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Painting Tin Candle Holders

Tole Candle Holders

I'm interested in making candle holders out of tin cans, but what kind of paint do I use to paint the cans?

Carla

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Sounds like you’re interested in tole painting. Tole is French for tin and is the method of painting on tin cans that was brought to America by European immigrants.

Most often used themes are folk art designs. Learning the decorative stroke techniques is not difficult, but does require practice.

By the way, tole painting has gone way beyond tin and now refers more to the stroke techniques than to the surface painted.

For painting tin can candle holders, you should consider the use your painted item will be put to. If it is to be a simple decorative item, I recommend DecoArt No-Prep Metal Paint for its ease of use. As the name implies, no priming is necessary. Neither is varnish.

DecoArt Metal Paint cleans up with water, is non-toxic, weatherproof and one-step. If there is rust on your tin cans, coat them first with the DecoArt Clear Medium to prevent the rust from mixing with the paint colors.

Also, use Clear Medium as a diluent since thinning with water will weaken the paint’s ability to adhere to the tin.

If your project needs to stand up to heavier use, I recommend Delta Air-Dry PermEnamel . It is the only durable air dry paint for glass, tile, ceramics, and metal.

After curing, your project will be dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe. PermEnamel cleans up with water, is non-toxic and weatherproof but is not one-step.

Prime with Delta’s Metal Primer; then paint. For a glazed and even more durable finish, apply Delta’s clear glaze.

These books are excellent sources of information on tole painting:

Tole Painting Made Easy

The Big Book of Decorative Painting: How to Paint If You Don't Know How-And How to Improve If You Do

Traditional Tole Painting: With Authentic Antique Designs and Working Diagrams for Stenciling and Brush-Stroke Painting, Adaptable for Trays, Boxes

You can also find tole painting tutorials and ideas by clicking here.

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