expect but it looks realistic.

Before:

After:

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The hardest part for me was not blending the paints too much. The chunky squares in the paint really give it the galvanized look. But you can add as many layers of paint as you want to get the look you’re after. It might be helpful to have a photo of galvanized metal to reference as you paint.

It’s always a good idea to spray a clear coating over your painted décor to help keep it from chipping or flaking. Because I used a thicker, texture paint I don’t think it will be as likely to flake off as a thinner acrylic paint would. But why take the chance and ruin your hard work.

Thanks for checking out my Faux galvanized metal vase diy. I hope you try it out yourself. Share with me how it turns out please!

And now you can also go check out these other fun Less Is More projects:

Practical Whimsy Designs: Wooden Bunny Upcycle

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Pin Faux Galvanized Metal Vase Tutorial for Later!