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Vintage Serving Cart Update with Paint

Some of the most fun finds come from what others consider trash. I lovingly call it #trashure – one person’s trash is another one’s treasure. What makes it even more fun is to have friends who share your junkin’ passion. This vintage serving cart has a story all its own.

White Vintage Cart Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

The cart has rust, dirt, and grim, but not too worse for wear. I truly enjoy reviving these carts. You can see my blue one HERE or the pink one HERE.

Damaged Vintage Serving Cart Top | prodigalpieces.com

 

Damaged Vintage Serving Cart Bottom | prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

Time to dress this vintage gem up. First, I hose it down to get rid of the dust and dirt. Then, I use Goo Gone to remove the residues on surfaces. That alone makes a huge improvement. After that, I use my sander to remove the rust and smooth out any bubbles and ridges.

In the next step, I use a vinegar/water mixture (2:1 ratio) to wipe it all down and get it ready for paint. Now comes the fun part. There’s nothing better than having the right tools to get the job done easily, and timely. I pop up my Medium Spray Shelter and this whip out this fun coral spray paint.

Rustoleum Coral Spray Paint for Vintage Serving Cart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Notice I begin with the cart upside down and casters removed. That is because we want all surfaces covered and you don’t want to flip it upside down after painting the top. Using sweeping strokes and spraying before hitting the surface and continuing off, we get one coat on. Let it cure and repeat as often as you feel necessary. By keeping it light, you will get nice smooth layers.

NEXT STEP

Next, before I call this cart complete, I also want to clean up the casters. They’re cute and in great condition, they just need some cleaning. One of my favorite must-haves in my tool arsenal is Bar Keepers Friend. I’ve used it on this antique enamel cabinet, and many brass pieces like this entertainment stand.

Vintage Cart Casters Cleaned | prodigalpieces.com

It’s a relatively cheap cleaner that will scour and restore porcelain, stainless, brass, copper, etc. I use it to clean these casters and remove some of those scuffs often found on vintage pieces. Go on and give it a try! Just be sure to use precautions as manufacturer states.

THE REVEAL

Here’s my fun new look for my vintage serving cart with a pop of color.

Vintage Bar Cart with a Pop of Color by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #furniture #home #homedecor

Patio Vintage Serving Cart for Color Fun by Larissa of Prodigla Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #patio #homedecor

Isn’t that fun? It totally matches my hanging basket of flowers, which I didn’t realize until later. I guess I’m a sucker for coral, eh? I know I’m not the only one who does the same. tee hee.

Coral Color Vintage Serving Cart Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #furniture #home #homedecor

Coral Cart Top with Homemade Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Cookies & Lemonade by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #food #cookies #vintage #furniture #home #patio

And if you think those cookies look too good to eat, think again. Dive in! They’re gluten free and I share the recipe HERE. Our family favorite to make in a pinch. Obviously, I couldn’t resist taking a bite.

Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Cookies | Recipe by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #food #recipe #cookie #chocolate #foodie #glutenfree

Okay, back to the cart. Everyone needs a pop of color every now and then. What color would you have used?

Pink Coral Serving Cart Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #patio #entertaining #home #homedecor

Vintage Entertaining Serving Cart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #home #homedecor #furniture

However, if you’d like to make this cart your own, you can find it available in my online shop along with many other goodies.

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Likewise, pin and share my vintage serving cart straight from the curb to refurb. Inspire others!

Found on the curb and ready for a makeover, this vintage serving cart got a pop of color by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #home #homedecor #vintage #retro

Up next, I’m sharing these curbside finds made new. See their new lives HERE.

Curbside Chair & Lamp Before by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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While you’re at it, here are more fun makeovers like this vintage serving cart:

DIY Tripod Floor Lamp from Surveyors Tripod | prodigalpieces.com

Upcycled Cupboard Door Garden Sign with Coat Rack by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #garden #upcycled #home #homedecor

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    Oh my! How did I not know the “bar keepers friend“ trick?? Game CHANGER!! Brass and copper?? You bet I’m going to try it!! Maybe today!! ?. And the cart turned out great!!!! The color is so “happy!” Instant smiles at first glance!! ? ?

    • Larissa says

      haha…it is seriously DA BOMB. It cleans up everything. Thanks so much, Rebecca.

  2. Ginny says

    That is a great color for your cart! Bright but so beautiful in your outdoor seating area. I am a turquoise girl but navy has been a new color choice for me lately.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I am blue, teal, turquoise all the way, but have already done some in that color, so I went with my other fave…coral. 🙂

  3. ColleenB.~Tx. says

    Very stunning sitting out there so pretty on your deck area. Them clay pots you have sitting on it really compliments each other.

    Your cold drink even looks refreshing.

    • Larissa says

      The flowers were my inspiration. They’re so pretty! The lemonade was delish. Wish I could send you some!

  4. Rebecca - Knoxville, TN says

    Nice rescue! Turned out great and to think the poor thing was almost crunched and scrapped 🙁 Beach colors like coral, aqua and teal evoke happiness. Love it!

    • Larissa says

      Right? Just think of what I never get my hands on…crazy. You are right, those colors are definitely smile-inspiring!

  5. Debbie says

    LOVE the cart! The color is PERFECT!

  6. Annette Santana says

    Very beautiful, that is really a treasure. You are really talented. The cookies looks very tempting. Thanks for sharing. I love all your projects. God bless?

  7. Teresa says

    Beautiful job! Happy color! However, it would have been nice to gift the finished piece to Mandy, given she found it and “always has your back”. You coud have chosen a color to compliment her decor. This would look great with diapers and changing needs on it, in baskets maybe? And with the casters, it could be moved wherever she needed it. She could put a changing pillow on top if wanted.
    Just a thought…

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! She didn’t want it because like me we both have too much already. Instead, I donate to her ministry from funds raised with what I work on. win-win-win (mandy – saved from trash – me)

  8. Donna says

    The cart turned out great! Thanks for explaining all the steps about cleaning, prepping etc. love the color!

  9. Cheryl Atkinson says

    Hi Larissa! I love those vintage carts. I love the pop of color. Great choice.

    • Larissa says

      Hi Cheryl! Thanks so much. I wanted some fun color this time around.

  10. Becky says

    What a fantastic makeover! Sometimes just a new color is enough. I love your color choice! Congrats to Mandy!!!

    • Larissa says

      I couldn’t agree more. Plus, a little sanding never hurt anybody, right? 😉

  11. Mary says

    Love it Larissa! Love that color! I haven’t used it before…I’ve been into this “french blue” trend for awhile, but really love your color choice – it is SO happy!..And .isn’t it cool how it matched your flowers?? I love when that “serendipitous” stuff happens 🙂 🙂 Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks too! I appreciate your posts very much!

    • Larissa says

      It truly made me happy to see this color on this little gem. It’s a happy color and we always can use happy in our life, right? Thanks so much, Mary.

  12. Mary says

    And thank you SO much for the GF cookie recipe too!!

    • Larissa says

      Great minds again! 😀 It’s such a happy color. I’ve used it in other forms and I just love it. Hence, my new blog design has it too in a softer tone.

  13. joan says

    That color was spot on! So fresh and cool looking! When sanding metal what grit of sand paper do you use?
    I look forward to your Trash to Treasure features each week!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks!! I had to spice it up. 😀 Grit depends on what I’m taking off. So, for this I used a 120 grit because it was surface rust only and I was only wanting to smooth it out.

  14. Judy Burnside says

    I LOVE the result! The coral is so fresh and fun. I tend to lean toward teal and aqua with my grey and white, but coral is a wonderful way to add a pop of color. I hope you are enjoying the summer and keeping healthy! Hugs to you all, and congratulations to Mandy. God bless her precious little one.

    • Larissa says

      Sweet! I am blue all the way too. I have already done a blue one, but wanted to change it up. We are happy and healthy! Thank you, Judy.

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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