Learn how to age galvanized metal to create that beautiful aged patina look with just bathroom cleaner, sunlight and a little bit of baking soda!

Do you love the look of aged galvanized metal? I just love the look and I’ve discovered the best way to age galvanized metal to get that perfect farmhouse look!
I first tried this technique a few years ago when I wanted to create some ash trays for our backyard. We were having a big barbecue with all the family and I wanted some way to discreetly include an ashtray in our backyard.
(No, I don’t smoke. Nor do I encourage it. But, we do have some family members that do.)
So, I decided to use galvanized pails. I filled the pail part way with sand and hung it on a shepherd’s hook in a corner of the yard. That corner sort of became our designated smoking area. Clever, right?!
How to Age Galvanized Metal
So, I’m sharing this clever little idea over on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry today. I’d love it if you’d come visit me over on Kenarry and learn just how easy (but it does take a little bit of time) it is to age galvanized metal.
Plus, I’m also sharing how to add some rust to galvanized metal in less than 20 minutes. And if you’re interested in learning how to paint a design on a galvanized metal pail using a stencil, I’m sharing that idea over on The Summery Umbrella.
How to Stencil a Galvanized Pail

A few weeks ago, I shared with you how to stencil a galvanized pail. I first aged my galvanized pail following the exact steps I’m sharing with you today on Kenarry. Then I used this Flower Market SVG cut file from The Summery Umbrella to create a stencil.
You’ll find the full tutorial on how to stencil a galvanized pail on The Summery Umbrella blog. Click here to go to the tutorial.
How to Add Rust to Galvanized Metal
Did you know that you can easily and quickly add rust to your shiny galvanized pail? Yep, it’s super easy and you’ll find instructions on how to do that on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry.
More Farmhouse Style Decor Ideas
If you’re looking for ways to add a little more farmhouse charm to your home, be sure to check out these other creative ideas that I’ve shared through the years over on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry.
How to Paint Terra Cotta Pots Two Tone Terra Cotta Pot Burlap Utensil Holder
- How to Paint Terra Cotta Pots (a personal favorite)
- Flower Pot Makeover with Two-Tone Paint
- Make a Burlap Utensil Holder
See, I’ve been a monthly contributor on Kenarry for a number of years now. In fact, it seems like I’ve shared most of my most creative craft ideas on her blog. What was I thinking?!
Plus, you’ll always find creative ideas, free printables and family-friendly (sometimes Keto) recipes right here on The Birch Cottage blog, like:
Gardener’s Sugar Scrub Labels Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Cactus Illustration
- Gardener’s Sugar Scrub with Free Printable Labels
- Low Carb and Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Vintage Cactus Illustrations
Til next time…
