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Young House Love » Crafting & Art » How To Paint Metal Cups To Make Two-Tone Votive Holders

| By Sherry Petersik | October 14, 2010 | 171 Comments

How To Paint Metal Cups To Make Two-Tone Votive Holders

When we spotted these odd little metal cups for $1.50 a pop at Goodwill (which you may have noticed in our recent Halloween post) we decided to take them home for a speedy little spray paint makeover. We fell in love with the little cut-out shape and since we already had yellow and white spray paint around (thanks to this project and this project) we got right to work.

Cups Before Spraying

Our concept was to make the inside of each cup yellow and the outside of each one white, just for a little two-tone fun. So we thought up a few ways that might work when it came to accomplishing that effect. First we debated spraying the whole thing white and then covering the outside with painter’s tape and then spraying in the inside yellow. But we reasoned that it would be harder to spray the inside of the cups (and the painter’s tape might peel off the new-ish paint) so we decided to start by spraying the inside of each cup with yellow paint, which of course got on the outside a bit as well:

Cups Spray Step2

Then instead of messing with painter’s tape we decided to try rolling up a piece of white paper and slipping it into each cup (to hopefully shield the yellow spray painted interior from the coat of white spray paint that we then applied to the outside).

Cups Spray Step3

Here’s what it looked like after that coat of white was added:

Cups Spray Step4

We had no idea if it would actually work, so when we removed the rolled up piece of paper from each cup after the paint dried, we were pleasantly surprised to see that we were left with a nearly perfect result:

Cups Done 1

And it honestly only took about three minutes to complete the entire project (not counting the five hour drying period that we allowed for after spraying the yellow and before slipping in the white sheets of paper in and spraying the outside white).

Cups Done 2

We love the idea of using them for flameless candles so the yellow interiors are illuminated without the risk of setting our whole house on fire. You know, because that would be bad.

Cups Done 3

What about you guys? Are you spray painting anything in a two tone finish? Are you morally opposed to faux candles because you think they’re tacky (you know those small battery operated fake-os)? I must admit I resisted them for a while but for things like this they’re tres handy.

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Comments

  1. kristi bishop says

    October 14, 2010 at 10:52 pm

    Hi Sherry,
    okay are you sitting down??? this is not something i spray painted but i DID find it at goodwill…are you ready? A Jonathan Adler lantern vase!!! with the stamp on the bottom and all. as soon as i got home i looked it up it is selling for $98. I swiped that puppy up for a mere .99 yes 99 cents!!! i knew you would appreciate my find.
    i love the painted cups btw. have a good one!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      October 14, 2010 at 11:04 pm

      Uh.Mazing.

      Congrats on your big score!

      xo,
      s

  2. Carmel @ our fifth house says

    October 14, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    I was just at Goodwill today; and found 2 ceramic birds that made me think of you and 1 ceramic owl that me think of Katie :) I didn’t buy them but I did buy an awesome side table (totally the hubs style) for $6.50! No spray paint needed, but I do love how your 2-toned look came out!

    Reply
  3. Carmen says

    October 14, 2010 at 11:51 pm

    I love these! What a unique idea. I much prefer real candles but honestly you can’t beat the battery operated candles. They are much easier and definitely safer. We’ll use the tealights for all our jack-o-lanterns this year again. I wouldn’t mind also having the pillar LED lights, that way I could “light” them on my mantel without fear of burning my house down.

    Reply
  4. christie says

    October 15, 2010 at 12:29 am

    Awesome! I love how they came out. You have such a great eye. I would have never thought to do that, but I really love the two toned paint and how the yellow reflects the candlelight!

    Reply
  5. Rebecca Foxworth says

    October 15, 2010 at 1:28 am

    I looked it up. And I found out that, “6,780 homes were destroyed by fire in a four year period” in the United States. Um…yeah…I like the fake candles. Plus, they don’t burn children, either. I’m a “flameless” fan.

    Reply
  6. Rebecca Foxworth says

    October 15, 2010 at 1:32 am

    Oh, and when I read the title, I thought you were about to make some great Breast Cancer Awareness Month post. Ha!

    Reply
  7. Kari says

    October 15, 2010 at 7:39 am

    LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!!! What a unique accessory…I think my Goodwill needs an overhaul!!! LOL! :D I love the two tone, looks fabulous!!

    Reply
  8. JC ~ Palm Springs UK says

    October 15, 2010 at 7:42 am

    Wow, that is so cool. I love how you did that…I think I might shamelessly steal that idea and apply it to something in my house. Exciting! Love your blog x

    Reply
  9. Kim says

    October 15, 2010 at 7:49 am

    ok really! How on earth do you come up with these ideas. I would have never thought of a project like this if I saw these in the Goodwill store.

    Reply
  10. Adam R says

    October 15, 2010 at 8:07 am

    The two color finish turned out wonderful, what a great idea!

    Reply
  11. kelly says

    October 15, 2010 at 8:13 am

    Love, love, LOVE IT!!! :)

    Reply
  12. antonia says

    October 15, 2010 at 8:15 am

    Great idea! They look awesome! Almost like those cut-out paper decorations.

    Reply
  13. Cindy says

    October 15, 2010 at 8:31 am

    I love this color combination! I’ve been trying to decide what color to paint the walls in my dark kitchen, and was thinking “butter and cream” and now that I see the colors together, I can’t wait to get started painting!

    Reply
  14. susan says

    October 15, 2010 at 8:41 am

    Very, very clever. Where did I put my spray pain? Susan

    Reply
  15. Kristin says

    October 15, 2010 at 8:44 am

    Beautiful!

    I’ve got one question regarding spray painting: Did you paint the bottom of the cups as well and, if yes, how?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      October 15, 2010 at 8:50 am

      Hey Kristin,

      We left the bottoms unpainted (shhhh, don’t tell) but had we wanted to paint them we probably would’ve start there first and just stood the cups upside down, given a light coat to the bottoms only and let it dry before proceeding with the rest of the project.

      -John

  16. leanne says

    October 15, 2010 at 8:55 am

    Hey guys! This is a GREAT idea. I love that you used two colors, instead of one. I’ll have to try it myself next time. One question…I guess it’s okay not to use primer on metal? I’ve always used it when making over anything brass, but I’d love to skip that step if it’s not necessary. thanks for another inspiring project!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      October 15, 2010 at 8:59 am

      Leanne,

      Just make sure whatever spray paint you’re using says it works on metal. If it does, then you should be fine without primer (as long as it’s not super rusted)!

      -John

  17. Julie says

    October 15, 2010 at 9:03 am

    Love them. They look great!

    Reply
  18. Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says

    October 15, 2010 at 9:31 am

    These are so adorable! And the best part is that you can always redo them if the mood strikes, though I do love the bright and cheerful color combo that you chose! Love it! Spray paint envy continues…

    Reply
  19. Jennifer says

    October 15, 2010 at 9:56 am

    Great project. I gotta tell ya…I Love the flameless candles Ours have timers so they come on at the same time every evening and I dont have to remember to turn them off, as they automatically go off 6 hrs later. They are a little more, but the peace of mind is worth it.

    Reply
  20. Cher says

    October 15, 2010 at 10:18 am

    This is so relevent to me. I am going to attempt to paint two large brass planters from India that my neighbor gave me (freebie :)). Someone told me to use a self-etching primer (?? – hopefully I can get it at home depot) so the paint will stick to the metal and not peel. Have you all used this before?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      October 15, 2010 at 10:21 am

      Our experience with metal is that it takes paint really really well, so we have never needed to use primer (even on hot metal fireplace doors). It couldn’t hurt though. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  21. Tiff Morrison says

    October 15, 2010 at 10:41 am

    LOVE this

    Reply
  22. katie kindness says

    October 15, 2010 at 10:58 am

    i think the people who donated the metal cups would like them back:) Love the look!

    Reply
  23. Etcetorize says

    October 15, 2010 at 11:10 am

    Love, love, love this project. I know what I’ll be on t he lookout the next time I’m in the 2nd hand shop!

    Reply
  24. Dayna Coronado says

    October 15, 2010 at 11:28 am

    So Awesome. I cannot say enough what wonderful ideas you all have! I have a question- if I am spray painting a round mirror that is gold now, white (Like those fab animals you love), how do I tape it exactly? Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      October 15, 2010 at 11:29 am

      Hey Dayna,

      We would try to tape off the edge with painters tape as well as possible and then spray. Once everything’s dry, remove the tape and carefully use a straight razor to scrape any paint off the surface of the mirror. You could also try to cut a piece of cardboard in the round shape and just put that down over the mirror before you spray to protect it and hug the round edges. Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  25. MB says

    October 15, 2010 at 11:40 am

    Those are fantastic! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and really enjoy it! Thanks for all the inspiration and have a happy weekend.

    Reply
  26. Monique says

    October 15, 2010 at 11:44 am

    What brand paint did you use? Was it low VOC or low odor? Thanks!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      October 15, 2010 at 11:52 am

      Hey Monique,

      We always have an eye out for low or no VOC spray paint, but alas, we haven’t found any yet (although we’re sure people will hop on that bandwagon soon). Instead we just spray everything outside while wearing masks and let it thoroughly dry (and offgas) before bringing it in. We haven’t had any odor issues at all from that method. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  27. Jenn L @ peas and crayons says

    October 15, 2010 at 11:49 am

    OMG so funny – I’ve been spray painting fun finds all week. So much, in fact, that my pointer finger has a giant spray-paint-can-tip sized blister on it (owwww!) No pain no gain! Haha

    I love the two tone finish! Homegoods had some similar vases/candle holders last week that I was drooling over.

    Crazy awesome vase

    Reply
  28. Holly says

    October 15, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    Love them! I am going to have to keep my eyes open for something similar.

    I did steal some of your other Goodwill/spray painting ideas. I bought some cheap candle sticks that were tarnished brass and spray painted 2 bright orange and 1 teal. I also bought a ceramic bird and spray painted it orange. All of them turned out great and were lovely additions to our living room! $4 for the items, like $6 for the paint and I was set!

    Reply
  29. Natalee says

    October 15, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    OH my goodness! These are so thrifty. I love them!

    Reply
  30. Cordia says

    October 15, 2010 at 9:24 pm

    Uggh! Beautiful! You guys are killing me with your creativity! Lol!

    Reply
  31. Indira says

    October 16, 2010 at 6:19 am

    Hi Sherry,

    Just wondering where you store all the cardboard boxes you use for these paint projects. You seem to spray paint a lot and from those images i often see new boxes not old ones that are being used.

    So are there any tips for us to use store such boxes so that it would’nt occupy too much space. We often tend to throw those boxes, thinking that would occupy more space.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      October 16, 2010 at 6:20 am

      We keep them in the garage. Just a few broken down boxes and a few that have yet to be broken down end up in the recycling pile so I keep them around instead of bringing them to the curb!

      xo,
      s

  32. Nicole says

    October 16, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    The “before” picture looks like those cups may be real silver… I scout goodwill for real silver items that may be just VERY tarnished, and I spend lots of time polishing them to some of their former glory. I’m kind of a “purist” when it comes to the materials in decorative items. :)

    Reply
  33. Renae says

    October 16, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    I love the fake candles for opaque candle holders… but if its clear I think the fake candles look tacky.

    Reply
  34. Clara in Paradise says

    October 17, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    I made some glass lanterns out of old wire hangers and glass jars. They are on the dining table in our terrace, it is a breezy spot, and we usually eat with the ceiling fan on, so regular candles are not very useful.

    On top of that we have a pyro-curious 5 year old, and we’d like our home not to burn down (or our kid to get hurt). This is why we use fake tealights instead. they flicker, and in you can’t see they are fake through the frosted glass.

    Another advantage to this is that do not produce heat, always a plus in the tropics.

    Reply
  35. Monica says

    October 18, 2010 at 11:09 am

    More from the “purists” camp, I suppose…just thought I’d share, those are definitely solid silver sleeves for mexican tequila glasses (I have a couple that I brought back from a trip to Mexico nearly 20 years ago). And while not very useful for sipping tequila without the inner glass, still not so sure about spray painting the silver. Oh well, to each his own.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      October 18, 2010 at 11:30 am

      Hey Monica,

      We figured for $1.50 a pop we couldn’t go wrong- but we know not everyone would be so paint happy! It’s a sickness.

      xo,
      s

  36. Sarah@StyleandCentsability says

    October 18, 2010 at 12:13 pm

    Seriously Cool!! I love the way the yellow really shines with the lit candles.

    And you spray painted something white that wasn’t a critter-ha!

    http://styleandcentsability.wordpress.com/

    Reply
  37. Holyoke Home says

    October 18, 2010 at 5:07 pm

    They look GREAT! I’m no purist, but don’t show this post to anyone who likes antique silver! These were really collectible when they had their glass insides!

    Good for you for reusing them!

    Reply
  38. Nicole says

    October 18, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    Those are vintage Cordial/Sherry Glasses! Too bad they are missing the glass inserts…

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      October 18, 2010 at 6:38 pm

      Love that they’re sherry glasses- they were totally calling my name!

      xo,
      s

  39. Christine says

    October 19, 2010 at 9:45 am

    They look AMAZING!!! I definitely would have gone for the obvious black and silver – your ability to visualize things like this is what sets you apart. :)

    As for flameless candles, I too resisted, until a) I discovered a pack of vanilla-scented pillars at Costco and decided they’d be nice in my big front window, without setting my curtains on fire; and b) I livened up my upstairs landing with a big lovely decorative sconce that called for 6 tealights, but, um, our cape has VERY low ceilings upstairs, and the sconce was not only too close to the ceiling but also too close to the smoke detector. D’oh! We only light ’em when we’ve got company who are going to be tossing their coats in the upstairs bedroom, but it’s definitely great to have them for that. We’ll probably also use fake candles for our jack o’lanterns this year.

    Reply
  40. Monica says

    October 21, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    Whoa, those look so amazing! And what a great idea with the two-toned colours. I’m definitely going to do this soon!

    Reply
  41. Kristina says

    October 21, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    I discovered the fake tealight candles when I learned that real candles weren’t allowed at our wedding venue. Now I’m totally hooked (as long as the candle holders aren’t completely transparent)!!

    Reply
  42. Tracy says

    October 22, 2010 at 7:24 pm

    Such a simple idea, and yet you guys are genius for thinking of it! I seriously love it. Now I need to find me some good cups…

    Reply
  43. Candi says

    October 24, 2010 at 7:46 pm

    I love it! What a great idea!!!

    Reply
  44. Leah says

    October 26, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    You totally inspired me! Thank you!

    http://californiacallahans.blogspot.com/2010/10/remember-when-i-said-i-was-going-to.html

    Reply
  45. Bea says

    April 17, 2012 at 3:14 am

    excellento!

    Reply
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John and Sherry Sitting On Woven ChairHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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