Outdoor drink station ~ repurposed aquarium stand
![Outdoor drink station ~ repurposed aquarium stand](https://i0.wp.com/thehanshomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/drink-stand-cover-2.jpg?resize=690%2C550&ssl=1)
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” We’ve all heard this saying. This happens a lot between me and Scott. He is more of a guy that likes new things. Things that don’t need fixed and are ready for the purpose in which they were purchased. I’m a bit of salvage gal. I see potential in the dinge, and want to transform them. Some things are easy to see. Some are a little harder. I think this old aquarium stand falls into the harder category. Scott wanted to throw it out. We had it outside and used it as a sideboard of sorts where we had a board on the top and bottom for serving. It was in the PA elements for quite a few years and it showed.
My thought was that if I could find a plastic planter box that would fit in the top opening, it would be a great drink station in the summer. Just add ice and drinks and we would be set for any occasion!
The first thing this stand needed was some TLC. I sanded with a wire brush attachment on my cordless drill and a wire hand brush. It took a little elbow grease, but it looked much better after being sanded. Then I used a combination of a few things to guard the metal from continuing to rust after being painted. Loctite Extend Rust Neutralizer will help prevent any current rust from continuing to corrode the metal. Then I used a Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer spray primer that will act as a shield between the elements and the metal.
I can’t tell you how much better it looked with just the primer on it! To finish it off, I chose a Rust-Oleum paint in black with a hammered look finish. I figured using the hammered finish would camouflage any imperfections from the metal being rusted. A wooden board shelf was added on the bottom to house any cups, mixers, ice bucket, etc. The wood is a nice contrast to the black metal. I think eventually I’d like to either cover the board with a piece of sheet metal or replace it with something more weather resistant. The planter was put into place on top and loaded up with ice and our favorite drinks.
![](https://i0.wp.com/thehanshomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/drink-stand-planter-1.jpg?resize=518%2C548&ssl=1)
We broke it in with a celebration of Erica’s Physical Therapy School white coat ceremony. It certainly made life simple because we didn’t have to run inside every time we needed a drink.
![](https://i0.wp.com/thehanshomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/drink-stand-cover-2.jpg?resize=599%2C634&ssl=1)
So before you throw out that rusted piece, take a good look at it and see if it can be repurposed. I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how versatile it can be! ~Cheers!~