I love these old gumball machines! I found this one at a thrift store for $10. While I love the yellow on it, I wanted to paint the other hardware parts gold and make it more of a neutral look.
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These machines may look a little intimidating to take apart, but it’s actually really easy! Just unscrew the top with a butter knife or a screwdriver and then all of the parts are easy to take apart from there. A little tip that works for me, make sure to video when dismantling the machine, that way you will be able to go back and watch how it goes back together.
Some of these old machines have keys, mine did not have a key. But as I mentioned, a butter knife or a screwdriver works just as good.
Once the entire thing was dismantled, I cleaned it up using Dawn dishwashing soap and water. I made sure it was dry before I started painting.
The front part where the money goes also comes out very easily! The one I painted in the past, I don’t even have to use money to get the treats out for Chester, I just turn it and out they come.
I used rustoleum “satin bronze” metallic paint and primer in one for all of the parts that were previously silver. I love this subdued gold color! I’m not very good at spray painting, because I get impatient. I always have to remind myself to put on thin layers, let it dry well in between, and hold the paint can a little ways back from the object I’m spraying. This gold paint went on very well!
For the base and the top, I used “chiffon cream” rustoleum chalked paint. This paint on the other hand caused me some drips…no worries though, I just wiped them a little and spayed over them once dry. I actually painted the base black, but it reminded me of my bumblebee high school colors…so cream won in the end.
What a simple and fun diy! It would be a fun project for kids too! And, then they could fill it up with whatever they want…well, approved by mom of course.
The insides are even pretty! These gumball machines can be used for so many things! I’ve also seen people put faux plants in them, or other decor!
The creamy white and gold go perfectly together!
I sure am glad I had that video to help me get this thing back together!
The picture below shows the little piece on top where I used a butter knife to open it.
The glass sure did shine up well!
These are the treats we use in Chester’s machine. He loves them and they fit perfectly through the hole! These smaller size Buddy Biscuits would work as well.
We made sure to set the hole big enough that they would come out the bottom too. Just make sure not to make it too big…well, your pup might like it if you did. We don’t even use money, we just jiggle the handle and it comes right out! Your pup will thank you!…or your kitty. ♥️ Chester comes running when he hears it!
So good!! Love it with that gold!!! ????
I love the colors you chose, bought one on ebay for $35 and it doesn’t come with the stand, but still will look cute perched on a small table. thank you for the adorable idea Natalie!
Yes!! I love the ones without the stands too ????????
I love the idea of dog treats in it. So cute. Great find to. Now I’ll be on the look out for a gum ball machine.
It’s so stinkin’ cute! I love it!
Wow, I’ve been in love with your doggy treat one. And when target came out with the dupe of the original I always think of your and can never conform. Natalie your talent never goes unnoticed.
I want one!
So cute! I love the colors you chose. I’m going to go thrifting this weekend to look for a machine now!
Sooooooo good! I’m loving that creamy white!
I love it! Those colors are perfect. I’m going to be on the lookout for a gumball machine, now!
Now I need to find an old gumball machine to do this! I love how it turned out!
Love it…????I bet Chester loves it too!!!
So cute! You always do amazing work!
Love watching ALL your DIY’S, even the grandma ones! ❤
So cute! I love the cream and gold together! I have been on the lookout for a gumball machine. I have found a couple, but they want more than I am willing to pay. ($75 and up) Now I am really excited to find one. Definitely going the cream and gold route! Thanks for sharing! ????
This looks so good. ❤????❤ Love it!
Everytime I see Chester use his it makes me want to find one to repurchase and now this post makes me want to do it even more. Sure it is not the “style” of our house (not sure if we even have any ????) which means lots of convincing my hubby and we have a cat not a dog BUT Natalie’s post makes me feeling like that even someone like me could do it!?!?
Now, where can I find a secondhand glass gumball machine near me ie within 5km? (We have very strict restrictions & lockdowm here…. surely this is woild an essential trip….mental health? Food Storage? Educational? ????????????????)
Looks amazing! Chester too!! I hope to find one someday.
Oh my gosh! That is CUTE! I must find one now!! What a cool idea!
So darn cut!!! Just another awesome project. Chester, you lucky dog!!
I will have to pull my red one out of storage and put it back in use.
I might just have to get my gumball machine out of the basement, and revamp it. We have had it for over 40 years. I actually was looking at it on Monday, while down in the basement, and contemplating taking it to Goodwill. I will be keeping it in the family.
Love, love, love the old gum ball machine, looks awesome, just like everything else that you do!
How cute is that making it into a dog treat stand?! I have my dads old red one and love this idea ???????????? @whatrtheeodds
Oh sweet! I love them with the stand too!
I love it! Thank you for showing us how easy it is to take apart and spray paint. I’m going to be on the hunt for an old gumball machine now!
They always look a little intimidating to take apart but it turns out it’s so easy ????????
Well now I NEED one!
Looks like Chester loves it too!
Yes, every pup should have one ????????
I always love when you redo him all machines!! They always turn out soooo cute!! Love the colors you picked ????✨????????
Thank you so much, Brandi!
Did the inside wash easily without paint removal? I don’t want the treats to be contaminated . Thanks! I love it!
Hi Latasha! Yes, you can wash all of the parts after you take it apart