Drinks trollies have had a real comeback recently, with some designer ones selling for over £1000! Why not make your own upcyled drinks trolley at a fraction of the price incorporating the “must have” look of rose gold and marble. Never again will your drinks parties be a dull affair with this trolley – just make sure you finish the look with eye catching, retro bar ware!
MATERIALS USED:
- A vintage drinks trolley
- Rose gold spray paint
- Primer spray paint
- Fablon marble sheets
- Black electrical tape (optional)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Screw driver
- Protective face mask
- Soapy water and a cloth
- Scraper – I used the one you get with a freezer
- Scissors
- Stanley knife
- Tin foil
HOW TO MAKE THIS PROJECT
Step 1: Find an old drinks trolley, preferably one that has seen better days! I chose a folding one with two tiers and wheels.
TOP TIP:
Check out sites such as Freecycle and Gumtree to find your trolley
Step 2: Using the screwdriver, remove the shelves from the frame and if possible the wheels
FRAME
Step 3: Clean the frame fully using soapy water and dry
Step 4: If there is any rust on the chrome frame, use tin foil to easily remove it. Scrunch up a piece of foil and dip into the water. Gently rub the rust with the foil to remove it. Wash again and fully dry.
Step 5: In a ventilated room or outside, wearing the face mask, slowly spray the frame with primer. Leave to dry.
TOP TIP:
To get a good even finish spray the top side of the frame and then when it is dry, turn it upside down to spray the underneath.
Step 6: When the primer is fully dry, spray the frame with a rose gold paint. I applied two coats.
SHELVES
Step 7: Wash the shelves and dry fully ensuring there is no dust on them.
Step 8: Place the shelf on the underside of the Fablon and cut out enough to cover it, adding an extra 2-3 cm all around.
Step 9: Carefully peel 5 cm of the Fablon and slowly apply to the shelf. I used an ice/freezer scraper to smooth out any bubbles as I applied it.
Step 10: Using the Stanley knife carefully cut the Fablon around the inside lip of the shelf and the excess material. Continue to smooth it down using the scraper until it is perfect.
Step 11: My shelves had a side lip which didn’t match the finished project. This lip could be painted but I chose to cover with electrical tape in black. White would also work well.
Step 12: Screw the shelves back on to the frame, add drinks, glasses and barware to finish the look.
The great thing about this trolley is that you could use it for other purposes such as a side table, bedside table or even outside when the weather gets better!
This is my project for Reloved Magazine.
