Beer Can Bathroom Cup Dispenser

Finding a good quality wall-mounted bathroom cup dispenser is difficult. The few models out there are made of unattractive plastic. The pop-up style of dispenser takes up counter space and the springs wear out and rust. There's a cheap, simple solution. 

In this Instructable, you'll see how to transform a common beer can into an attractive polished aluminum dispenser that keeps your cups high and dry. 

Here's what you need, from the left:

* A beer can. Here we have the venerable PBR 24 oz. Any drink can of a similar diameter will work.
* Clear silicone
* A can opener
* Polishing compound
* A strip of hook and loop tape
* Sandpaper
* A file
* Not pictured: a rag

First, fill the can with water. This will support the thin aluminum while you polish and transfer heat so it doesn't warp when you sand it. Is that an ugly sink or what?

Sand the can to remove the paint. If you have an electric palm sander, it will save you time. Wet sanding seems to work best.

Rub the polishing compound on the can until you get the finish you want. Light buffing will give it a cloudy, brushed look and more will result in a mirror shine. 

Drain the water, then remove the lid with a can opener. You'll probably have to go around a couple times to get a clean cut.

File the rim to remove any leftover shards of aluminum. 

Finally, apply four daubs of clear silicone glue to the inside edges of the can. This serves to hold the cups in place, since the beer can diameter is a bit larger than a standard cup. Let the glue cure overnight.

Now you can mount your finished dispenser with four small strips of hook and loop tape. Since it's round, It will be most stable in a corner. 

Drink up and enjoy!