It’s funny what people throw away, isn’t it? Your trash, is literately another persons treasure.
Take for instance the fire pit I picked up last weekend at a local garage sale. I kid you not when I tell you I had just hours earlier started researching fire pits for our back patio.
And you know what? I just couldn’t justify spending $50-$75 on a giant s’mores maker. Because really, that’s the only thing I’d be using it for during the summer months.
I’m not a welder so I couldn’t repair the broken screen top, but I knew all I really needed was a can of spray paint to make the old rusted fire pit look a little nicer. 
So I got to work. 
Using what I had on hand. Which were two half empty cans of rust-oleum spray paint. {Remember the light fixture I spray painted earlier this year?} Well, I’m telling you, spray paint is where it’s at man! {Update: You will want to use HIGH HEAT Spray Paint}.
Check it out!!!Trash to treasure in 15 minutes flat!!
I didn’t sand or scrub anything. I used the dark brown paint as a first coat, and the metallic oil rubbed bronze paint for the second coat.
Wahoooo! Thank you garage sale lady for the free fire pit.
~Mavis
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Monica says
I am SO JEALOUS! I really want a fire pit, but do not want to spend the money. I hope I am able to find one at a garage sale. And it looks SO amazing now!
Julie says
wouldn’t you need to use the high heat paints recommended for grills? Curious, cause I’m on the hunt for one myself.
Rosaleen says
Congrats for the garage sale find, but as Julie suggests, you likely need some high temp paint if you are going to burn in it. There are products for sealing and stopping rust on auto bodies. I don’t know if they can take high heat, but might fill in rust if the bowl needs it.
Dale Ann says
Tis true. As a wife of a blacksmith, I know regular paint will burn off with fire, leaving behind rusty metal. High heat paints are the best for fire pits.
PattyB says
I agree. It is sold at HD too. Use on fireplaces and BBQs. And fire pits. 😉
Gabby says
RECOMMEND that Mavis update/correct this post to say to use HIGH HEAT spray paint, not regular. I was researching this topic and had I not read the comments (read Mavis’s post only) I would have used the wrong type of paint which can most definitely be a safety hazard. Please change this post.
Butterflyweed says
I have to agree with the commenters on the high-heat paint. I would be concerned about the fumes as the paint burns off. Sorry to say, you might need to trash it. 🙁
Em says
Brilliant! I want one! 🙂
Georgia says
Agreed with previous posts. You need to use fire-safe paint! Otherwise you’ll get a big whoomp! when you light it for the first time as well as toxic fumes. Many a house fire has been started by homeowners painting their fireplaces with regular paint (I used to work at a fireplace company!). If you didn’t use fire rated paint, maybe you can turn it into a flower planter or a decorative wood holder?
KAte says
I imagine the top screen will be fine with regular spray paint, as long as you don’t use it while there is a fire burning. I would definitely be concerned about not having used the high heat paint on the bottom half. Let us know how it holds up?
Mavis Butterfield says
I will. 🙂
sindy says
Looks great.. I like that you used what you had on hand. In the long run all you are out is a little bit of your time if it doesn’t hold up. Reduce reuse recycle love it.
Tracy says
After reading the comments about fire safe paint, would you be able to spray over the top of the existing paint with fire safe paint and be ok it’s already been painted?
Awesome Job Mavis, very inspirational!!
Lauren says
Have to agree with previous comments. You must use high heat spray paint. You will find it at any Lowes or Home Depot with the regular spray paint.
Sherry in Sumner says
Yes, that Rust-oleum paint can do wonders. I used it to paint my old ugly metal clothesline poles a beautiful teal blue a couple of years ago. It still looks great.