How To Transform A Rusty Metal Bucket With IOD Transfers

There’s just something about a rusty, crusty thrifted find that gets my creative wheels turning. At first glance, this metal container looked like it had seen better days (I’m pretty sure it once belonged to an old ice cream turner!), but I knew it had serious potential. With the right transfer and a little patience, even the most worn pieces can become beautiful, one-of-a-kind home decor.

or this easy upcycle, I’m using IOD’s Lost Garden transfer—one of my favorites because of its wispy florals and gorgeous negative space. It’s the perfect choice when you want to enhance a piece without completely covering up that aged, vintage character. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I applied the transfer to a curved metal surface, pieced it together seamlessly, and sealed it for a soft, flat finish that lets the florals shine.

If you love thrift flips, vintage metal, and simple DIY projects that make a big impact, you’re going to love this one.

Items Needed:

*Product can be purchased directly through my website [www.juliesdesignsandsigns.com]

IOD Products

Lost Garden Transfer

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I found this rusty metal container at the Goodwill bins. This one had plenty of character and texture, which made it perfect for an upcycle. The aged metal was a beautiful background for the transfer instead of needing to cover it up.

For this project, I used IOD’s Lost Garden transfer. This transfer is a wispy, delicate floral design with lots of negative space, making it ideal for both furniture and smaller decor pieces, especially when you want the original surface to show through.

Before applying anything, I planned how I wanted the transfer to fit on the piece. The Lost Garden transfer pages connect together to form one larger design. I cut the bottom half of two transfer pages so they could connect and create one long section that wraps around the metal container.

Once the two pieces were cut out I peeled off the white backing from one of the transfer sheets. I worked with one section at a time to keep everything aligned. This makes it more manageable, especially on a curved surface.

I aligned the transfer just above the small trim detail at the bottom of the container to keep everything straight and even.

I rubbed the transfer from the center outward using my IOD transfer tool. As you move toward the edges, gently rub while slightly lifting the transfer sheet. This helps the design adhere smoothly to curved metal without wrinkles or gaps.

Once the first section was complete, I lined up the second cut transfer piece where the designs meet. I repeated the same rubbing process until both sections were fully transferred and looked seamless.

Lastly, I sealed the finished piece using Dixie Belle Clear Coat in Flat for a soft, non-shiny finish. A little goes a long way. This protects the transfer while keeping the vintage look intact.

Tip: If you prefer a shiny metal finish, you can use the gloss version instead.

The delicate florals paired with the rusty metal created a beautiful contrast. Even better—you only used two small pieces of the transfer, leaving plenty left for future projects.

Have you ever used IOD Transfers to DIY? Which collection is your favorite? Comment below!

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Hi, I’m Julie! One of my favorite pastimes is scouring thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales for hidden treasures. There’s nothing more satisfying than giving pre-loved items a second life and transforming them into something truly beautiful! Want more DIY inspiration?

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How To Transform A Rusty Metal Bucket With IOD Transfers