I’ve long been in love with the idea of painting the front door something other than white.  All the colors of the rainbow seemed too strong and all wrong, and since the stucco is yellowish in tone, gray seemed the logical choice. 

I posed a question on Facebook what color gray I should go with, and many kind readers responded, thank you!  I reasoned it was best to grab those two samples I was considering, and maybe a couple more at my local Benjamin Moore.

Choosing the perfect gray is very challenging – there are so many ways gray can lean based on the formula: lavender, green, blue, or taupe, one must be careful! 

As always, you can’t tell much from a paint deck swatch, you need a real sample viewed in proper light so I picked up four samples from my local BM, and painted big swatches on a poster board to study which would be the best choice.   

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The voting was a family affair, with the men on the side of ‘Cape May Cobblestone’ in the lower right corner.

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The gals were split, me for ‘Gray Horse’ upper left with its green undertones and the little lass for lower left ‘Coventry Gray’ with blue undertones.  Yes, my children can be found still in their pajamas in the afternoon in summertime.  What?  That’s not normal? 

My darling daughter pointed out that the blue undertones in the ‘Coventry Gray’ matched the lavender in the garden.  Brillz, I tell you.  Look for her name in lights someday. 

I decided in an abundance of caution it was best to stay close to a true gray, so the men prevailed and ‘Cape May Cobblestone’ won. 

It’s nice, it’s sophisticated, it’s subtle.  I like it.  The gray will take some getting used to, but change is good.  I think what’s throwing me is the fact that I painted the urns too.  I’m really not liking that look, they look too ‘gravestone’ to me and I’ll likely paint them white again soon.  Or maybe I’ll leave them gray until Halloween, mooo ha ha. 

Painting the door was a simple process.  I deglossed the existing latex enamel paint, taped off the hardware and door surround, then used a low sheen enamel paint in a latex acrylic formula.  This particular paint is designed for outdoors and resists moisture and rust.  The enamel formula dries quickly to a hard finish more like an oil based paint, but offers the ease of soap and water cleanup.  Me thinks it will make a great furniture paint too since it comes in both low lustre and high gloss.    

I also had to tackle a few other issues that have been bothering me for a while now.  There was a whole lotta hodge to the podge going on between the dirty brass sconces which did not coordinate with the nickel handle and the black threshold which to me just stuck out like a sore thumb.  Cute kid though, he can stay.

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The threshold is built into the frame so it’s not like I could easily replace it without having to reframe the door.  Everything I read online said you can’t or shouldn’t paint your metal threshold.  Well call me crazy, but I completely ignored that advice. 

I sprayed two coats of water based Bullseye 123 primer and covered with two coats of the same enamel paint used on the door.  I choose latex and not oil based paints because latex formulas allow for expansion and contraction which both occur with moisture and heat outdoors.  Time will tell if the paint on the threshold proves durable, I shall know much more in a few months.  But I just couldn’t stare at a black threshold anymore. 

The one improvement I’m most thrilled about is the change to the lantern sconces.  I committed to fixing those in my Home Goals of 2011 and finally got around to it.  It was a cheap fix, with spray paint to the rescue once more. 

We have four of these sconces on our house, two on the porch, two on the garage, so even though I wanted to replace them, that would cost me some cash.  Instead, I just refreshed them with a paint.  Once I dismantled them (taking pictures along the way!) and cleaned out the bug corpses, washed the glass and porcelain, then spray painted the metal with RustOleum’s ‘Matte Nickel’.    

It all feels more coordinated now, except for those dang gravestone like urns.  Doh. I’ll have to make them white again as soon as I find the energy.  

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What about you, have you painted your front door lately?  What technique and paint product did you use?  And what’s your favorite shade of gray?  

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I’ve often said, I’ll spray paint anything that stands still, cause so often I fall in love with the shape of something, but not the color or finish, and my mind instantly thinks, “Nothing a little spray paint can’t fix!”   I’m like the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding who was convinced Windex was the cure for every ailment.  For me, it be spray paint. 

Exhibit A: I found this tin container in my garage, I don’t recall where I picked it up.  A craft store?  Yard sale?  No matter, it was the perfect candidate for an indoor planter.

I pounded a few holes in the bottom with a nail, spray painted the front green and let it dry.  I placed some chipboard letters on top, then spray painted it again with RustOleum’s ‘Heirloom White’ which left green font underneath.  So cute!  

My indoor herb garden is back baby, back!  Complete with my five culinary favorites: sage, thyme, basil, cilantro, and parsley. 

I like to grow even more basil outside in the summertime, but the petite plants do make a pretty scene in our kitchen window.

Exhibit B:  Here’s another ‘Heirloom White’ quick fix.  For the longest time, I’ve been sooooo completely over the the light fixtures in my family room and adjacent dining room, they were dark brown with amber fluted shades, not my style anymore. 

Purchasing five new sconces and a new chandelier to replace them all was a figure that added up way too fast and was waaaay more than I wanted to spend.  I thought and thought, and then realized if I could rework the sconces, and make them a little fresher with new glass shades and paint, that would justify a reasonably priced new chandy in the dining space. 

I bought 5 clear glass shades for $5 each and raided my spray paint cabinet for some frosted spray paint.  (I couldn’t leave them clear because you can see the standard bulb socket underneath and it isn’t pretty).  The sconces got a fresh coat of ‘Heirloom White’ and the clear glass shades got a coat of frosted spray paint on the inside of the glass. 

My five dolla (new glass shade + spray paint) fix for my family room wall sconces.

Since I saved some cash on reworking the sconces, I ordered this Mariestad chandy from Ballard for the dining space.  Classic shape and a neutral gray finish = perfect !

Out with the old . . .

. . . in with the new fixture and “new” sconces:

Simple + elegant, and suspended much lower than before for added drama.

For those of you considering this fixture, buyer beware.  While the fixture itself is a nice taupe/gray color, the electrical cord that comes with it is black (huh?) and not so pretty (Ballard fix that please) so I had to stitch up a fabric slipcover to hide it.  Just thought all you potential buyers should know.  Despite the dark electrical cord, I still think it looks very pretty in this space, and complements the style of our home. 

Thank you ‘Heirloom White’ for the sweet herb planter and “new” sconces.  Are you a spray paint newbie?  Take a peek at this past article on spray paint FAQs. 

Linking up to Sarah’s Spray Paint Party!

The ‘Outdoor Ideas’ Party is on Thursday, right here, so bring your posts, new and old, on anything related to outdoor sprucing!   I’ve got a little something planned too. 

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Last weekend, I made these sweet little dessert stands for displaying spring and summertime treats when guests come over.  They’re frugal, festive, and fabulous ~ my kind of project!

Pretty Dessert Stands from Goodwill Plates & Glasses:

What You’ll Need:  Miscellaneous stemware and dessert plates; household silicone sealant (the kind used for aquariums); frosted glass spray paint; colored spray paint; paper doilies.

First, make a stop at your local Goodwill or thrift store.  There are always plenty of glasses and miscellaneous plates for sale.  Often, you can find matching sets, but among those sets are the equal amounts of hodge podge and mismatched stemware.  Grab a few of those,  the ones with no mates.  They’re the cheapest, always less than a buck.  This is a great way to repurpose your chipped china too (like the one below).

Old fashioned (wide bottom) champagne glasses and martini glasses work well, but go crazy!  Pick whatever you like.  The more variety in shapes and heights, the better!

Remove any price tags and clean your stemware and plates.  Center your stemware on top of your plate.  You can use spray paint designed for glass, but some are not designed for it (or at least they don’t say ‘can be used on glass’ on the can).  The way to use any color spray paint you want, even those not designed for glass, is to first ‘prime’ your glass with frosted spray paint.  It dries in less than 10 minutes.

Give each side of your plates and stemware a good coat, both tops and bottoms.  Make sure you don’t bump your stemware, you need a clean ring for your silicone.  [I chose to paint first to use the ring as my guide, and also because paint doesn’t stick to silicone and you’ll have a slight residue, see below.]

Next, spray paint away, two to three light coats for the best most even coverage.  Never spray painted before?  Check out this article on spray paint FAQs.  For these two dessert stands, I used Rust-Oleum’s ‘Painters Touch’ in Real Orange and Berry Pink. 

Once your paint is fully dry (at least a few hours) it’s time for the silicone sealant.  Use the ring where there is no paint as your guide, and apply a good layer of adhesive sealant around the edge.  Lay the rim of the stemware right on top of your ring of silicone.  There may be a slight amount of residue around the outside as you press down.  It’s your choice whether to scrape it off, but because it’s hidden underneath, I left mine thick for the best grip between the glass and the plate.  It takes about 12 hours or more for the silicone sealant to fully cure, but read the package.

Once your silicone sealant is fully cured, you can do this! 

Yes, your stands are completely hand washable!

Sorry hot glue, silicone’s got ya beat there.

Be sure to use layers of paper doilies, parchment paper, or other food safe papers to display your edibles.  Direct contact between food and spray paint, even why dry, is not recommended.

I made both of these plates for under $10 dollars total, including the cost of the spray paint and glassware.  I had the silicone and frosted spray paint on hand, but you’ll pay an extra few dollars for them at the hardware store. 

I’m thinking you could make tiered versions too.  Wouldn’t a series of these dessert stands be perfect for a whimsical cupcake party?  Or a bridal shower?  Or for little trinkets or favors on display?  Great for jewelry or business cards too!  

If you want the recipe for my orange cake, you’ll have to wait!  Sorry, I’m such a tease. 

The marvelous Ms. Layla has an upcoming Spring eZine all about color inspiration, so you’ll see it appear there next month. 

That fabulous fabric is from my patchwork picnic blanket, I found it at Joann’s, but the receipt doesn’t show the maker or name of the pattern*.  I’m off to the fabric store tomorrow, so I’ll update the post with the name of it when I find it. 

‘Till then, toodeloo! 

I can’t believe I just said that. 

** Thank you Elz for finding the fabric!  It’s the Fresh Fusion Large Spring Floral by Legacy Studio.

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I happen to love rich dark wood, and often I hesitate to paint it.  But since this was no antique, rather a mass produced piece from a decade ago, I turned to spray primer and spray paint to give it a fresh modern look.  Now I’m loving the gray with white trim!

Step one was to give it a coat of spray primer.  You know I love the brush on version of Zinsser’s oil based primer, but for smaller pieces of furniture you can go right ahead and prime with a spray can, it works great ! 

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Next came two thin coats of RustOleum’s ‘Winter Gray’, a beautiful medium hue in gloss finish.  RustOleum has several colors in their ‘Painter’s Touch’ line that are not the saturated colors you expect from spray paints, but rather muted colors that appeal to more modern tastes. 

Once the gray was dry, I used painter’s tape to mask of the raised trim which to me was just screaming to be painted a contrasting white.  Two coats of white paint applied by hand was all it took. 

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I also spray painted the hardware white and simply reused it. 

I even painted the interior too, for a complete look.

One of the quickest and easiest makeovers this gal has ever done!

For more tips on spray painting, take a peek at this article: Spray Paint FAQs.

I prettied up the top with a simple silver dish I found at a thrift store years ago. 

Also on top is the jewelry tree I made out of a branch back in 2009.

I’m a lover of chandeliers, so this is where I like to keep them!

I’ve always been a big fan of RustOleum products, and this is yet another example of how their spray paints really can work to give smaller pieces of furniture a brand new look. 

Lucky for me, tomorrow I’m off to attend a RustOleum conference in New Orleans to talk about some of their newer products, I’m very excited!  Can’t wait to report back !

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I’m working my way through my list of holiday crafts, and I finished up one half of a project today!   We’re not hosting Thanksgiving this year, but I am helping with the table setting, so here’s one of my contributions: glitter leaf hurricanes!  Or should I say hurricane singular . . .  I still have to finish the second one, but no worries.  This is such a simple and quick project anyone can finish in under an hour.

What you’ll need:  pattern or design of choice; glass candle holder or vase; spray paint; glitter; adhesive vinyl; cutting board; box cutter or X-acto knife; cotton swabs; mineral spirits or paint thinner (for cleaning up with spray paint).

I was all set to use my Silhouette craft cutter, but then I couldn’t find the little blade cutters, grrrr.  I had to cut out my pattern the old fashioned way, which takes about ten times as long, but it also works if you cut slowly and carefully.  Make sure you use a cutting board underneath!

I used a leaf pattern from my Silhouette library, then placed in directly on top of the sheet of adhesive vinyl and secured it with tape.  You can use any clip art shape you find online, simply print it out in the size you need.

I was going to use the negative space created with the vinyl, but then realized the adhesive backing was stickier, so I used that instead.  In hindsight, I’m realizing the vinyl may have clinged better around the edges, so I may use that instead on the second hurricane.

You can spray paint so many things, including glass, so I used that as my base to get the glitter to stick.  I sprayed a tiny bit of paint into the cap, then use a paintbrush to dab it on the glass.  After I applied the paint, I sprinkled it with glitter.  I repeated several times to get a thick application and design.

I used Krylon’s ‘Caramel Latte’ but any color close to your glitter will work.  The glitter is Martha’s ‘Bronze’ from her line of craft supplies.  Allow to dry, then peel off your adhesive. 

Clean up any ‘bleeding’ of your paint outside the lines with a cotton swab dipped in mineral spirits or paint thinner.

Here’s how it looks when you’re done!  

Anything’s possible for your holiday table with glass, be it a candle holder or a vase.  Snowflake designs would look so pretty with silver or white glitter.  And it doesn’t need to be permanent.  Whenever you tire of your design, mineral spirits or paint thinner will remove the paint and glitter from your hurricane and return it to clear glass.   Just in time for you to cover it with hearts for Valentines Day, right?

I’ve spray painted just about everything:  plastic, glass, wood, fiberglass, mirror, metal, ribbon, laminate, etcetera.  I’ll spray paint anything that stands still, mostly because it’s  cheap-n-easy, but also because my curiosity in this wonder product knows no end.  Most especially since I’ve witnessed first hand just how many gosh darn things seem to look better when dosed with Toluene and Xylene (the chemicals in spray paint which we never mention in the light of day, but secretly adore in the private solitude of our well ventilated garages).

Spray paint, when applied correctly, possesses the magical power to transform so many dated looks into a something fresh and modern, all in the course of an afternoon.  I think if I was stranded on a deserted island, a can of spray paint just might be on my wish list, not for the giant ‘SOS’ but to give my pathetic coconut mailbox attached to my hut that extra oomph it needed.

I’m sorry, where was I?  Oh yes. Take this sweet little French style solid wood nightstand I spied while gallivanting around the local thrift store last week.  Fab lines, lovely detail, but with yellowed spotty paint and chipped gold accents.  Facelift needed.

All’s well that ends well when you have a well shaken can of spray paint with which to solve the world’s problems.  The final paint is RustOleum’s ‘Canvas White’ found at True Value Hardware.

Before:

After:

‘Shipwrecked Pitcher’ from Anthropologie

I have used spray paint in so many ways I can’t even count them anymore.  Take a tour through my home and you won’t find a room with at least one spray painted thang.  Since I often get asked questions about spray paint, I reckon I’ll just put all those FAQs in one big post.  Bear with me.  I don’t know all the answers, but that’s where you come in at the end friends.

Away we go.    

1. What surfaces can I spray paint?

What can’t  you spray paint?   Well, perhaps that’s too inclusive.  Here’s the growing list.  Plastic, metal, fiberglass, mirror, glass, wood, wicker, masonry, plaster, concrete, canvas, ceramics, MDF, laminate and particle board.

Image via Valspar

2. What are the pros and cons of spray paint vs. brush on paint?

I addressed this query last year, you can read all about in in this article about the pros and cons of spray paint.  Several other issues are addressed in the following questions, so read on!

3. How can I avoid drips?  Do you have a certain technique you use when applying spray paint?

*Cough*  Ahem.  Um, yes I do.  I even made a video.  Those new to spray painting can view my beginner tips and simple painting technique.  The rest of you pros have strict instructions to avert your eyes and ears.

4. To prime or not to prime, that is the question.

Mkay, where to begin.  My rule of thumb is this.  Prime these surfaces: 1) anything  meant to go outdoors that will be exposed to moisture because you risk rust (but see below), 2) glossy surfaces, or 3) wood.  Forget everything else.  But I break that rule of thumb all the time, so what good am I to this world, I don’t know.

Here’s my reasoning why I sometimes skip primer.  Spray paints are predominately oil based paints.  You can always tell when you read the ‘cleanup’ category on the back and it says to use paint thinner or mineral spirits to clean up your spray paint.  ‘Paint thinner’ and ‘mineral spirits’ = oil based paint.  It’s that simple.

Because spray paint is oil based, I find it has a much higher adhesion than your typical latex paints.  It clings baby, and it clings well.  Hence the reason I often skip primer when working with spray paint even when recommended *gasp* because I have a sneaking suspicion that I’m being sold a product I don’t need.  But don’t quote me on that.  Raw wood loves oil based paint, it soaks it up well, so for example when I refinished this chair, I skipped the primer and went straight to spray paint and have never had a problem since.

If you’re spray painting something for the outdoors, you may want to consider priming to protect against rust, Krylon recommends it.   However, I’ve spray painted several pieces of metal outdoor furniture without priming with only spray paint specifically designed for outdoor use, and they’ve never rusted, even after years of rain and sun exposure.

One thing I do like about spray primers is they dry with a flat finish, so if you like that super matte finish in white, gray, or black, just spray your object with primer and call it a day.   Black matte primers and spray paints can make a bowl or pitcher look pretty close to Basalt, just ask Eddie.

5. What are the dangers of skipping primer when using oil based spray paint?

I haven’t ever had a problem skipping the primer with glass, metal, fiberglass, terra cotta, or plastic because of the oil based nature of spray paints mentioned above.  My only real problems arise when I skip primer with glossy or wood surfaces.  With wood or laminate, you risk the paint not sticking over time or the dreaded bubbling and cracking that can occur in certain conditions when the surface repels the paint.  Which brings us to our next question.

6. My spray paint just bubbled and cracked, and I’m freaking out.  What did I do wrong?

I have seen this happen in three circumstances.   When the temperature outside was too low, when the wood surface wasn’t primed, and when the surface wasn’t perfectly clean and free from debris.  When you read the back of a can of spray paint, it cautions you to use the paint within a certain temperature range.  That’s key.  One time when I was spray painting the curtain rod in my office, it crackled on me because it was early in the morning in December and below 50 degrees.

This most recent crackling was due to debris I forgot to clean off my drawer front.  Both debris (and sometimes lack of primer) can lead to problems.  In my experience, it happens in patches, and not across an entire surface.  Basically part of your surface is repelling the paint like a toddler refusing his green vegetables.  "Me no likey, ppphhhhhbbt!"

Don’t panic.  This little wrinkle is easily solved with oil based primer.  I recommend you keep a quart of it handy, you’ll be amazed at its adhesion, stain blocking and bonding qualities.  Zinsser primer also comes in spray version, both the red and brown can are oil based, and they’re awesome.

So here’s what I do with a crackled surface.  I wait wait wait until the crackled spray paint is completely dry.  You’ll find the bubbles and cracks reside a bit so that it looks like dehydrated clay.  Or my forehead up close when I don’t moisturize, heh heh.

After you’ve allowed the spray paint to dry a full 24 hours, sand it down with some medium to fine grade sandpaper so it’s smooth, then coat it with oil based primer.  Allow that to completely dry.  Lightly sand if necessary.  Apply second coat of spray paint over the top.  You should be fine.  Spray paint takes a chill pill when layered over oil based primer.

 RustOleum has a good surface preparation guide you can read here.

7. I‘ve noticed a splotchy finish on my flat furniture surfaces.  What the heck?

Yes, I’ve seen this too.  To me, it’s not necessarily a problem with paint coverage, but a weird thing that happens with the finish.  This is why I had to brush paint my bookcases in my office because the sides kept getting that splotchy look from the spray.

And yet another reason why larger pieces of furniture with flat surfaces don’t necessarily look better when spray painted.  Just my experience.

But I have found a new solution that seems to work.  I tried the Krylon ‘Matte’ finish as a final coat, and that seemed to even out the splotchy look.  It also tones down glossy paint finishes.

Krylon also has an entire series of artist’s clear coatings which I’m excited to try in the near future. They may be the perfect protective coat for white paint, fingers crossed. 

8. What’s the deal with those new nozzles?

A certain company has introduced the ‘Comfort Tip’ designed to be more spray paint user friendly.  Peeps in the SPFC (Spray Paint Fan Club), you’ll have to tell me what you think, but here’s my opinion.  {Insert granny voice}  "Them thar new fangled contraptions ain’t as good as them old fashion nozzles! " 

Yes, you heard me right.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it is what I say.  I find the new flatter wider nozzles (on the right) clog and spit five times more than the old fashioned nozzles (on the left).  But it could be that the Comfort Tip gods are against me.

Bottom line, you still need that spray paint gun that you see (located in your paint department) or you’ll never be accepted into the SPFC.  I tell you the truth. ;-)

9. What’s the difference in sheen?  How do I know when to choose flat, matte, satin, gloss or lacquer?

Ah yes, the great debate.   Unfortunately, with spray paint, and unlike latex brush-on paints, the sheen is already chosen for you.  So if you’re searching for something beyond black or white, you don’t have many options other than what is already specified on the can.   The most common finishes are Satin and Gloss.  RustOleum, Krylon, and Valspar have developed their own lines of great colors, but again, you’re limited by what’s available.

That said, the sheens are what they are.  Matte is very similar to flat paint, satin is akin to an eggshell finish, and gloss is well, glossy.  Lacquer is the glossiest and shiniest of all.

Image via RustOleum

10. Where’s the best place to buy spray paint?

It’s everywhere, but the retailer chooses what brands and colors to stock.  I found my most recent stash at True Value ~ I’ve been shopping there a lot lately.

I’ve also found spray paints at Home Depot, Lowes, OSH, ACE, Walmart and Michaels.  If you’re looking for a particular color or specialty paint, most of the big websites have a store locator tab so you can find what your looking for near your zip code.  Ask your retailer to order your specific paint for you if you can’t find it close by, or shop online.  If you’re really gung ho, I hear you can buy it by the case at a discount.   

11.  Why aren’t there prettier spray paint colors available?

Amen to that.  There is a limited amount of quality colors.  My most favorite to date is ‘London Gray’, a deep mushroom color used on these small dressers and RustOleum’s ‘Night Tide’ (a gorgeous deep teal) used on the lamp in my family room.   The colors I’ve used the most are RustOleum’s ‘Heirloom White’, ‘Gloss White’ and ‘Espresso’.  Both ‘Oil Rubbed Bronze’ and ‘Metallic Bronze’ are favorites too. 

If I won the lottery, I’d develop my own line of spray paints in the most amazing colors, but that’s a dream for another decade.  Till then, I’ll be waiting patiently by the phone for that assignment from the big producers.

12.  Tell me about specialty spray paints, the metallics, hammered and stone finishes, high heat, chalkboard and frosted species.

I’ve used the frosted version here and here, the chalkboard version here and here, and the plastic version here and here, all with great success.   I’ve used the high heat (brush on) here and here, but the spray version is the same formula.  Great for BBQs I understand.

Other readers feel free to chime in about your experiences with hammered or stone finishes, those I’ve never used before.

*** Reader comment update ***

"One small piece of advice to those out there looking to spray paint plastic: go Krylon Fusion.  I was at my local Lowe’s (where they don’t seem to carry Krylon) and bought Valspar plastic spray paint as an alternative. As it turns out, not all plastic spray paints are created equal… the Valspar stuff bubbled and warped, but I’ve had no problems with Krylon’s product."  ~ Sarah at Ugly Duckling House  (CG note: I’ve used Rustoleum’s version for plastic and been pleased with the results too.)

"I’ve used the textured finish on a tired metal patio set. The finish does look great but it takes an awful lot of paint to do just one chair. So now I’m mid-way through and realizing it probably would have been cheaper to buy a whole new set on clearance.  One chair takes almost 2 cans to get good coverage. Perhaps if I had primed it black first I could have used a lighter top coat.   At our old house I used the hammered finish on old radiators and they looked great, hid the bumps and unevenness really well."  ~ Sophie

"The hammered metal paints are fun to use. Temperature and moisture seem to affect how the hammered look turns out.  The stone paints look like fake stone paint, not real stone."  ~ Sarah

13.  Can I toss my empty spray paint can in the garbage?

Please don’t.  Spray paints are considered toxic waste, at least in my state, so I make it a habit to take them to the proper specialty disposal site, even if they’re technically empty, they still contain the residue.

A few unsolved mysteries:

Can you use spray paint on bathroom hardware in high moisture areas?   I’m not sure, but there are spray paints designed for outdoor use on metal, and when I hear ‘outdoor’ I hear ‘rain’ which equals moisture, so I suspect it just might work.  I haven’t seen any manufacturer advertise this, so are there any volunteers?   Whose got some shiny brass plated leftovers from the nineties?  Anyone?  Bueller?

*** Reader comment update***

A lady I worked with spray painted her old brass taps in her bathroom with Rustoleum’s hammered metal paint.. and they look fantastic!   Ass far as I know, she has never had a problem with the results.  I say – go for it!  Try it out and if it doesn’t work you are no worse off than when you started – with an ugly faucet that needs replacing."   ~ Kimberley

"We spray painted our kitchen hardware.. it was ugly brass and I wanted it to match our stainless appliances.. but didn’t want to drop the dough on new handles.  I did spray prime them.. then used some silver Rustoleum.  Worked like a charm! some of our oft used handles have had to be retouched, but its so easy to just unscrew – spray – and reattach! It’s been about 1.5 years — still going strong!  It was a cheap-o solution since we plan a major kitchen overhaul in the next few years. Why spend the $$ now?"  ~ Katie

Can spray paint cans be refilled?  Rumor has it, some hardware stores will do this for you in your paint of choice.  Can you imagine the possibilities?  I’ve never discovered a good source for this, so if any of you have, be sure to tell us where and how it can be done so we can all stampede the door.

*** Reader comment update***

"I just received my refillable spray paint can last week, but I haven’t used it yet, so I don’t know how well it works. You just fill it with thinned paint, pressurize with a bicycle pump, and spray away! It sounds too good to be true, but I do have my fingers crossed.  It’s the ‘Go Green Aluminum Rechargeable Spray Can’ available at Amazon."  ~ Leslie

"Lowe’s now offers custom mixed spray paint! That’s right, you pick the color, they mix it and some how magically put it in your standard aerosol spray can! I’m not sure the price but being able to get the perfect shade of yellow or blue is worth quite a bit in my book. I haven’t tried it yet but I’ll be sure to report back when I do! I still get goosebumps just thinking about it!   ~ Amanda

Want more answers?  Visit RustOleum’s FAQs and Valspar’s general tips for detailed information on working with spray paint.

Want to see my entire list of spray paint projects?  Check out these specific posts.

Now let the greater conversation begin.  Do you have a specific tip to share that hasn’t been mentioned?  Another question that hasn’t been raised?  I’ll try to answer follow up questions in the comments.

Have you worked with a particular spray paint product that you recommend?  Please link to your project in your own comment as well !

True Value Blog Squad legalese:  “I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience.  I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project.   However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.”

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As I chatted it up with one of the managers, I couldn’t help but notice the sign just behind him. 

Do you love the exclamation point for added emphasis?  Like rejected brass light fixtures are something to get excited about?  Well actually, I kinda do get excited about them.  A lot. 

I actually like antique  brass fixtures, just not these super shiny leftovers from the early 90s.  So with a fixture like this, one that just happens to have a completely fantastic shape, I see no reason why it shouldn’t be spray painted.  White.  Pronto! 

Hello gorgeous.  Don’t you just fit right in ? 

Aaaaaand, she was free.  Fah-reeee. 

Yep.  Free.

I was over the etched glass chandy that was previously hanging in our kitchen.  I had picked it out at a Home Depot many years ago and I’ve never been totally thrilled with it.  I wanted something “Frenchier” looking.   For awhile I was trying to figure out how to convert its standard sockets into candle fixtures, but just couldn’t find anything to make the conversion. 

I was wanting a new chandelier, but I couldn’t find one online that I was in love with that would make it worth dropping some serious cash.  Months dragged on.   I’m a lover of all things that look like they came from a French flea market, or could be found in a Ballard Designs catalog, so when I spied the ten arm brass chandy among the wreckage at my local ReStore, I couldn’t help but squeal, especially since it was free.

Did I mention it was free? 

The teensy problem?  It needed some rewiring.  Not every arm thankfully, just the interior portion.  Enter True Value electrical supply aisle! 

I am pretty proud of myself that I figured out how to rewire this piece all on my own without any help ~ it was definitely a new discovery for me.  I’ve rewired a lamp before, but never a chandelier, however the logic is the same.  Whites to whites, blacks to blacks, yada yada. 

You can find a detailed tutorial about rewiring a chandelier here, and for the step-by-step on installing a chandy, hop on over to This Old House.  As for me, let’s just say I spent a solid hour teaching myself how to rewire this puppy ~ here’s a few action shots. 

After it was all rewired, I was patting myself on the back.  But then something dreadful happened.  One of the arms broke off.  Dangit!   So frustrating!   I couldn’t get the arm to screw back into its holder, it was completely stripped.  Gah!   After all that work, I almost gave up on this, seriously. 

But then I decided to give it one more try with some plastic steel epoxy designed for metal, also found at True Value. 

It worked ! 

The last step was painting the chandy, so I bought Rustoleum’s ‘Shell White’, a close kin to ‘Heirloom White’, at True Value.  I also gave the chandy a bit of faux distressing.  With the side of an artist’s brush, not the tip, I rubbed some oil rubbed bronze spray paint onto the limbs here and there. 

Voila.  A perfectly lovely Ballard-esque look.  

And to think she once was shiny brass. 

Simple.  Elegant.  Love it !

The fixture actually works too, which made me squeal with delight when I flipped the switch !

Here’s some really cool news.  My old chandy with the etched glass shades?  It’s already sold!   A reader wanted it, so it will be sent to a new home next week.  Yay!

The new fixture complements the style of our kitchen a bit better, and I think it was a worthwhile rescue of a shiny brass chandelier.  Don’t you ?      

The necessary legalese:  “I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience.  I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project.   However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.”

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My home office?  My living room?  My master bathroom?  Yep, they’re mostly blue.  I make no apologies, I happen to find the shade is extremely calming, and complements just about everything.  Think about it.  Soft blue works with chocolate brown, red, pink, orange, gray, green, white, everything !  So I prefer it over other colors, as long as it has plenty of gray in it. 

Now I’ve gone and saturated the family room with blue too, but more by force than by choice.  Allow me to explain.   

Here’s our family room two years ago:

Let’s just pause for a moment and soak in its ordinariness. 

*silence*

Now let’s look at it today:

Much improved.  Now, we’re getting somewhere, whew. 

The dark olive green couches we’ve had for a decade, but the fabric is waaaaay too dark and drab for me, hence the reason I’ve never photographed our family room.  To reupholster the green monsters in my fabric of choice will cost me muy moola  so that’s on the back burner.  But then I had a middle-of-the-night genius! idea to switch them with the slate blue PB slipcovered sofas from the guest space.  Now why didn’t I think of that months ago???   The room was instantly lightened by making the switch. 

The family room lacks its own window, so we moved the family photos to another room, then added mirrors above the sofa instead.  The power of mirrors to pull light into a room never ceases to amaze me.  This trio mimics the divided white panes in our kitchen’s garden window which is directly across, and also lightens and enlarges the space. 

I had a pair of these Grand Palais mirrors from Ballard sitting in my garage for over a year ~ they were ordered for the living room last year but ended up being too big to fit above the living room mantel, so I ordered a third, then spray painted them with Rustoleum’s ‘Heirloom White’, a favorite shade.  

Since the kitchen is all white, and the adjacent dining room is very neutral, I felt the dark family room was in need of a splash of color, so I started with this $5 dollar brass lamp from the Goodwill.  It got a dose of Rustoleum’s glossy ‘Night Tide’ spray paint leftover from my laundry room makeover, which is a gorgeous  shade of deep teal or peacock blue.  So did the satin ribbon that trims the drum shade ~ oh yes you can spray paint fabric ribbon !

Just a little hot glue to trim the linen shade with the ribbon did the trick.

So I admit these colors all all very summery ~ if I had my act together, this all would have been better timed and I would have made these changes back in May, but I’m so easily distracted. 

The peacock blue velvet throw pillows and white tray are from Pier One. 

Although these are summery colors, they still make sense for August.  I’ll tweak the room for cooler weather in October.  As I mentioned here, deep blue and dark orange can look incredible together, so for fall I’ll mix it up with a pumpkin throw and other earthy tones, and I’ll bring out the fall candles.

I’m desperate for a new rug for this room, currently loving these, the first from Overstocks, the second from Dash & Albert.

Maybe Santa will be generous this year.  

So there’s the new ‘summer’ look for our family room . . .

. . . just in time for all the fall decor in all the catalogs.  

Spruced up any of your spaces lately?

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Instead of finishing the space, we went out wine tasting in Sonoma and had the best time ever.  The weather was perfect, the kids were angels, the wine was cold, the cheese was stinky, and the evening ended so well, I crashed on the couch with the kids, all of us completely wiped.  It was heaven. 

But our bedroom remains a complete disaster zone, with laundry and ladders and paint cans and tarps everywhere.   I had a crazy idea to repaint the entire room last week in ‘Nantucket Gray’ by Benjamin Moore.  It’s the perfect shade of medium gray with a hint of olive.  My poor husband has been so patient with me while I try to give this room a facelift. 

One of the upgrades I was eyeballing were these lamps at Z Gallerie, they’re delicious. 

But then I found a pair of lamps for 1/3 the price at Marshalls ~ loved the shape, but of course I wanted them white ! 

I got this idea from Janell to spray paint some curvy lamps a glossy white, and I absolutely love the final result ! 

$40 lamp from Marshalls:

Love !

I spray painted with Rustoleum’s ‘Gloss White’ (heart!), and removed the brownish band from the shade.   Then I hand painted the champagne stripe at the base to make it pop off the dresser. 

So modern !  So purty ! 

Did you happen catch the sneaky peek at the hand painted wall treatment ?  If you follow my tweets, you’d have seen my inspiration link for it last week !  The bedroom should come together very soon, fingers crossed.

Today I’m off to Restoration Hardware ~ ordinarily I don’t shop there because they’re a little pricey, but I’m holding in my paint covered hands a gift card and their linens are on sale !  Aw, yeah.  Gotta love how my hub redeemed some miles from his business Am Ex to bring me a RH gift card.

He must have been listening when I kept saying how much I love their Belgian Washed Linen Quilt and Shams, and how I kept repeating after ten years, how much we really deserve something nice for our bedroom. 

Or maybe it was the page from the catalog that I taped to his side of the mirror.

I’m just subtle like that. 

I’m torn between Fog, White, and Orchid.  Decisions, decisions !  

What have you spray painted lately ? 

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As I meandered up the hill behind the grapevines, I was reminded of the thrift store bistro set I found a couple of years ago that I had every intention of refinishing but I just never got around to it.   The set sits on a little gravel patio that has a great view of the vines, but it certainly been been neglected.  After leaving the bistro set out all winter (so dumb), the set was, how shall I say . . . . what’s the word ?  . . . oh yes.  

GROSS. 

I meant there was moss growing on top of the table, the paint was chipping everywhere, and it was covered in spiderwebs.  ICK. ICK. ICK. 

So I decided the time had come to give it a makeover.  I convinced myself I’d have a fresh new set in no time at all with just a little paint and fabric.   Well, that’s what I did, repainted and recovered the seats.  But in the middle of my revamp, something rather unexpected happened.  Something I hate to relive.  But you’ve just got to know. 

First, take a looky loo at this retro bistro set Before:

And After:

Purty, huh ? 

It’s just such a great set for sitting and watching the grapes grow. 

The Revamp:

So the first thing I did to revamp it was carry the set all the way down the hill into the front driveway. I had every intention of spray painting it, so I need a wide open well ventilated spot. 

Wearing a mask AND goggles, I sanded the top of the metal table with my orbital Black & Decker.  Moss and paint particles went flying everywhere, hence the mask.     

Then it was time to give the spiderweb covered set a good scrub and power wash.  So I filled my carwash bucket with suds and began to scrub. 

But then I felt some beady eyes staring at me. 

Oh, you can’t quite see down that disgusting umbrella pole chamber ? 

Neither could I at first. 

Then a creature from ‘Arachnophobia’ leapt out of the middle. 

OH.

MY.

GAWWWD.

Let’s move in a hint closer shall we ?

That would be an extra large poisonous black widow spider ready to pounce. 

EEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKK !!

First, I have to tell you I am not typically afraid of spiders.  In fact and in general, they do not scare me at all.  I find most spiders useful and think the little ones are kind of cute.  But my reaction to spiders is based solely on size. 

My Sliding Scale of Responses to Spiders:

1/2 inch or less:  “Awww, how cute, hey kids, come look at the baby spider!”

1/2 inch to 1 inch garden spider:  “I see your value – you may live in my garden at least 20 feet from the house.”

1 inch to 2 inches:  “You shall swim with the fishes.”   Translation: you shall be flushed down the toilet. 

2 inches or more:  “Holy mother of God – EEEEKKK – call animal control !” 

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I didn’t know what to do at first – I’d NEVER seen a black widow this big before, usually they’re only an inch big, but this mama was twice that size and had molted many times.   I panicked.  Then my primordial mama bear instinct kicked in and I killed it with a big garden spade.  What’s a mother to do with small children nearby ?   EEEEEEKKK !   So it perished at my hand.  

When Mr. CG came home and I showed him the pictures, he said this, I’m not kidding, “Why didn’t you preserve it for the Natural History Museum for future study?”

“Um.  Because it’s a black widow spider.  And I’m a mom.”  

Needless to say, for the rest of the day, with every wisp of hair that brushed my cheek, I felt like there was something creepy crawling on me.  

The worst part is I realized that I carried that table all the way down the hill, over 30 stairs, with that poisonous spider inches from my fingers.  EEEEEKK !!!!

Sorry, I just had to share that eerie experience. 

Those of you who live in the country near woodpiles feel free to mock me.

Now back to my revamp. 

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After my close encounter, I power washed the entire set, then gave the table and chairs one coat of white primer and two coats of spray paint in Rustoleum’s ‘Shell White’, designed for outdoor metal furniture.   

Yep, I cheated on my favorite ‘Heirloom White’.

Since the set was spray painted outside, I also lightly sanded between coats with a sanding wedge to rid the surface of the few teeny floating particles that got stuck in the surface. 

I recovered the seats with some medallion print outdoor fabric I found at Joann’s – ‘Morgan Tile’ in cardinal. 

With the help of some 1” foam and a staple gun,  the seats got more comfortable and more stylish.  

I just love the retro look of this outdoor bistro set !

Total cost for the makeover ?  $12 in spray paint + $9 in fabric + $15 in foam = $36 dollars.   

    The perfect spot for lemonade.

What about you ?  Are you shaking up your spray paint cans to makeover some furniture this summer ?  Had any creepy experiences with a poisonous spider ?  Do share !

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