How to Decorate Aluminum

Aluminum can be decorated in endless ways. Re-use old soda or coffee cans for lawn decorations. Aluminum is rust resistant, easily molded and very resistant to heat. Painting and cutting aluminum is a snap, especially if you are using old cans. Plus, by reusing aluminum packaging as lawn decor, you are helping the earth by lowering the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills. Decorating aluminum is a great "green" activity for kids or adults.

Aluminum (like cans or whatever you can find)
Tin snips or sharp scissors
Sandpaper
Acrylic paint

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the aluminum into any shape you like. Sharp scissors cut easily through the thin metal. Get creative -- cut out stars, circles or more complex patterns.
- 2
  Sand down the cut edges. Without a good sanding, these edges can be dangerously sharp.
- 3
  Unless you want the colors and designs the aluminum already has, sand down any area you want to paint. The aluminum has to be roughed up or paint won't stick to the surface.
- 4
  Paint the aluminum. Acrylic paint works fine and can withstand the weather.
- 5
  Once the paint is dried, display your new creation. Hang it up or stick it in the ground. Aluminum makes great recycled Christmas tree decorations.

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