Make Any Thrift Store Figurine Look Like It's Made Of Aged Metal With A DIY

Thrift stores are often filled to the brim with a variety of figurines for decorating both the home and garden in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors. However, the old paint and decorations on these little sculptures can sometimes cause them to look relatively cheap or outdated. That doesn't mean you have to pass them up in favor of brand new products, though! There is actually a simple, affordable way to make your thrift store figurines look like classic metal models in just a few steps.

To transform thrift store figurines into adorable decor that looks like aged metal, you will need some brown and black paint, baking soda, a jar of cinnamon, and a bottle of clear spray paint. This DIY works great on thrifted figurines made of wood, as they tend to already be primed, making them suitable for picking up the new layers of paint. However, you can also use ceramic figurines for this clever DIY by gently sanding the surface with fine sandpaper to give the paint something to adhere to. If the figurine that you want to repaint has some existing damage, such as chips in the bottom or missing fingers or toes, you can use some Old Potters air-dry ceramic clay to recreate the shape of the original section. This will then be painted along with the rest of the figurine to help it blend in with the overall look. So, are you interested in giving an old, outdated figurine a classy, metallic upgrade? Let's dive into the specific steps of this DIY and how you can do it yourself.

This DIY was explained in a video by TikTok user @vintagrotto, who presented each step on a rundown old bunny figurine they wanted to look like legitimate, aged metal. As shown in the video, this is a great option for adding a classy, weathered look to your Easter decorations. However, it can also be utilized throughout the year to give an old-world feel to your Christmas mantle decor or summer lawn decorations.

First, mix some brown paint with a dash of baking soda, which will help add a grainy texture to the surface, and it look more weathered and authentic. Completely cover your figurine with the mixture and allow it to dry. Then, pat on a touch of black paint to bring out the details in the figurine. Once that layer of paint is dry, sprinkle the cinnamon all over the piece and shake off the excess. The cinnamon acts as a sort of faux dust on the exterior of the figurine, making it look like it's been exposed to the elements to create a classic worn look. Finally, coat the entire thing in a layer of clear spray paint to seal everything in. Keep in mind that if you plan to place the newly-aged figurine outside, you may want to use an extra layer of the clear spray paint to ensure the cinnamon doesn't get washed away in inclement weather. In addition, if your new paint job gets any chips over time, you can always do a quick touch-up with the paint and cinnamon to keep giving your home an older, lived-in feel.