October 2011 part 1

Vintage metal cart makeover

Growing up, there was this awesome COSCO yellow chair that was in my grandma’s kitchen, which came to our house later. The kind with pullout steps, that turned it into a stool.  I admit I remember getting “time-outs” on that chair, but overall I had great memories of the chair.  My mom still has the chair in her laundry room today.

As I moved into my own house this last year (first time homeowner), I realized I wanted that chair in my kitchen. I shopped online and found the same chair new, so I thought.  My mom purchased the new chair as a gift for me to the new house. I was excited! When it arrived, I discovered they changed many of the metal components to plastic ones. Where there use to be awesome chrome it is now plastic tackiness. Not what I had in mind.  It came with a warning label that read: “don’t stand on seat”. What? That is half the reason why I wanted it in the first place. Yes, this was the same company that made the originals. This is when I decided that when it came to the three-shelf cart I wanted to go with it, (as a set) I would go original or not at all. Luckily, not even a week after I told my mom what I was thinking, she happened to be visiting some friends who where cleaning out their garage. They were getting rid of some unwanted items, including an original red metal three-shelf cart. Jackpot! Yes, it needed some TLC, but that was perfect for me.

A month later, I finally had the time to do the makeover it needed before coming into the house. This was such a fun project.  I love items from friends’ and families’ houses. I feel these treasures have more meaning to them than the ones I would get at some random yard sale. 

Materials needed:

Mask-

Gloves-

Wire brush-

Reusable Sandsponge-

WD40

Rag-

Metal spray paint primer

Metal spray paint- the finish color you want ( I picked a mellow yellow to match my chair)

Goggles. (I forgot to include them in the picture because they where sitting on my head)

Step No1.

Clean off metal cart. Wash it with soap and water if needed, or with a damp cloth. Then let dry.

Step No2.

Wire brush all of the painted areas. Top and bottom. You should be wearing your gloves and goggles for this step.

Step No.3

Go over the painted areas with reusable sandsponge. If needed, repeat Steps 2 and 3 until desired amount of paint is gone and rust removed.

Step no4.

Remove the three shelves. Take all bolts and nuts and put in plastic baggie or tin can. Add enough WD40 to have the bolts and nuts covered in fluid. This will help remove the rust and clean them up for later use.

Step no.5

Repeat steps 2 and 3, to make sure all areas were reached before painting.

Step no 6.

Take damp rag and wipe each shelf off well. Each shelf should be free of dust, dirt, loose paint and other particles. When they are dry,  they are ready to be painted.

Step no7.

Shake white primer paint well before painting first coat of paint on each shelf. I did the bottom sides first for ease.

Step no8.

Apply second coat after first coat is dry.

Step no 9

 Repeat steps 7 and 8 to front sides of shelves.

Step no 10.

While the shelves are drying, take the reusable sandsponge and go over the four chrome legs. (These legs needed some TLC.)  Then wipe clean with rag.

Step no 11.

Apply spray paint, color of your choice, to top of shelves. You will apply second coat after first is dry.

Step. No 12

When step 11 is complete, go ahead and remove the bolts and nuts from the WD40 solution and wipe them clean with a rag. You can use the reusable sandsponge to clean the heads of the bolts.

Step no 13.

Reassemble the cart.

Step no 14.

Let it stay outside in vented area over night before bring indoors.

Step no 15.

You’re Done! Bring it indoors.