How to Make Decoupage Tin Can Planters

Decoupage tin can planters are a great way to turn trash into treasure! I’ve shared similar decoupage tutorials on the blog, but these cans serve as reusable planters and have a seasonal theme. You can customize these for any holiday or special occasion.

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The Basics of Decoupage

If the word “decoupage” is completely new to you, check out my tutorial on how to decoupage to see many project examples.

If you can glue something together, you can decoupage! There’s not much I haven’t tried with this technique, from decoupage wood signs to decoupage flower pots.

In this project, we’ll use napkins and my favorite Mod Podge formula to decoupage on metal.

There are countless surfaces you can decoupage, including glass, air-dry clay, and wooden furniture. I’ll leave more project ideas at the end of this post for you to explore.

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1. Prepare the tin cans

For this project, you can use any tin cans you like. I used a combination of sizes from canned beans and sauces. Larger cans around 30 oz. work well if you want to add plants directly.

If you have any jagged edges around the top of your cans, smooth them out with needle-nose pliers.

Rinse and wash the cans thoroughly before you begin. Then poke a few small drainage holes in the bottom with a hammer and nail.

2. Paint and decoupage the tin cans

For a fall craft, I chose a combination of Halloween napkins and MacKenzie-Childs napkins for an orange, black, and white theme.

(Before you judge, you should know I got an amazing deal on those black-and-white check napkins!)

The beauty of this craft project is that you can choose any decorative napkins you like. Plus, you can always use the leftover napkins as…you guessed it, napkins.

Follow these easy steps to decoupage your tin cans:

1. Paint the cans with one coat of white acrylic paint. This will help the napkins stand out more. You can substitute another color if you prefer.
2. Separate the plies of your napkin to isolate only the printed layer. Napkins typically have two or three plies. Use a small piece of tape to lift the corner of the napkin if needed. Then cut the napkin to fit the outer surface of the can.
3. Apply Mod Podge in small sections once the paint has dried (about 20-30 minutes). I suggest using either Mod Podge Multi or Mod Podge Matte for this step.
4. Smooth the napkin using your fingers and a small square of plastic food wrap.

Continue to decoupage in small sections until you completely cover the can with the napkin, as shown below. You can overlap the edges of the napkin where they meet.

3. Seal the cans with Mod Podge

Once the napkin has completely dried on the can, apply a top layer of Mod Podge. This layer acts as a sealer to protect the decoupage project.

In the past, I have always used Mod Podge Outdoor to seal projects like terracotta pots. However, the new formula of Mod Podge Multi has better consistency and works for both indoor and outdoor projects. I love it! You can choose from either a Matte or Glossy finish.

4. Add plants or flowers for display

The final step is adding flowers or plants to display in your decoupage tin can planters.

Depending on your formula for Mod Podge (or another decoupage glue), you may need to let the cans cure. Mod Podge Multi suggests letting the project cure for 28 days before placing it outside.

I experimented with seasonal flowers like marigolds, snapdragons, and zinnias from my vegetable garden as well as floral bouquets with sunflowers.

Most cans today have a coating that should prevent rust. If you can protect your cans from “the elements,” they should last a few years. You can always make more if necessary!

Tips for Making Decoupage Tin Can Planters

These suggestions for decoupage planters apply to most decoupage projects. With practice, the whole process will become second nature.

1. Don’t overdo the glue. Applying too much decoupage glue can result in wrinkles or tears.
2. Use plastic wrap. Smoothing out your napkins with plastic wrap will prevent them from tearing.
3. Allow coats to dry fully. Waiting for your project to dry before applying a top layer will get better results.
4. Let the project cure. Letting your project dry fully will help the cans last longer outside.
5. Avoid exposure to harsh weather. Protecting your planters from direct sun and rain will extend their useful life.

Check out the other projects below for more decoupage inspiration, and leave a comment below if you have any questions. Happy Crafting!

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