{"id":9,"date":"2026-05-04T01:53:39","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T01:53:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/redrabbitphoto.com\/journal\/?p=9"},"modified":"2026-05-04T03:20:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T03:20:37","slug":"how-to-turn-old-oil-cans-into-tintype-plates-reclaimed-metal-tintypes-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/redrabbitphoto.com\/journal\/how-to-turn-old-oil-cans-into-tintype-plates-reclaimed-metal-tintypes-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Turn Old Oil Cans Into Tintype Plates (Reclaimed Metal Tintypes Explained)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the questions I get all the time is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How do you prep old oil cans to make photos on?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Short answer is you cut them up and make plates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long answer is a little more involved, so here\u2019s exactly how I do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where I Find Reclaimed Metal for Tintypes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It always starts the same way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>eBay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facebook Marketplace<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local antique shops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yard sales<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anywhere that has old automobilia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m usually looking for stuff from the 1930s through the 1980s. Oil cans, gas cans, transmission fluid, brake fluid, brake cleaner, WD-40, PB Blaster. Anything tied to automotive history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bonus points if it\u2019s something local to Ohio or something tied to the Big Three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is simple. Find something that already has a story before I ever put an image on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Empty the Can Safely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve got your can, first step is obvious but important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Empty it. Safely and responsibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lot of these still have residue in them, and some of that stuff is not something you want on your hands or in your lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Work in a well-ventilated area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use gloves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dispose of anything properly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, use leather gloves or something similar when handling the metal. Old cans can have sharp edges and will absolutely cut you up if you\u2019re not paying attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Cut the Can Into a Flat Plate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where it starts to look like something usable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ll usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cut the top and bottom off<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Then cut along the seam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have an angle grinder, but I hate using it for this. Most of the time I just use tin snips and work my way through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You end up with a rough, flattened sheet of metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Initial Cleaning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once it\u2019s opened up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wipe it down with a paper towel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drop it into an ultrasonic cleaner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wipe it down again<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hit it with brake cleaner or carb cleaner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wipe it down again<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let it dry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this point you\u2019re just trying to get rid of oils, residue, and anything that will interfere with the chemistry later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Cut to Plate Size<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you\u2019ve got clean metal, it\u2019s time to size it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I use a cheap paper cutter to get consistent sizes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4\u00d75<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5\u00d77<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Occasionally 8\u00d710<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of the time I\u2019m working in 4\u00d75 or 5\u00d77 because that\u2019s what vintage cans will realistically give you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finding material big enough for 8\u00d710 is possible, but not common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Prep the Surface<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This step matters more than people think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take some <strong>0000 steel wool<\/strong> and go over the surface where you want to make the image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What this does:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Removes rust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evens things out slightly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gives the collodion something to grab onto<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Quick hit with brake cleaner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wipe it down<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let it dry again<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now you\u2019ve got a clean, workable surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Applying the Black Base (Japanning)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traditional tintypes rely on a dark surface to make the image visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With reclaimed metal, that means you need to create that dark base yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a lot of recipes out there. I use John Coffer\u2019s method because I\u2019ve seen it work in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people use asphaltum, which is simpler, but I prefer mixing my own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My Japanning Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I use two different recipes for the coats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>First coat (Recipe #1):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pour Japan onto the plate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let it dry for about 30 minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bake at 325\u00b0F for about 35 minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let it cool in the oven<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Second coat (Recipe #2):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pour onto the plate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let it dry for about 30 minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bake at 250\u00b0F for about 30 minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let it cool in the oven<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it\u2019s not dark enough, I\u2019ll repeat additional coats using the second recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Ready for the Tintype Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the plate looks right, that\u2019s it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s ready for collodion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From there, it follows the standard wet plate collodion process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pour collodion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sensitize in silver nitrate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fix<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wash<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varnish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want the full breakdown of that, I\u2019ve got it here:<br><a>https:\/\/redrabbitphoto.com\/tintype-process\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Go Through All This?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because it changes the final image completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re not just making a photograph. You\u2019re making it on something that already existed, already had a purpose, and already has wear, texture, and history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Especially with automotive subjects, it just fits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A classic car on a piece of vintage oil can metal makes way more sense than a perfectly clean, factory plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reclaimed Metal Tintypes in Central Ohio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I offer reclaimed metal tintype sessions in Central Ohio, including Columbus and surrounding areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are more custom and depend on available materials, but they produce completely one-of-a-kind pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re interested in booking or seeing examples:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/redrabbitphoto.com\/tintype-photography-in-central-ohio\/\">https:\/\/redrabbitphoto.com\/tintype\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also check out my automotive photography work here:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/redrabbitphoto.com\/automotive-photography-in-central-ohio\/\">https:\/\/redrabbitphoto.com\/automotive\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the questions I get all the time is: How do you prep old oil cans to make photos [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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