Friday, May 10, 2013

Just DO IT!

I have had this vase for years. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I look at it, I think "You're ugly. I don't like you. You don't even match anything in my house. Nobody likes you." And that's not very nice of me. I seem to have a lot of anger towards a vase. It even kind of stresses me out.


 
After, oh, let's say 10 years, and extensive therapy, I have finally tackled my procrastination with this particular project. Why did I wait 10 years, full well knowing it's an easy fix, and being the kind of person who changes everything? The simple reason is I don't know.
 
"Just DO IT" I told myself. I put on my Nike's, and with the support of my therapist, and my loving family cheering me on, I headed outside with my ugly vase.
 
Aw, here they are. My favorite saw horses, that fold up and are easy to carry and store. (They could use a coat of spray paint too).


 
A quick couple of coats of black spray paint and voila. MUCH BETTER! That was easy! I don't know where it will end up. For now, I filled it with sticks and put it by the front door. We shall see...


 
 
I'm just so happy it's not brown and purple anymore. I need it right where I can see it - to remind me that procrastination is no friend of mine.

Like I mentioned, usually I get right on changing things if I don't like them. Despite my hang up with the ugly vase, I love spray painting. Spray painting is FUN. I could  easily go around the house and grab 10 things on any given day and give them a coat of paint. It's cheap, it's easy, and it's satisfying.

But, there are rules. I'm no expert, but I have learned a couple of things through trial and error (read: screwed up really bad).

  • Get a spray paint sprayer attachment thingy. It makes spray painting even easier, and you don't get spray paint all over your fingers.
  • Spray paint out doors. Spray paint is super toxic and it smells pretty bad.
  • Spray paint away from cars and the house. The spray paint will travel. I didn't do this, but a friend of mine spray painted near her hubby's new truck and lets just say THAT was a bad idea.
  • Spray paint on a dry, still day. What should take one can of paint will easily triple on a windy day. (Not that I have done that either, or emailed a fellow blogger wondering why I was going through so much paint.)
  • When you paint, keep moving in a sweeping motion to avoid drips and splotches.
  • Do 2 to 3 light coats of color. It will dry in minutes between coats, so be patient.
  • If you're spray painting ceramics or wood, give it  a light sand, and prime it first. That way your spray paint won't scratch up on you.
  • For out door objects like chairs and tables, plant pots, etc, use a poly coat to seal the paint.
  • I personally would buy good brand name primer and poly. That way you can use the cheaper paint if you wish. I have had no problem using the cheaper paints. Generally I buy the paint that is the best color, rather than the best price. Either way, spray paint is inexpensive.



So what are you painting? Next on my list are some outdoor wicker chairs, 3 billion plant pots, and MAYBE my kitchen chairs.

8 comments:

Debbie @ MeandMyDIY said...

Hi Julia, I found you over on Redoux. Those are all great spray painting tips. I definitely agree on the spray handle thingy. Worth its weight in gold! You did a great job changing the look of the vase. Have a great weekend!

Debbie

Unknown said...

Hi Debbie! Glad you came by! Yes, the handle thingy - seriously don't know what to call it - is the best $5 I ever spent.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a great change on that vase. I have spray painted a few times, but have some items I need to get to soon. Your tips are good one's! Thanks for joining Diann and I for TTF!

Linda

K (Sunshiney Days) said...


Great re-do! It's looks really nice. New follower here from the blog hop :)

http://www.nadanadalimonada.com

Unknown said...

Glad to have you Karen! :-)

Unknown said...

Thank you for stopping by Linda. As luck would have it the weather has now changed (I just saw SNOW! In MAY!), so all my painting will have to wait... Boo!

Susan at TheBoredZombie.com said...

lol, sounds like an internal dialog I've had more than once. Mine doesn't often turn out as well as yours though.

I'm adding your blog to my bloglovin feed. If you're interested feel free to check me out too - I'm at www.theboredzombie.com

The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ said...

What a great transformation!!! Love it and TFS!!! hugs...