Colorful Vases from Soda Cans

Empty soda cans don't have to end up in the recycling bin. With some paint and a little creativity, they can be turned into decorative outdoor vases for your balcony, patio, or garden. This simple DIY upcycling project shows you step-by-step how to turn cans into unique vases with modern striped patterns.

How to achieve the look

Clean the can and apply base coat

Clean the can thoroughly and remove any dust, grease, and adhesive residue. Then, apply the first coat of paint. It does not need to provide full coverage yet—the important thing is that the entire surface is covered evenly.

Apply the second coat of paint

As soon as the first coat is dry, apply a second coat of paint. This ensures an even and opaque finish. Afterwards, let the paint dry thoroughly.

Create patterns with tape

Now use painter's tape to create the desired stripes or patterns on the can.

Tip: Use painter's tape for delicate surfaces. It is less adhesive and reduces the risk of peeling off any paint when removing it.

The pro trick for perfect edges

Apply top coat

Remove tape and seal

Your cans are getting a second life!

Done! With a little paint, simple tin cans have been transformed into unique little decorative objects. Whether as a vase, pen holder, or small container – you can design each can exactly to your taste using different color combinations and patterns.

And the best part: instead of ending up in the recycling bin, something everyday becomes a decorative one-of-a-kind piece. Perfect for creatively using up even small leftover amounts of paint.

Would you like to design your own cans? Download the complete instructions and get started.

Download PDF instructions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

DONE!

Products Used

annie sloan kreidefarbe firle farbmuster

Chalk paint Firle

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe emile farbmuster

Chalk paint Emile

from CHF 14.90

Flat brush

from CHF 12.50

Fineline Gold Soft Tape PLUS Masking Tape

from CHF 7.90

Suitable alternatives for your DIY project

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Brushes, paint rollers & more

annie sloan kreidefarbe old white farbmuster

Chalk paint Old White

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe coolabah green farbmuster

Chalk Paint Coolabah Green

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe athenian black farbmuster

Chalk paint Athenian Black

from CHF 14.90

Chalk paint Pure

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe original farbmuster

Chalk paint Original

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe duck egg blue farbmuster

annie sloan kreidefarbe duck egg blue mood1

Chalk paint Duck Egg Blue

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe graphite farbmuster

Chalk paint Graphite

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe aubusson blue farbmuster

annie sloan kreidefarbe aubusson blue mood1

Aubusson Blue Chalk Paint

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe french linen farbmuster

annie sloan kreidefarbe french linen mood3

Chalk paint French Linen

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe old ochre farbmuster

Chalk paint Old Ochre

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe svenska blue farbmuster

Chalk paint Svenska Blue

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe amsterdam green farbmuster

annie sloan kreidefarbe amsterdam green mood1

Chalk paint Amsterdam Green

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe country grey farbmuster

annie sloan kreidefarbe country grey mood1

Chalk paint Country Grey

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe antoinette farbmuster

Chalk paint Antoinette

from CHF 14.90

Chalk paint Coco

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe oxford navy farbmuster

Chalk paint Oxford Navy

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe olive farbmuster

Chalk paint Olive

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe paprika red farbmuster

annie sloan kreidefarbe paprika red mood2

Chalk paint Paprika Red

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe louis blue farbmuster

annie sloan kreidefarbe louis blue mood1

Chalk paint Louis Blue

from CHF 14.90

annie sloan kreidefarbe chateau grey farbmuster

annie sloan kreidefarbe chateau grey mood1

Chalk paint Chateau Grey

from CHF 14.90

Tips & FAQs

Chalk paint adheres very well to aluminum cans and is easy to work with. For a particularly robust surface, a clear coat can be applied afterwards.

This little pro trick seals the edges of the masking tape. This prevents the second color from bleeding underneath, resulting in extra clean lines.

For cans used as vases with water, we recommend sealing them with clear varnish. This provides better protection for the paint against moisture. If the cans are only decorated with dried flowers, the sealing can be omitted.

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