This thrift store kitchen scale was more than just worn—it was downright sad. Not the charming, vintage kind of worn; I mean the kind that begged for a makeover.
I’d been hunting for an affordable vintage kitchen scale for a while, so when I spotted this one for $5 I grabbed it. With a little imagination and a simple faux rust technique, I turned that discarded piece into a convincing vintage-style scale. If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly DIY to create a faux rust finish, this approach works on metal and plastic alike.
In the end, my refurbished scale cost about $16 total versus the $90+ vintage-style scales I’d been finding online. Even antique stores rarely offered one cheaper than $45, so the thrift find plus a little DIY saved a lot of money.
Supplies Used:
- Rustoleum Hammered Copper spray paint (or similar copper-tone spray)
- Folk Art Bark Brown matte acrylic paint (or a deep brown acrylic)
- Waverly Chalk Paint in Elephant (or a gray paint of your choice)
- Large craft brush for pouncing and dry brushing
- A stainless steel or metal scale (thrift store finds are perfect)
Step-by-step process
I began by protecting the scale face with tin foil so paint wouldn’t get into the dial. Then I sprayed the entire body with a coat of the copper spray paint to establish a warm, metallic base that would read like oxidized metal once layered.
While the copper base dried, I prepared the brown layer. I dabbed the Bark Brown acrylic on with a large craft brush, using a pouncing motion to add texture and random flecks that mimic rust buildup. Pouncing—tapping the brush rather than brushing in straight strokes—creates natural, uneven color variations that look authentic.
After the brown layer dried, I repeated the pouncing technique with the gray paint (Waverly Elephant), allowing parts of the brown to remain visible. Keeping the brown peeking through gives the impression of rust beneath paint, which adds depth and realism to the finish.
I also removed the plastic face and dry brushed a little brown onto it to give the dial a slightly aged look, and I painted the red pointer with a touch of black acrylic paint to mute the color and match the vintage aesthetic.
The whole process was quick and straightforward—mostly waiting for each layer to dry. Because I’d bought the scale without its bowl, I used a spare plastic bowl and applied the same faux rust technique. The result was convincing: this method works very well on plastic as well as metal.
I’m always surprised at how realistic faux finishes can be when you layer color and texture thoughtfully. This scale went from discarded to decor in a few simple steps, and now it brings a charming, lived-in look to our kitchen without the high price tag of true antiques.
If you enjoy upcycling thrifted finds, this faux rust technique is a reliable, low-cost way to add vintage character to metal or plastic pieces. It’s perfect for scales, buckets, planters, metal signs, and more.
Other thrift-to-treasure makeovers from friends:
(Clockwise from top left): Artsy Chicks Rule | Confessions of a Serial DIYer | Prodigal Pieces | Girl in the Garage
If you try this faux rust finish on your own thrifted treasures, I’d love to hear how it turns out. It’s an easy, affordable way to give old items new, vintage-inspired life.
