How to Convert an Old Milk Can to a Table

Milk can tables create a beautiful, country effect in any room. You can make a side table from a milk can of any type or finish, from smooth pristine stainless to rough and rustic, and a table top of any type of wood. Converting a old milk can into a table seems difficult at first, but with the right tools and instructions, you can transform your old milk can into a useful table for the cost of the can, wood and a few other inexpensive items. Does this Spark an idea?

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Milk can
Sponge
Mild detergent
3/4 inch thick wood
Reciprocating saw
Saw blade
120-grit sandpaper
Damp cloth
240-grit sandpaper
480-grit sandpaper
960-grit sandpaper
Wood stain
Paintbrush
Clean cloth
Polyurethane
Multi-purpose home projects adhesive
Disposable paintbrush
Heavy book

Instructions

- 1
  
  Wash the milk can with a sponge saturated in a mixture of mild detergent and water.
- 2
  
  Rinse the can thoroughly and allow it to dry for 1 hour.
- 3
  
  Cut a 21-inch round table top from 3/4-inch thick wood with a reciprocating saw equipped with a finishing saw blade.
- 4
  
  Sand the wood top with a series of sandpapers, starting with 120-grit and doubling the grit until you reach the 960-grit paper. Wipe the tabletop with a damp cloth between each paper to remove the sanding dust.
- 5
  
  Apply a wood stain with a paintbrush, wait 5 to 10 minutes and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
- 6
  
  Apply a first coat of polyurethane with a paint brush. Allow it to dry for 4 hours. Apply a second coat and allow it to dry for 6 hours.
- 7
  
  Dampen the bottom of the wood tabletop with a damp cloth.
- 8
  
  Apply five 3/4-inch beads of multi-purpose home projects repair adhesive to the can lid and spread the adhesive over the top surface with a disposable paintbrush.
- 9
  
  Position the tabletop centered over the can and press it firmly to the can. Lift the tabletop slightly away from the can and then reposition it on the can within 5 minutes.
- 10
  
  Weight the tabletop with a heavy book and leave it in place for at least 8 hours before removing it.

Tips & Warnings

Wear eye goggles and gloves when using a reciprocating saw.
Wear gloves when using adhesives.

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How to Convert an Old Milk Can to a Table

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