DIY Bar Cart Makeover

Make this DIY upcycled bar cart project that uses materials you already have at home for a high-end, classy look.

Say hello to the prettiest bar cart I’ve ever seen. Let me tell ya, it wasn’t always this pretty. We found it at the Country Living Fair in Atlanta last fall. My hub thought I was crazy when I stopped at the booth and pointed at it and said “this is going home with us.” After some quick negotiations, we snagged it for fifteen bucks.

 

Sure enough, this big strong hunk of a man had to lug it all the way back to the truck, load it up, drive three hours home, and unload it, but I promised him it would be worth it.

So here it was in all of its glory. Rust galore, damaged wheels, bent leg. Did I mention rust?

But not for long! With a couple of cans of spray paint, some tools, and an unexpected material, this old cart was about to have its ugly little life changed.

 

I started by taking it apart. Easier said than done, since not only were the shelves and legs rusty, but the screws were too. Those would definitely need to be replaced with some newbies. When I finally got it apart, I sanded it down with a medium grit sanding sponge all over. Then I wiped it down with a damp rag and dried it well.

After some minor repairs, I coated the legs with gold [rust-preventing] spray paint, and the shelves with three coats of white. I also spray painted the tips of new screws gold so they would blend in with the legs.

When the paint dried,  I broke out my secret weapon—Marble Contact Paper. (Cue the choir in the background making heavenly sounds) I cut the paper to size, then covered each shelf carefully to make sure there were no air bubbles. (Shopping link for this paper, and other supplies, at the bottom of the post)

 

Huge difference, right? Then I put the cart back together, which was not as easy as I expected. I kind of forgot what order it was supposed to be assembled. Don’t forget the assembly steps like I did.

And Ta-Da! Here we are back at where we started in the beginning. No one will ever know this was an ugly duckling. No one will ever know it was headed to the trash if it didn’t get purchased at the Fair, nd no one will know that underneath that gorgeous marble was years of icky rust.

And honestly, not many will know that it isn’t real marble. This paper really is that realistic.

After all that carrying and moving and carrying some more, I think my hubby has earned himself a drink. Take your pick, sir. 🙂

Love this bar cart and want to make your own? Here are the exact products I used during this makeover. (aff. links)

Sanding Sponge

Gold Spray Paint

White Spray Paint

Marble Contact Paper

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