If you look around your house, you are bound to find a couple of unused porcelain canisters. There might be some you would have bought with the intent of doing something with them, but they are lying ignored at the back of the shelf. Doesn’t matter where they came from, the question is, “Do they find a place of pride in your kitchen or not?” Well, if the answer is no, then it’s time to take them out now.

Painting or spray-painting

A new coat of paint can transform porcelain canisters from old to new, from boring to trendy. Before you start taking them out, figure out how you want to use them. In case you plan to use a canister to store food items, tape a plastic bag tightly on the inside to avoid spilling paint there. You can also use non-toxic paints. Some of the styles and patterns that you can try are discussed below:

• Chalkboard paint – Covering a porcelain canister with chalkboard paint can turn it into your little canvas. You can use chalk to label it, write an inspirational quote or just put on a basic chalk sketch design.
• Designs and patterns – Chevron is the pattern of choice for everything from cushions to curtains. The pattern will give your old porcelain canisters an in-trend makeover. You can also choose a pattern that works well with the current theme in your kitchen or living room.
• Bold or metallic color – Pick a bold color and give the canister a coat all over. Quicker to do than a pattern design, it might make a canister a statement piece for the kitchen countertop. A metallic color will lend a touch of glamor and will be a fun addition to the kitchen.

Stencils

Create some cool and creative designs on the old porcelain canisters. A stencil that can be pasted on works best. A loose stencil can throw off your entire effort. The easiest way to paint with stencils is to use a spray gun. Spraying gives great coverage easily, even with extremely intricate designs. These can be used with paint to create a personalized design. You can also use stencils to create some eccentric designs and interesting silhouettes with animals.

Decoupage

This can be done with old bits of paper or fabric. Finalize a design first and then cut the chosen piece of fabric or paper. Put it on the canister using craft glue. Make sure that the edges are smooth and levelled. You can achieve this by tilting the cutting edge slightly towards outside. Once this is done, apply another layer of craft glue and let it dry. While craft glue works best, you can also use white glue by diluting it. To complete the decoupage, apply another layer of craft glue. Applying an additional layer to seal the decoupage is optional and is needed most, if you fear that the canister might see wear and tear. The design will look more like a painting with several layers of additional sealing.