From trash to treasure

This transformation is a testament to what you can do with a little paint, some elbow grease and a little creative vision.

We had this metal cart sitting in the basement for years. It was no longer needed but had been pretty beat up. I'm not certain how many years it sat in a cold dark and a little damp basement, but I know it was at least 8 years since it had moved from one house to another each time relinquished to the basement. I just couldn't send it to the dump or recycling center because it was so well made. I knew some day I would do something with it. Its latest move took it to the garage and i needed to make some space so I decided to give it a little revamp. 

Picture above shows the before image. First I scrubbed it with TSP alternative from Fusion, sanded off the rust that had started to accumulate on some of the shelves, then let it dry. Since the piece was metal I put a coat of Fusion Ultragrip on first and let it dry for 12 or so hours. Next I gave it a coat of Fusion paint in Coal Black and let that dry. While it was drying, I took mixed some Fusion Metallic paint in Bronze and Brushed Steel in with some of the Coal Black for it's second and final coat. The Metallic added just a little bit of sparkle and made the paint come alive giving it an almost wrought Iron appearance. 

Finally I took a left over piece of Butcher Block that was given to me and sanded off the previously poly urethaned finish down to bare wood, starting with 60 grit and working my way up to 220 grit paper. Let me tell you that butcherblock was a smooth as a baby's behind. I left the butcher block just sit on top of the cart and will add some handles so it can be removed and used as a charcuterie board.