• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

My Vintage Porch

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • DIY
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Shop
    • Shop My Instagram
    • My Etsy Shop
    • IG Links

My Vintage Porch

Interior Design, DIY, and Refurbishing

DIY Old Clocks

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: aged clock, antique, clock, clocks, diy, diy clock, diy home, diy rust, farmhouse, how to rust, old clock, old rusty clock, project, rusted, rusted clock, rusty, vintage

After rusting the hardware for my last dresser project, I have been wanting to rust everything that I touch! I thought it would be cool to try this technique on some new clocks. I love the look of old rusty clocks and actually have several that I picked up from an antique market.

I found this little alarm clock and thought it would be a great clock to rust and knew it would fit perfectly with my little old clock collection.

I also found this larger clock. I wasn’t sure if either of them would turn out like I was envisioning, but it was worth a shot. They were only under $10 a piece.

I took the larger clock apart, hoping that the paper backing with the numbers would just come right out so that it would be easier to age. It was adhered to the clock, so I had to do my best to age it while it was set into the clock. I used this technique to age the paper, but this time, I used a blow dryer to dry it, instead of putting it in the oven to dry the the previous tutorial. I opened one of the tea bags and spread out the spices all over the clock, keeping the tea stained water at a minimum on the clock paper, and then dried it with the hair dryer. I didn’t want to get it too wet, thinking that it may not work if I had.

After it was dryed, I brushed off the spices. I used the same technique on the smaller clock, but I actually had to break the glass to get to the paper on the smaller clock. I just carefully tapped it with a hammer and then removed the broken glass. I didn’t mind because, some of the older clocks are missing the glass as well.

I wanted the glass part of the larger clock to look old too. I used some tan acrylic craft paint to age it. You can see, below, that the right side is finished. I used 80 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface of the glass and then used a small paint brush to spread the tan paint around on the glass. The sanded surface helped the paint to adhere better. I then wiped the paint off , leaving some of it on the glass to make it look foggy and aged.

Now the fun part, the rusting technique. I used the same “rusting kit” that I used to rust the hardware for my last dresser project. It’s a super easy three step process. Anything that can be painted, can be “rusted”, with this technique.

I had to be super careful when painting the hands on the small clock. Then before spraying the activator, I gently tucked some paper towel behind the hands of the clock so that I wouldn’t get the entire paper wet.

I’m in love with the way they turned out! The smaller one is my fave of the two, but they are both pretty amazing and rusty! It fits in perfectly with my old clocks, just as I had desired!

Every time I use this rusting technique, I’m just amazed with the authenticity that it gives. It looks like a clock that’s been sitting around for 100 years.

I even fooled my son, Kaden. I told him that I just bought this clock brand new yesterday and he said, “no way…how did it get all rusty like that?”

I think maybe I should put it back in the box, take it back to the store to customer service, and ask why my new clock rusted overnight. That would be fun!

The large one looks great too! Even the glass looks dirty and old, like an old clock. I decided not to rust the hands on this one, but I think they would look great rusted too.

Just a little tip for the process…make sure to be careful with the hands of the clock. Not that this is not an obvious tip, but I was trying to rush to get this done and broke the hour hand on the smaller clock. It still works but it may always be 6:00. Oh well, my old ones don’t work at all and 6:00 seems like a good time to be stuck at, right?

This is such a great way to give a vintage/aged look to a brand new clock. If you have wanted an old clock and have trouble finding them, like I sometimes do…now you can just make your own.

Do you think that this is something that you might try? The rusting solution goes a long way. I’ve already rusted 90 pieces of hardware, and now these clocks with those three little bottles. I did buy a large bottle of the activator solution, but the paint just keeps going and going. All that to say, you can rust a lot of things with a small amount. It’s well worth it! I hope this inspires you to bring some old into your new!

Some very talented friends of mine have joined in to share some of their DIYs as well. Tap on each name below to head over and meet my friends and see what they are sharing for their DIY projects!

  • Shannon- Fox Hollow Cottage-How To Install Shiplap Above A Fireplace
  • Rachel- Maison de Pax-DIY Painted Bunk Beds
  • Liz- Love Grows Wild-Paper Mache Pressed Flower Art
  • Sarah- Sarah Joy Blog-DIY “Antique” Books In Five Minutes
  • Randi- Randi Garrett Design-Heart Pound Cake Recipe
  • Bre- Rooms For Rent-DIY Planked Bathroom Ceiling

*Affiliate links are used in this post

  • TWITTER
  • FACEBOOK
  • PINTEREST

View More Related Posts

  • How To Lighten And Update Stained FurnitureHow To Lighten And Update Stained Furniture
  • Stripping Furniture With Oven CleanerStripping Furniture With Oven Cleaner
  • DIY Hypertufa PotsDIY Hypertufa Pots

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rachel Paxton says

    January 30, 2020 at 7:37 am

    What a fun idea, Natalie! I love how they turned out. 🙂

  2. Randi says

    January 30, 2020 at 9:25 am

    They are so cute Natalie! xoxo

    • Rhonda says

      January 30, 2020 at 6:44 pm

      They look amazing!! I love them Natalie!!

  3. Stephanie says

    January 30, 2020 at 9:31 am

    I love this! I have a thing for clocks. Well, clocks and light fixtures. I’m going to have to try this out. Thanks for sharing your DIY!

  4. Shannon Fox says

    January 30, 2020 at 9:32 am

    Nat those came out so neat! They DO look 100 years old. Love them in a collection as well, they’ve got such presence.

  5. LindaStewart says

    January 30, 2020 at 10:10 am

    I have a love for old clocks. I love what you have done. You have given inspiration to do this to mine.
    Thank you Natalie

  6. Sandra says

    January 30, 2020 at 10:38 am

    I love clocks and rust. Great project. At least your clock will be right twice a day!

  7. Kathy M says

    January 30, 2020 at 10:51 am

    Like my English husband would say, ‘I’m gobsmacked!” These came out just amazing!

  8. Sarah says

    January 30, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    What?! This is AMAZING. I can’t get over how authentic these look. Well done!

  9. Frazzled Mom says

    January 30, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    That is too cool but stop showing projects with this neato rusting kit. I have it sitting in my Amazon basket waiting for payday tomorrow. Wait until I order it! Ha ha! Just kidding! I can’t wait to rust all the things!!

  10. Sharon says

    January 30, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    Love then SO much!
    Natalie you have to!! And video yourself when you take them back! ????

  11. Mary says

    January 30, 2020 at 1:49 pm

    Natalie you are a diy genius. Those clocks looks amazing!! Thank you for always being such an inspiration to us all.

  12. Kelli Cash says

    January 30, 2020 at 2:39 pm

    I love your style. LOVE! But mine would do not turn out that way! Can I just buy all your stuff? ????

  13. Tammy says

    January 30, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    What a fabulous DIY! I too have a thing for clocks, especially old clocks and I love how you made these look old!! Love how you grouped them together!!! Thank you for sharing this with us, now I’m off to look for the clocks I have tucked away in the garage!!!!????????

  14. Amy says

    January 30, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    Girl! You are the DIY queen! So creative. You blow me away with every project.

  15. Meredith Atkins says

    January 30, 2020 at 7:22 pm

    These blew me away! Amazing job!!! ????

  16. Karren Friedman says

    January 30, 2020 at 7:35 pm

    Love how you displayed the awesome work you have done with the clocks!

  17. Carol says

    January 30, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    Could be a weekend project for me! I have the perfect clock too! Thanks for sharing.

  18. Lori Harmon says

    January 31, 2020 at 12:24 am

    You are the Master of Rust!
    So what’s next! Just don’t rust Chester!
    Lori

  19. Stefani says

    January 31, 2020 at 2:31 am

    These turned out great! I showed my husband the after picture and he thought they were old clocks!! I’ve been so inspired by your blog lately. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and processes.

  20. Sylvia says

    January 31, 2020 at 2:57 am

    Wow, the clocks look amazing! You are one talented lady!!! 🙂

  21. Paula says

    January 31, 2020 at 7:47 am

    Dear DIY Goddess,
    These turned out so good! But what else we we expect. ????

    Hugs,
    Paula
    http://www.dimplesonmywhat.com

    • My Vintage Porch says

      February 1, 2020 at 9:02 pm

      lol, you gave me a smile with this one! thank you for being so kind!

  22. Amy McCauley says

    February 3, 2020 at 8:18 am

    this is really, really amazing! I’m totally trying this!! thank you!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      February 3, 2020 at 8:19 pm

      Yay! I hope you do!

Trackbacks

  1. DIY Planked Bathroom Ceiling - Rooms For Rent blog says:
    January 30, 2020 at 6:46 am

    […] My Vintage Porch […]

  2. DIY Painted Bunk Beds - Maison de Pax says:
    January 30, 2020 at 7:45 am

    […] My Vintage Porch | Randi Garrett Design | Fox Hollow Cottage Sarah Joy Blog | Love Grows Wild | Rooms for Rent […]

  3. Heart Pound Cake Recipe - Randi Garrett Design says:
    January 30, 2020 at 9:16 am

    […] My Vintage Porch […]

  4. How To Install Shiplap Above A Fireplace - Fox Hollow Cottage says:
    January 30, 2020 at 9:47 am

    […] Visit Natalie at My Vintage Porch [click here] […]

  5. DIY "Antique" Books in Five Minutes says:
    January 30, 2020 at 12:23 pm

    […] My Vintage Porch […]

Primary Sidebar

Search My Vintage Porch

meet natalie

Receive the latest posts from My Vintage Porch!

Sign up to receive an email with my home decor ideas, decorating tips and latest DIYs!

Footer

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Home Decor
  • Recipes
  • Privacy Policy

Receive the latest posts from My Vintage Porch via email!

Join me on Instagram
@vintageporch
I found this old coffee grinder in an online aucti I found this old coffee grinder in an online auction, and I didn’t pay only $2 for it. I’m pretty sure it was one of those things where I was like, “Trav, this is going to be my birthday present” …it was months before my birthday so he forgets and still gets me something…of course I didn’t do that on purpose. 😁 I don’t buy pricey things like this often but it was something that I had been wanting for a while and they can go for $400-$500 online 🤪Lots of you ask if we use it, the answer is, I want to, but I just keep forgetting bc Trav is the one that drinks coffee and I don’t want to remind him that we have it or I might not get a birthday present this year.🤔And, I honestly don’t remember how much I paid for it but it was in the $200s …but it seems I really got it for Trav bc I don’t drink coffee🤔, but don’t tell Trav. #antiquecoffeegrinder #coffeegrinder #kitchendecor #kitchenremodel
The mantle is up! Trav made this mantle out of a b The mantle is up! Trav made this mantle out of a bed side rail 🤩 Trav once said we have too much stuff in the garage…but I found our mantle in the stuff 🤔…if we didn’t have stuff, we wouldn’t have this mantle😁 #mantle #mantledecor #brickfireplace #woodceiling #antiquepainting
Just some photos I’ve taken recently, that’s a Just some photos I’ve taken recently, that’s all, oh, and I wiped off the oven tops today (I’m saving the insides for Trav…we all know how he would appreciate some extra savings from me) 😁 I hope you all had an great day!!!! 😘 #brick #brickhouse #home #homecooking
I thought I would paint the swan …but, nope, not I thought I would paint the swan …but, nope, not after seeing it in here 🤩Oh, and the lights are back in stock and listed in my profile. 🏃‍♀️ (they are pendants but we pulled the cord through to make them flush, I love them!!) #swan #laundry #laundryroom #vanity #farmhousesink
Thanks for reminding me that I have stuff in the g Thanks for reminding me that I have stuff in the garage 😁 We covered our TV with art stuff from the garage and metal pipes and, it worked 🙌🏼😁 (see stories) I can still see the tv from the side but when we get the new wall bracket for it, that should help bc we can push it back more. It’s a good temp fix to have some cool art instead of a black box! Oh, and who remembers when I stripped this dresser? #tvart #brickfloor #oldpainting
Views from this half of the kitchen…I finally wi Views from this half of the kitchen…I finally wiped the dust off the floor from under that middle island…only took me a few months x 2😁 #kitchenremodel #kitchendesign #brick #woodwork #saltillo
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: The account for needs to be reconnected.
Due to recent Instagram platform changes this Instagram account needs to be reconnected in order to continue updating. Reconnect on plugin Settings page

Copyright © 2023 | Exclusive member of Mediavine Home