Here’s a recycling challenge for all those tin cans we open, save and/or toss each week. If you have stopped by my blog before you know I love a good upcycle project. I had a box of tin cans in the basement with zero inspiration. Yes, I am that girl who keeps tin cans, glass bottles and odd shaped plastic forms for future upcycle ideas. And then I got a recycled tin cans idea that was perfect for my skill set, time and budget. I had so much fun with this project because it involved my new favorite medium: cement!
Recycled Tin Cans
Supplies
For this recycled tin can challenge, the supplies included: tins cans, Quick Set Cement, a bucket, a heavy stir stick and a glass cutting board or similar surface. That’s it! This tin can recycle project took less than 30 minutes (not including the dry time for the cement).
Recycled Tin Cans Details
First, place a drop cloth on the area where you plan to mix the cement. Next, follow the simple instructions on the bucket; mix the cement with water in a bucket and stir. It should look like thick pancake batter. The beauty of this “recipe” is you can add more water or cement to get the desired consistency. It’s pretty much error proof,
I held the rim of each can and just turned the can to cover it. It’s like dipping strawberries into melted chocolate. You want to coat the can to the rim. I named it the “dip and swirl” method. That’s it!
I had my cans lined up to dip each tin can into the cement batter and a glass cutting board to set the finished cans on to dry. My office was a safe place to store the tin cans to keep curious hands and paws away until the cement set.
The results were instant, low effort and such a fun medium to play with for summer projects. The cement adhered to some places more than others and the grooved centers were still visible. The cement gave the cans an organic, earthy look.
recycled tin cans | after
With the success of this recycled tin cans challenge, I want to try the same method on larger tin cans. Next time I might apply a second application of the dip and swirl method to give the tin cans a chunkier look. Here is another fun project with cement.
test
what a fun challenge! Love your concrete creations. xo
these tins are great for the garden!
What a marvelous idea! I would love to give this a try.
If I start saving now, I’ll have plenty for the spring! Thanks for the great idea!
This is so clever, I love the idea of adding texture and the cement offers a fun presentation. This looks pretty easy now if I can find some different size cans I may just want to give this a try.
I really like the texture the cement adds to your tin cans. That whole rustic look is so in right now! This looks like a project I may try soon.
Hi Susan
I am having too much fun with a bucket of cement!
Hi Laura……What a great idea. I didn’t know that adding cement to a tin can could be so cute. Love the texture it added and rustic look. Great job!
Wow, I thought for a moment we had gone in exactly the same direction with our projects! 🙂
I’ve wanted to try my hand a cement project, but haven’t jumped in yet. This is a great one to start with, I think. I love your idea!
Great idea, Laura! I’ve seen a few intimidating projects lately using cement, but you make it seem doable. Do you think they could be painted after the cement dries?
HI Courtney
I totally think they could be painted! I bought another bucket of cement so stay tuned… it’s kind of addicting… laura
This is a fun idea. I love the planters you made from tin cans. Mine would not turn out as beautifully as yours did. That is such a fabulous summer project. 😀
HI Erin
Trust me, it’s very easy! Thanks for stopping by this morning! laura
Hi Laura,
So cute and clever. I would have never thought about applying cement to a can like this and they turned out great. Starts to give you all kinds of ideas. Looking forward to working with you in the fall.
HI patti
You have no idea …. this challenge has me thinking about concrete for all sorts of objects! ha! Thanks for your help with the code! laura