Painting is not one of our favorite things. But spray painting, now that’s fun. There’s just something about hearing that little marble (or whatever it is) shake around in the can and then depressing the nozzle and watching whatever you’re aiming at (and sometimes not) be transformed. But nowadays, there’s a new economy to spray painting. It’s a simple, fast, and inexpensive way to renew just about anything. From wicker furniture to old bottles, from appliances to even sofas, all you need is some inspiration, information, and a strong index finger. Here are six ideas to get you thinking. Many more can be found on the websites of paint manufacturers. Ready, aim….
Refinish old appliances. If your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, or even toaster is a bit beat up, then Thomas’ Liquid Stainless Steel paint (www.liquidstainlesssteel.com) could be your easy alternative to a pricey and disruptive kitchen renovation. The water-based paint actually contains microscopic particles of stainless steel. It’s recommended that the brush-on variety be used for big appliances, but you can spray-paint smaller ones. And yes, in case you’re wondering, your refrigerator magnets will still stick.
Brighten up your wardrobe. Old T-shirts, blouses, and even blue jeans become blank canvases with aerosol fabric paints such as Simply Spray. This product works best on light-colored cotton fabric, but you should always test a concealed patch first. The website (simplyspray.com) offers downloadable stencil patterns and other creative ideas. Great for making youth team jerseys and securing your claim to the World’s Best Soccer Mom.
Make over your sofa. That’s right, it’s possible to spray-paint your sofa. Simply Spray also makes an upholstery fabric paint that’s available in nine colors. It works best on light-colored couches, though, and depending on the size of your lounger, you may need quite a few of the 8-ounce $12 cans. Warning: If you decide to undertake this project, make sure you wake up your husband first.
Decorate your doorknobs. If yours are anything like ours, they’re probably pretty nicked and scuffed. Applying a metallic-finish spray paint is an easy way to perk up a previously dingy entryway or provide a sunnier welcome for visitors. Check your nearest home-supply store for brands.
Perk up your plants. For an instant deck, patio, or kitchen-window brightener, color those dingy terra-cotta pots. Krylon Outdoor Spaces Satin Finish spray paints come in lime, mango, watermelon, and lemon. (Full instructions at http://www.krylon.com/projects/outdoor/terra-cotta/index.jsp.)
Takes just 1 hour!
Put a new stamp on your mailbox. So many nice homes have such crummy mailboxes. Make it so that yours makes a statement. Use Krylon’s Fusion spray paint for plastics, its X-Metals line for aluminum boxes, or its Exterior Semi-Transparent Stain for wood models. (Instructions at http://www.krylon.com/projects/outdoor/plastic-mailbox/index.jsp.) So easy you can change it up every year. (Just make sure to put a Wet Paint sign out for your mail carrier.)
Comments from Members
This is a great article! Everyday I look around wonder what I could "update" by painting or repurpose. Not knowing what kind of spray paints were available naturally I would look for something I could brush paint. I am already brainstorming ideas now!!!
Always better to not spend if you can fix nice post
Thanks for all the information, I was planning on replacing the hardward on a cabinet in the family room and now I will paint the hardware, it will be more economical. And did not know there was fabric paint, I can paint my old and make it more colorful.Thanks againDenise
GREAT! GREAT! GREAT! POST! I FOUND THIS SO USEFUL & INSPIRING!!!!
I would love to do a rug that I have! I wish there were some pictures to look at.
While reading this, I had so many ideas pop into my mind. For starters, I have an lamp whose base would look great with some Thomas’ Liquid Stainless Steel paint. Come to think of it, I have a file cabinet that could use some sprucing up too. Thanks for the inspiration!
These are great tips for making things in my home look new again. Who ever knew such great things could be found in a spray can!
Great to know about stainless steel paint!Now, we may update our boring kitchen!
Spray paint is great! Nail polish is perfect for smaller projects. Almost everything I have has been "customized" by one or the other!
Geat article!
I have been looking for craft ideas to perk up my rooms. This is great information and ideas with the products that will work. The ideas are popping!
I never heard of these ideas and think they will be great to try. My inside doors always get hand prints and this would be a good way to spruce them up and the doors will be easier to clean.
Sorry I don't see myself spray paint my fabric couch. I would do my lawn furiture thou.
Great idea! I was thinking of purchasing a new couch because I wanted to change the color scheme but now I can just paint it. I will probably try it out on a slip cover first to make sure the finish product is looks appealing.
I love the idea of updating your kitchen appliances with stainless steel spray but I would love to know if there is a spray for white appliances,and also, how durable is this spray?? Can it withstand the usual cleaning everyday? Love to hear anything from anyone, Mary Ann
Great ideaa just in time for this fall projects!!!!! Thank you.
very good ideas for summer.
I've been really wanting to try the stainless steel paint. Is there anyone that has tried it and could let me know how good it works. I definitely want to do my refrigerator!!
I have a nicked up black work desk (yawn!) that would probably look great with a fresh coat of some bright color!! I bet it would perk up my home office! I love this article!
We did our mailbox this summer and it looks great. Now I want to try the fridge.
I have used the white spray paint by Rust-Oleum on my refridgerator. It actually does work did the handles and the doors. I have cleaned it and the paints still there.
I didn't realize there was Liquid Stainless Steel paint. Our big appliances in the kitchen are already stainless but this might be a good way of co-ordinating some of the other items in my kitchen. Gotta go scope out what I can spruce up with this paint. The idea of spay painting my sofa doesn't appeal to me. Though I would try it on T-shirts, curtains, or tablecloths.
Thanks for the great ideas! I plan on using some this weekend.
i think i might paint my toaster...its an eye sore but it still works so i dont want to buy a new one
i am the worse spray painter. i'd be too afraid to do anything that anyone would see b/c my projects all end up with drips and either too much or not enough or badly distributed.
