How to Beautifully Transform Tin Cans with Decoupage

I think by now many of you know how much I enjoy decoupage! My most popular decoupage post is my DIY how-to on napkin decoupage with canning jars, wood, and bottles. But I’ve also decoupaged dried flowers with picture frames, and I have a whole tutorial on how to decoupage napkins and jewelry boxes.

I’ve seen some really nice transformations of tin/aluminum cans done with napkin decoupage, so I decided to give it a whirl, and I’m so happy with the results. This is such an easy project, and a fantastic way to upcycle your aluminum cans into something cool.

You can really customize your cans however you like; you can make them look modern or vintage or whimsical – here I went with a cottage-core aesthetic. The options with napkin decoupage are truly endless!

Here’s what I used to create my decoupaged cans:

• Aluminum/Tin Cans
• Acrylic Paint – I chose an antique white color here that was similar to the background of my napkin
• Paint Brush
• Napkins
• Scissors
• Mod Podge (I used regular matte Mod Podge here)

First and most importantly, start with clean, safe cans. I use the flat side of a standard screwdriver to press down any jagged edges from where the lid of the can was removed. Then, I soak my cans in very hot soapy water, which removes the label and, typically, most of any glue residue. If there is any residue leftover, I use a scraper while the glue is still soft from soaking to remove the bulk of it. If there’s still any left after that, acetone usually does the trick removing the rest of it. I don’t get too excited if there’s a little left – you just want the majority of the glue removed.

Next, I painted my cans with 2 coats of paint. I painted these with acrylic paint, but you can also use chalk paint, depending on the desired look.

If you look closely, you’ll notice that you can still see some color variations in certain spots. This was intentional, to add to the vintage, cottage-core look. If you really want to make them look vintage, you can take a damp scrub pad and lightly scrub along the paint to remove the paint in small areas. If you decide to do this, go slow at first – you can always remove more, but if you remove too much, you’ll need to re-paint the cans.

Next, you’ll want to cut out the desired design from your napkins. This particular napkin gave me the materials for 2 cans, which is always a win in my book!

When working with napkins for decoupage, I find it easiest to use small, very sharp scissors. First, I just cut off the bulk of what I don’t need, then I go back and cut out the design. Often, I do a third and even fourth cut, to get a good cut-out of the design. You do NOT have to cut right to the edge of the design – you can leave some of the background and still have this work perfectly.

Next, and an important step – once you have your napkin design ready, carefully peel off the 2nd ply backing (typically white) of the napkin. You only want to decoupage with the one ply of the napkin with the design on it.

When you have your napkin ready, wrap your design around the can. If you need to trim any length from it, now is the time.

Next, using a small bit of Mod Podge and a brush, apply the Mod Podge to the back of the starting edge of your design and place it on the can, using the brush to seal it well. Lightly brush more Mod Podge over it to seal it in place. Then, work your way around the can, applying Mod Podge over the top of the napkin to attach the napkin design to the can. You don’t want to press too hard with the brush but firmly enough to make sure the napkin design is filling in the ridges of the can (if any) and it’s firmly in place. Try to do each section thoroughly before moving on to the next. Repeatedly brushing over the same area can cause wrinkles and/or tears.

I find it easiest to put the can around one hand or a small glass to be able to work around the entire can. Once it’s completed, I let mine dry for at least 3 days.

There are a number of ways for you to use these upcycled aluminum cans! Use your imagination!

• Succulent or Houseplant Planter (you can drill or nail a hole in the bottom for drainage)
• Pen or Pencil Holder
• Utensil Holder for BBQs and Picnics
• Eyeglass Holder
• Makeup Brush Holder

Have you tried this style of decoupage? I’d love to see your work!

As always, thanks for stopping by, and if you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask!