Recently, we discovered a new company that upcycles vintage military jerrycans into bars and learnt that they finish and protect them Owatrol Oil!
The interview
Excited to learn more about them and their products, we interviewed them to discuss their process:
Please tell us about your business
My name is Daan Held and at 24 years old, I’m proud to be the founder of Glenguardian. At Glenguardian, I transform vintage military jerrycans, most of which date back to World War Two, into detailed Jerrycan Bars. My lifelong interest in WWII history, combined with a passion for craftsmanship, led me to this unique idea.
Fast forward to the summer of 2023, I decided to take things further by exploring new designs. I created three distinct versions: the whisky-inspired ‘The Jacobite,’ the gin-focused ‘The Gintleman,’ and the wine-centred ‘The Bacchus.’ After seeing a growing interest in my products and successfully making some sales, I knew it was time to turn my passion into a business. In August 2023, Glenguardian was officially born.
Based in northern France, I source most of the jerrycans locally. These jerrycans serve as silent remnants of the troops who pushed forward to liberate Europe in 1944/1945 and I feel honoured to give these jerrycans a second life. By upcycling these historical pieces, I create not just luxury decor, but, as I like to call them, functional pieces of art.
Where and/or when did you first learn about Owatrol Oil?
I grew up in the Dutch countryside, where I spent a lot of time working together with my father on various projects – mostly Land Rovers and boats. Owatrol Oil was a staple in our shed. We used it for just about everything: protecting new parts from rusting, mixing it with paint or varnish to enhance durability, preserving original parts and more. It was a go-to product for ensuring our projects would last for many years to come.
Why did you decide to you use Owatrol Oil?
I’ve been using Owatrol Oil for as long as I can remember and its consistent quality is the main reason I’ve stuck with it. It has always delivered reliable results, which is why I trust it for my pieces over other products on the market.
Which products do you use Owatrol Oil on?
At Glenguardian, I use Owatrol Oil on the exterior of the jerrycans. After thoroughly cleaning them, I apply the oil directly with a paintbrush. It’s always fascinating to see the hidden colours emerge from beneath the rust. Each time, I’m amazed at how Owatrol Oil revives the original shades, allowing my Jerrycan Bars to truly stand out.
How much oil does each piece usually require?
I use a generous amount to ensure each jerrycan gets a solid protective layer. However, with 1L of Owatrol Oil, I’ve managed to cover around 25 jerrycans, so it’s pretty efficient!
How do you apply it?
I primarily use a brush when applying it to the jerrycans, ensuring even coverage and protection. However, for more delicate projects, I prefer to apply it with a rag to create a thinner, more subtle layer.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’d like to extend my thanks to Owatrol for allowing me to share my story and introduce my business. If you’re interested in seeing more of my (future) projects, I warmly invite you to visit my website or follow me on social media. If you’d like to order a custom Glenguardian Jerrycan Bar, feel free to reach out via email or direct message on any of my social platforms.
We wanted to say a huge thankyou to Daan of Glenguardian for not only using Owatrol Oil on his amazing work but for also allowing us to interview him. Learn more about Glenguardian via their website and follow him on his social media pages below:
Images and video credit to Daan Held of Glenguardian.
We hope you found this post on vintage military jerrycans upcycled into bars with Owatrol Oil interesting! If you have any other advice or top tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram at @OwatrolIreland or join the conversation at #OwatrolIreland
About Owatrol Team
Our team are ready and willing to support you with your requirements whether it is protecting your newly laid deck or renovating a luxury yacht, whatever the application Owatrol has the solution you are looking for.
