Dishfunctional Designs: 05/01/2012

Swanky Spray Paint Transformations

Ok, time for a cool post!
Spray paint transformations!
Yes, that's fun things you can do with spray paint to transform an object and give it an entirely new look.
Awesome? Of course it is!

First off - are you the type of person who walks right past the old glassware and knickknack figurines at a flea market or at the thrift shop without giving them a second glance? Check out these photos below and I promise you won't ever look at those things the same way again...

This cute dish was made by Morena from plastic & glass dollar store finds and silver spray paint (above and below)

Check out the DIY here

Wood plaques + dollar store figurines + glue + spray paint = awesome

The ever popular spray painted mason jars

Spray painted canning mason jars

These are shells covered with actual silver, and they cost about $125 each...

...These shells, by Chic Done Cheap, are spray painted

Spray painted wooden bangle bracelets by Vozclothingandart via Etsy

This one is a GREAT craft for the kids - first, you spray paint a wreath entirely white, then once it is dry, give the kids some colorful kid-safe acrylic paints and brushes and let them go to town adding color as they please. This is a great way to encourage creativity and teach color coordination. Encourage them to experiment!

Spray painted plates for a wall display

Dollar store - outdoor black rubber door mat. Spray painted with Heirloom White from Home Depot. Sand to get a rustic feel.

Spray painted black rubber door mat by Salvage Dior

I've seen lots of these old chandeliers redone in many different colors, but I like this red one by justlaine

Before and after Birdbath by Mamaroots. I'd love one in purple or red!

The same goes with garden furniture. Again, love!

Wood pallets spray painted and used as garden planters

I love pine cones! What a great way to incorporate them year long!

Pinecones displayed in a jar. Imagine the color combinations you could create. You could have a set to coordinate with every holiday!

Acorns. I have to admit, I find these blue acorns intriguing.

Spray Paint Swivel Arm Architect Lamp

Awesome adjustable spray paint swivel lamp made by Weasel Works via Etsy

Colorful spray painted metal folding chairs

What color would YOU paint this?

How to do it? Click here for some quick tips on how to use spray paint

What do you think?
Have you ever done a spray paint transformation?

The Right Way To Use Spray Paint

Spray painting is a GREAT way to give new life and a new look to an old object, but before you get started with any project, it's important to be prepared and know the proper techniques so that you have the best results possible. Read on for some helpful tips and techniques to help you avoid things like runs, bubbling, and poor adhesion.

Before You Begin

Pick a good day to paint! Things such as extreme cold or heat and humidity can cause less than desirable results, so be sure to paint in good weather and out of direct hot sunlight and never when it's humid outside. Between 60 to 85 degrees is the perfect temperature to paint.

Safety First! Always paint in a well-ventilated area and be sure to wear protective gloves, a painting mask, and safety glasses. I prefer to paint outside because I can't stand paint fumes.

Prep & Prime Your Surface Clean all surfaces that you are going to paint. Make sure everything is thoroughly dry before painting. Using a primer such as Kilz sealer-primer before painting will give you better final results.

Invest in a spray paint hand gun. Available at most hardware stores, these handy tools are a worthwhile investment!

Follow the directions! Before you begin, be sure to thoroughly read through all manufacturer's directions and safety precautions. Use a good quality paint! Also, make sure you shake the can as directed on the label, usually for two minutes before you begin.

How To Apply Spray Paint

Distance yourself! Don't get too close or you will land up with drips or uneven coverage. Try to stay about 10 to 12 inches away from your project when spraying, and using a sweeping motion, spray in one direction only, not back and forth.

Easy Does It! Use several thin coats of paint. Never use one thick coat, or you will land up with drips and runs. The directions on the can should instruct you as to the amount of time you should wait before you apply an additional coat of paint. Once you are finished painting, invert the can and spray upside down for a few seconds to clear the nozzle.

What do you think about spray painting?
Feel free to share any of your own tips or techniques for spray painting below!

Vintage Lace & Doilies: Upcycled and Repurposed

Don't know what to do with all those old remnants of lace and inherited doilies? Check out these unique and fun ways to recycle and reuse these fading treasures.

Don't have any doilies of your own? Check your local thrift shops and yard sales and I think you'll be surprised at how plentiful (and inexpensive) these beauties are.

Nelly Vintage Home

Lace doily curtains

Doily lamp shade from A Beautiful Mess

Tablecloth embellished with doilies

Boho Vintage Crochet Lace Bib Necklace with Antique Brass Chain

Lace bib necklace by Urban Heirlooms via Etsy

Lace & doily lampshades

crochet lamps by NICE (by Naughty Secretary Club)

More doily lampshades

I think I like this one the most

Lace resist painting: lay lace on paper, spray with clear gloss spray, remove lace, paint with watercolors

For the project above you need:

Spray gloss finish Watercolor paints Doilies Yupo paper

You can use any type of paper for this project but the Yupo is recommended because is its less absorbent so it creates a great resist. To make, place the lace on the paper and spray the gloss spray through the lace onto the paper. Then remove the lace and paint the sprayed paper with watercolor paints. Project by Christine Adolph.

Lace making

Necklaces of antique lace preserved behind glass by Dishfunctional Designs

Printing with lace (above and below) from Martha

Lace printed stationary

Make a lace heart garland by wrapping lace around cookie cutters and coating with decoupage medium

Lace doily candle holder: made by soaking doilies in wallpaper glue or sugar starch and forming around a balloon. Sugar starch is 1/4c water mixed with 3/4 cup granulated sugar. For more permanency use fabric stiffener such as Stiffy.