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28 Comments

  1. As a vintage lover, this is great. I loved that you added to cover the label. I often times feel that is an overlooked step in the process of refreshing galvanized metal. To me, it is one of the most vital steps of preserving the quality of the piece.

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      Definitely; love the labels!

  2. Wow!! They look so good!! I never knew any of these tips…very helpful, Lora!!

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      Glad you liked them, Rachel!

  3. I’m loving this post, Lora. I can’t wait to try some of these ideas. I would love to feature this on my Saltwater Sounds this Sunday.

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      Glad you enjoyed it, Kim! That would be great:)

  4. Dominique T says:

    Hi! I’m trying to restore my grandmothers pie safe. i’m not sure how old it is but it looks as if it’s from the 18 or 1900s. I’m trying to figure out how to clean it, it’s just a regular wooden pie safe with the tin on the front with the little holes poked through it. Do you have any advice on how I could clean it without harming the wood or metal? It’s one of the only pieces I have left of my grandmothers so I want to make sure I take good care of it. Thank you !! 😊

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      How fun that you have such a special piece! I would clean the wood with a gentle mixture of vinegar and warm water to start. It kind of depends what type of condition it’s in. If there are just some surface scratches in the wood, check out this post: https://lorabloomquist.com/refreshing-and-replenishing-wood-pieces-quickly-and-easily/ As you probably read, this post is a great way to revive the tin. Once clean, you could spray the tin sections with polyurethane to deepen the patina. Good luck!

  5. I found an old galvanized metal drawer that I would like to use as a sink vessel. If I clean it as described here and coat with poly – do you think that would work? I’m trying to figure out best way to clean it and then protect it since as a sink it will be getting wet.
    I would love your suggestions or thoughts? This is all new to me!

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      I can’t say I’ve ever tried doing it to a sink, Angie, so I can’t give you a definitive answer. Maybe you could clean it and apply several coats, drying thoroughly between each so you build up the surface. But think I’d try it first before I installed it permanently as a sink. I guess it would also matter what kind of sink you’re wanting to use it for. If you’re washing dishes in it, it would get much harder usage than in a guest bath, for example. Maybe try leaving some drops of water on the surface after it’s sealed and see what happens? Sorry I don’t know for sure; my pieces are used decoratively. Sounds very cool, though!

  6. Rebecca Payne says:

    Thank you for sharing. Great tips.

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      Your welcome, Rebecca!

  7. This is great, Lora! I really liked the tip about sealing labels. That’s genius and makes so much sense. Thank you for sharing!

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      Your welcome, Sheila! Those old labels are gold; gotta save them:)

  8. Fabulous tip, Lora. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      Glad you liked it, Cecilia!

  9. Great article! Galvanized stuff hasn’t come in my way–yet! Now that I know what to do with it, it just may! I, too, am itching for some yard sales–Maine doesn’t have much for estate sales. We had MORE snow, then rain here today. I am NOT a winter person! Been keeping out of GW as I have enough ahead for my booth, but, boy is it hard! Toured through the place where I have my booth today and found enough treasures for ME to keep me happy for a while.

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      Galvanized pieces always sold well for us, Kathy. Plus, they’re bigger so you are making more. And if you give yours this kind of beauty treatment, they’ll sell so much quicker and for more than your fellow dealers! Winter is kind of a dry spell for vintage finding and selling; I used to hit the online auctions this time of year for fresh stuff, although I’d much rather find goodies in person! Glad you enjoyed the info!

  10. Marlene Stephenson says:

    Your galvanized piece looks really nice, thanks for the information on how to clean them. When I go to an estate sale I always go to the garage
    and sheds first, then kitchen. I have found some wonderful old galvanized pieces.

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      Me, too, Marlene! I head to the basement or garage where stuff is cheaper and more grungy;) I do love the kitchen, too. If there’s a craft room, I make a beeline for that too, because I love old buttons and trims! I’m craving a good estate sale right now!

  11. How do you handle the pieces with labels, i.e. the bucket? Do you just scrub around the labels? Do you keep them from getting wet? So glad to know what to do with dirty galvanized pieces now. Thank you!

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      Such a good question, Bergundy!!! My label on this bucket was intact, yes, but I’ve had some that have been torn and falling off. Before I begin any scrubbing, I will attach the labels (sometimes it’s pieces) back on with modge podge. When that dries, I will lightly wipe the label off with a mild soap and damp cloth to get any surface dirt rubbed off. Then I will do a coat of modge podge over the top of the label, so it stays intact. Let it dry well before you scrub the rest of the piece. Then you can poly it all to really seal that cool, old label on! Your question was so perfect, I’m going to add this info to the post! Thanks for asking!

      1. Awesome, very helpful! Thank you so much. Really enjoy your blog!

        1. Lora Bloomquist says:

          So happy to hear, Bergundy!

  12. I love your old galvanized finds and you did a beautiful job. They would now grace any home. Thanks for all the tips.

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      I’m working on finding the perfect spots for all this awesome metal, Vikki!

  13. Why had I never thought to use an SOS pad on galvanized metal pieces? This is a great tip as is to add a few layers of poly to seal.

    1. Lora Bloomquist says:

      Yay! Glad you’ve got a new tool in your toolbox of tricks now, Paula! You can scoop up some galvanized at some spring sales!