Get dollar store plastic tubs and turn them into adorable faux DIY mini galvanized tubs for your cokes!
updated 2/22/2023
When the summer heats up, we try to avoid heating up the house, so we do a lot of grilling outside. I like to make it fun and festive even when it’s just us. My family gets excited when I pull a few Cokes out into a tub because they know it’s barbecuing time.
I love the look of a galvanized tub full of drinks. They’re a great addition to any summer barbecue. But, I didn’t have one or even know where to get one. I decided to make my own mini versions when I found mini plastic tubs at the dollar store that I thought would work perfectly. You can easily make DIY Mini Galvanized Tubs, too!
I picked up some metallic spray paint in a “hammered” texture. I put one coat on and then let them dry overnight. The next day, I put a second coat on and let them dry overnight again. Then, they were ready for use.
When it’s time to grill and you want to get those Cokes cold quickly, try making a slurry. Fill the tub half way with water and then fill the rest of it with ice. Add your cokes, and in just a few minutes, you’ll have ice-cold refreshing Cokes.
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34 comments
I love what you did on the tubs. Tubs are great for parties to cool drinks. I love that your tubs didn’t even look like plastic anymore. I didn’t know where to get it, too, so I use a small drum, fill it with ice and drinks.
I love the personalized coke!
Giving personalized names of Coke bottles means a lot for the person receiving it. It’s a reminder that the person is remembered. We don’t drink soft drinks but those bottles are really cool.
As one who hosts parties throughout the year, these tubs would be great for drinks of all kind! I especially like the new Coke products that are out with less sugar! What a great DIY project that will soon be on my own list to do!
I tried doing this sort of tub for the drinks we had last family weekend. They are not bad at all. Though the cold only lasted for a few hours, it’s better because I made them myself.
This is such a great idea! I’ve been wanting some metal tubs but wasn’t willing to pay $15+ for them. My little sister is having a rustic themed wedding and bridal shower this year, and these would be perfect and budget friendly.
I love how this turned out! I never would have thought you could spray paint a plastic tub like this and have such amazing results. I am going to have to try this out for our next bbq, much cheaper then a galvanized tub.
I’m huge a coca cola fan. I hunted and hunted for months for our family’s names on coke bottles. I found a few but others I still haven’t found. I would love to see my blog name on there how cool. That plastic tub turned out amazing. I’d never know you spray painted it, looks great!
How cute is that! I love that you spray painted it to look like steel!
Ooh! Very cool for parties! I love these personalized cokes. although I still have yet to see one that says Oliver 🙂
This such a great and practical way to present the Cokes at your event. I love the personalization that you have on your bottles – that makes it so much fun!
I really love what you did with the tubs. I saw some like at at our local dollar store. I will have to pick some up so I can make this for our picnic next weekend! FUN!
I had no idea that share a coke is back again this year! How cool that they have it in glass bottles now and that you can get them personalized, that is so awesome! Thanks for sharing!
I love what you did with those tubs! I see a dollar store trip in my future very soon!
I recently painted a bunt pan with hammered spray paint (for succulents) and the paint has flaked off when the pan gets wet. Did you experience any problems like this after filling the tubs with ice & water?
No, I haven’t experienced that at all. They sweat with the water and ice in them, but the spray paint has been fine. I did put a couple of layers on them, and I let them bake in the sun over a 2 day period.
Did you scuff up the surface with steel wool or fine sandpaper first? Perhaps the pan had a slick oil film, if it was recycled.
I’m not sure I understand the question, Ellen. I used plastic totes and spray paint that dries to look like hammered metal. There were no pans involved and no scuffing. The paint dries that way.
I am interested … did you use a particular type of spray paint to ensure it adhered to the plastic?
If you can mention the brand that would be great too .. thank you.
The tubs do look very realistic. Congrats!
Thanks Audrey! I used Rustoleum Universal Hammered Paint & Primer in One. It says Any Surface / Any Angle – Wood, Metal, Plastic, Masonry. And it’s in Silver. I think I bought it at Home Depot, but it could have been Lowes.
Yes, i was wanting that info too – please share
I used Rustoleum Universal Hammered Paint & Primer in One. It says Any Surface / Any Angle – Wood, Metal, Plastic, Masonry. And it’s in Silver. I think I bought it at Home Depot, but it could have been Lowes.
Such a cool idea, my neighbor and I love to do bbq and she’s a coke fanatic, it would be so nice to have a “bucket” like that.
Small world! I live in Shady Shores!
For our backyard barbeques, I put ice and drinks in a wheelbarrow. Love the idea of personalized coke bottles.
I absolutely love it and it’s a fantastic idea! It’s easy and affordable for anyone ! Thank you for sharing this !! Definitely something I can do and will !