If you’ve ever stared at a stack of clean tin cans waiting to be recycled and thought, “There’s got to be a better use for these,” you’re not alone. As a tin cans supplier, I’ve watched hundreds of businesses and households throw away perfectly good steel and aluminum containers that could be repurposed into something useful, beautiful, and zero-waste. One of my favorite projects that customers come to me for advice on is making a DIY makeup brush holder from tin cans—it’s affordable, customizable, and so durable that it’ll outlast most store-bought plastic or ceramic holders I’ve seen. Over the years, I’ve helped dozens of people refine this process, and today I’m walking you through every step, from choosing the right tin cans to finishing touches that make your holder feel like it was made just for you. Tin Cans
First, let’s talk about why tin cans are the perfect material for a makeup brush holder, especially when you source them from a reliable supplier like mine. Most makeup brush holders on the market are made of cheap plastic that cracks after a few months, or thin ceramic that chips if you bump it. Tin cans, on the other hand, are thick, sturdy, and can hold the weight of even your largest foundation brushes without tipping over. They’re also 100% recyclable, so if you ever decide to switch up your decor, you can either repurpose the cans again or send them back to be melted down for new ones—no waste at all. Another bonus? Tin cans come in all sizes, so you can pick ones that fit your exact brush collection. If you have a small set of travel brushes, go for standard soup cans. If you own a full collection of face brushes, eye brushes, and concealer wands, grab larger cans, like those used for pasta or coffee. I always remind customers to avoid cans that held harsh chemicals, paint, or anything non-food-grade if you’re planning to line the inside of your holder (more on that later). For a makeup brush holder, food-grade tin cans are totally safe because the inside has a sealed coating that won’t leach any chemicals onto your brushes.
Now, let’s get down to the materials you’ll need for the project. Besides the tin cans (obviously), you’ll find most of these items in your home or local craft store. First, you’ll need a way to open the cans safely—never use a regular can opener that leaves sharp edges around the top. I recommend a tool called a “safety can opener,” which cuts along the side of the can instead of the top edge, leaving a smooth, rolled rim that won’t cut your fingers. Next, you’ll need sandpaper—fine-grit (220 grit works great) to smooth any tiny rough spots after opening the cans. You’ll also need paint: acrylic paint is best because it sticks well to metal and dries quickly, plus it’s non-toxic, which is important if you’re using your holder in your bathroom or vanity area. A clear sealer, either matte or glossy, will protect the paint from water splashes and makeup residue, so your holder stays looking fresh for years. You can also add optional decorations like washi tape, fabric scraps, or embellishments like beads or stickers, but keep in mind that these can wear off over time if not sealed properly. Finally, you’ll need something to arrange the cans into a holder base—like a wooden board, a piece of cardboard, or even a round tray from a thrifted ceramic dish. Hot glue or E6000 craft glue will work to attach the cans to the base, just make sure the glue is strong enough to hold the weight of the cans when they’re full of brushes.
Wait a second—safety is non-negotiable here. I can’t stress this enough: tin cans have sharp edges, even after you open them, and those edges can easily cut your fingers if you’re not careful. I always tell first-timers to wear work gloves when handling the cans before sanding. After opening each can, take your fine-grit sandpaper and rub it all around the top rim, the bottom edge, and any tiny rough spots along the side. Run your finger gently along the edge after sanding—if it feels smooth, you’re good to go. If it still catches your skin, keep sanding. Another safety tip: don’t use tin cans that have dents along the top or bottom, especially deep dents, because those can weaken the metal and make the holder less stable when full. I’ve seen customers skip this step and end up with a holder that leans or even falls over, spilling all their brushes across the bathroom counter—don’t be that person.
Now, the step-by-step process to make your holder. Let’s start with prepping the cans. First, wash each tin can thoroughly with warm, soapy water to remove any food residue or dirt. Dry them completely with a clean towel—moisture on the metal can prevent paint from sticking, so this step is important. Once they’re dry, sand the entire outside of each can lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. This creates a little texture on the metal, so the paint adheres better and doesn’t peel off later. Wipe off the cans with a damp cloth to remove all the sanding dust, then let them air dry for 10 to 15 minutes.
Next, paint or decorate your cans. This is where you can get creative! If you want a solid color, cover the entire outside of each can with two thin coats of acrylic paint, letting the first coat dry completely before applying the second. Thick coats of paint will peel more easily, so thin is better. If you want a pattern, like stripes, polka dots, or even a trendy marble look, use painter’s tape to mask off areas before painting. For example, if you want horizontal stripes, apply painter’s tape at even intervals around the can, press it down firmly to avoid paint bleeding under, then paint the exposed areas. Once all the paint is dry, peel off the tape slowly to get clean lines. If you’re using washi tape or fabric scraps to decorate, apply them now, but remember that these will need to be sealed over to last. Wait, actually—I usually recommend sealing after all decorations are on, not before. Let’s talk about the clear sealer: once your paint or decorations are fully dry (usually 24 hours for acrylic paint, since it needs to cure completely), apply two thin coats of clear sealer, same as you did with the paint. Let that dry for another 24 hours before moving on to assembling the holder.
Assembling the holder is the fun part, because this is where you can customize the layout to fit your space. First, arrange your dried, decorated cans on your base (the wooden board, cardboard, or tray) to figure out the layout you like. Do you want two large cans side by side for big brushes, and two small ones next to them for eye brushes? Or a clustered group of four cans for a modern, industrial look? Once you’re happy with the layout, mark where each can will go with a pencil. Then, apply a small amount of hot glue or craft glue to the bottom of each can, press it firmly onto the base where you marked it, and hold it for 30 seconds to make sure it sticks. If you’re using a heavier base like a wooden board, you can also add a few dabs of glue on the sides of the cans where they touch each other to make the whole holder sturdier. Let the glue dry completely—usually 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of glue.
Wait, a quick pro tip from a tin cans supplier: if you want to make your holder extra stable, you can add a layer of non-slip shelf liner to the bottom of the base before gluing the cans. This prevents the holder from sliding around on your counter, especially if you bump it while reaching for a brush. I’ve had customers tell me this small trick made a huge difference—no more holders moving when they’re rushing to get ready in the morning.
Now, let’s talk about maintaining your tin can makeup brush holder, because the best DIY projects last when you take care of them. Since tin cans are metal, they’re resistant to water, but if you spill water or makeup on the holder, wipe it up right away with a damp cloth. Don’t use harsh cleaning products like bleach or abrasive scrubbers, because those can scratch the paint or sealer. Once a month, give your holder a gentle wipe down with a mild soap and water to remove any buildup of powder or foundation residue. If the paint does start to peel or chip after a year or two, you can easily sand it down, repaint, and reseal it—no need to throw the whole thing away. And if you ever want to change the look completely, you can peel off the old paint, sand the cans, and start over—super eco-friendly, right?
Before I wrap this up, I want to mention that while tin cans are perfect for this project, it’s important to source them from a reputable supplier if you’re buying new (or using unused ones from bulk purchases). As a tin cans supplier, I always make sure my cans are food-grade, free of any harmful chemicals, and sturdy enough for craft projects like this. You don’t want to use a can that held industrial chemicals or paint, because even if you wash it, there might be residue left that could transfer to your brushes or skin. If you’re using recycled cans from your own pantry, just double-check that they held food, not non-food items, and that you cleaned them thoroughly.
At the end of the day, making a makeup brush holder from tin cans is more than just a DIY project—it’s a way to reduce waste, save money, and create something personal that fits your style. Whether you’re making one for your own vanity or as a gift for a friend, it’s a project that’s easy enough for beginners and customizable enough for crafters who want to add their own flair.
If you’re looking for high-quality tin cans for your next DIY project, whether it’s a makeup brush holder or something else entirely, we’d love to connect with you. We offer a variety of sizes and grades of tin cans, all food-safe and perfect for crafts, storage, or packaging. Reach out to our team to discuss your needs and learn more about our products.
Canning Lids References:
- The Spruce Crafts. (2022). “DIY Tin Can Projects That Are Perfect for Beginners.”
- Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). “Recycling 101: Tin Cans and Steel Containers.”
- Craft Industry Alliance. (2021). “How to Seal Painted Metal for Long-Lasting Projects.”
- Better Homes & Gardens. (2020). “15 Practical DIY Storage Projects Using Tin Cans.”
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2019). “Safe Handling of Metal Containers for Craft Projects.”
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