Let’s see how a vintage step ladder DIY can be repurposed as a plant stand with a little milk paint and wax!
Hi again friends! Let’s talk trash to treasure today. Because I actually saved this old step ladder from the trash heap the other day.
My husband was about to put this old paint-splattered stepladder out for the trash but that’s when I spotted it. Much to his chagrin. 😉
The stepladder was still pretty sturdy but did have paint splatters from past painting projects and some rusty hinges as well. However, nothing a little paint couldn’t fix!
So now let’s see how this old step ladder grew up to be a plant stand!
This super easy DIY only requires a little paint and wax to make this old vintage stepladder into something brand new! Here we go…
![Vintage painted step ladder with plant sitting on it](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-24T091745.337.jpg)
Supplies for Vintage Step Ladder DIY
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![Vintage step ladder DIY supplies](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-24T091613.810.jpg)
- Milk Paint – Rustoleum Highland Blue (Amazon)
- Chippy Brush (Walmart)
- Waverly Clear Wax (Walmart)
- Wax Brush (Walmart)
- Jolie Black Wax (Amazon)
- Microfiber or Lint-Free Cloth
- Black Multi-surface Paint (Walmart)
- Craft Brush
- Old Step Ladder
Clean Up Your Old Step Ladder
![Old step ladder before painting](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-24T091818.087.jpg)
First things first, I got out an old bucket and put a few drops of dawn dishwashing liquid in there with warm water.
Then I took an old scrub brush and gently cleaned the entire stepladder. It had been sitting in an old basement, so it was pretty dingy.
After gently scrubbing all the surfaces, I hosed the step ladder off with water.
My rule of thumb is (but this is just me) that I don’t try to strip anything that I think might have lead paint in it. This ladder was pretty old so I thought painting it would be the safest option.
Plus, I had just gotten some Rustoleum Milk Paint that I wanted to try out!
Then I just allowed the step ladder to dry overnight.
Apply Milk Paint to Vintage Step Ladder
I did not sand the stool at all before applying my milk paint.
I have to say that the Rustoleum milk paint went on nice and smooth using my chippy paintbrush.
I applied two coats to the top and the legs allowing about 2 hours of dry time in between. This may vary a little depending on the type of day it is outside, so just make sure the first coat is dry before applying the second one.
![Old step ladder with 2 coats milk paint](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-24T101923.311.jpg)
Paint Your Vintage Step Ladder Hinges
After applying the milk paint, I brushed black multi-surface paint that I purchased at Walmart over the hinges and metal areas.
I carefully applied this paint with a small craft brush so as not to get any on the ladder.
I could have left these rusty too, however, there were paint splatters on the metal hinges, so I decided to paint them instead.
![Picture of hinges on step ladder before painting](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-24T091850.048.jpg)
![Hinges on step ladder after painting](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-24T091917.344.jpg)
Apply Clear Wax Over Milk Paint
The next step was to apply my clear wax over the milk paint. I waited about 8 hours before applying my wax.
This clear wax I actually purchased at Walmart. Different waxes tend to have a different consistency, and this one has more of a thin, paint-like consistency.
I painted it on the step ladder using my wax brush and then wiped any excess off with my microfiber cloth.
Below is a picture that shows the consistency of this clear wax.
![Picture of clear wax with wax brush](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-24T091646.379.jpg)
Apply Black Wax Over Clear Wax
So, I did really like the color of this Highland Blue Rustoleum Milk Paint and it was so easy to apply! However, when I looked at my step ladder, I couldn’t help but imagine one of those blue boxes from Tiffany’s. 😅
The next day, I decided to give it more of a rustic feel. I had black wax on hand at the house, and I applied the wax to my step ladder using a microfiber cloth.
It doesn’t take much so I just put a little on the cloth and wiped it on in long strokes. Then I just used the same cloth to wipe off any excess.
And this old trash-to-treasure step ladder turned plant stand was completed!
![Apply black wax over clear wax](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-24T091943.920.jpg)
![Picture of finished step ladder DIY](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-24T091718.338.jpg)
Final Thoughts on Vintage Step Ladder DIY
![Picture of step ladder made into a plant stand](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-24T092037.100.jpg)
So, what do you think of this trash-to-treasure find! Was it work saving from the trash dump?
I really ended up loving the color of this old step ladder, and it works perfectly sitting beside the patio door with a plant on it.
The milk paint was really easy to apply using a cheap chippy brush, and the clear wax went on smoothly as well. Then the black wax overlay gave it just the rustic appearance I was looking for!
Repurposing vintage items is one of my favorite things to do! Tell me about what sort of treasures you like to repurpose down in the comments!
![Old stepladder repurposed as plant stand](https://dappledskiesanddiys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Copy-of-PIN-SET-29B-2022-1000x1500-1-683x1024.jpg)