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.
My friend, Mandy, always has my back. She knows that trash isn’t junk, but rather potential ready to be rescued. As she was headed home one day, she spied this vintage serving cart set out curbside. At the moment, however, she didn’t jump out to get it. Understood as she is 8 months pregnant – no one jumps in that stage of the game. haha. However, she sends her oldest to retrieve it. Her kids, like mine, know the drill and complete the task without question. Gotta love having a crew!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Okay, back to the cart. I’m so tickled with the outcome and thank Mandy for taking the time to rescue it for me. Everyone needs a pop of color every now and then. What color would you have used?
However, if you’d like to make this cart your own, you can find it available in my online shop (SOLD) along with many other goodies.
In addition to that great fun…guess what…Mandy just had a beautiful baby girl!! Congratulations Mandy & family.
Also, do pin and share my vintage serving cart straight from the curb to refurb. Inspire others! That’s what I’m all about.
Up next, I’m sharing these curbside finds made new. See their new lives HERE.
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Also, more fun makeovers like this vintage serving cart:
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!! ? ?
haha…it is seriously DA BOMB. It cleans up everything. Thanks so much, Rebecca.
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.
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. 🙂
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.
The flowers were my inspiration. They’re so pretty! The lemonade was delish. Wish I could send you some!
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!
Right? Just think of what I never get my hands on…crazy. You are right, those colors are definitely smile-inspiring!
LOVE the cart! The color is PERFECT!
Yay! Thank you so much, Debbie.
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?
You are so very sweet to say so, Annette. Thank you!
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…
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)
The cart turned out great! Thanks for explaining all the steps about cleaning, prepping etc. love the color!
Hi Larissa! I love those vintage carts. I love the pop of color. Great choice.
Hi Cheryl! Thanks so much. I wanted some fun color this time around.
What a fantastic makeover! Sometimes just a new color is enough. I love your color choice! Congrats to Mandy!!!
I couldn’t agree more. Plus, a little sanding never hurt anybody, right? 😉
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!
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.
And thank you SO much for the GF cookie recipe too!!
You are most welcome. I love those! 😀
That’s one of my favorite Rustoleum spray paint colors – such a pretty makeover, Larissa!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.