Thursday, August 7, 2008

Greatest Inventions

Well maybe not greatest, but here are 2 fabulous things people created that I Love ...

Hair color (yes, I already have gray hair)

Spray paint

When I posted about my little desk that I decided to paint and painted within 30 minutes start to finish, Jeannine asked me what type of paint I use and do I prime.

Well, I have learned that any project that stands a chance of getting done in my house must be done quickly. So on this particular project, I just spray painted the top layer of paint and didn't prime it at all. I don't even really know what the actual purpose of primer is, other than you should use it when you have a piece of wood that has never been painted. (According to Mr. Jones, the primer raises the wood and allows you to sand it down smoother with some steel wool. He worked for his father who was a professional painter so I'm going with him on that one). So if a piece already has been painted, I just paint over the paint. If the piece has shellac or a glossy finish and I want the paint to stick, I do a light sanding. Ditto if the previous paint job has too many lines and needs to be smoothed down a bit. That probably doesn't clear up much. I'm probably making it more confusing. Basically, I avoid work at all costs.

By the way, they do make spray primer too, which I love because it gets in all kinds of weird spots, doesn't leave paint lines and is fast. And you can use grey primer if you are going to paint the piece black.

Anyway, my hands-down favorite paint is Krylon Indoor/Outdoor paint. Have you seen the commercial for the little 360 degree nozzle on their bottles? Well, yes, I had to check that out and it is awesome!! I cannot tell you how much I love this little feature. Yes, folks, this is a paint manufacturer who understands their customers (Apparently my local Home Depot doesn't because they don't even stock this stuff). When I went to their website to steal one of their spray paint pictures, I found all kinds of really neat projects, like ...
A baby bootie mobile. I may not make this one, but I did save all of my kids' booties but they are all scuffed and dirty and bronzing them costs too much money. Wouldn't a coat of robin's egg blue look great on them?!!

And glue those stars right on the dresser ... hmmmmm, I'm going to have to glue some shells or something on one of mine.

Oh, oh, this one is my favorite. Did it ever occur to me to spray paint a shirt? Get out!!

Here's a cute Halloween project made from Dryer Hose!

You can make chalk boards out of those lunch boxes.

And here's a technique I have tried before. Use petroleum jelly between layers of paint to distress it. Be careful though. It REALLY works.

They even show you how to do aged looks like this one. Loooovee the patina.

I'm on vacation now, but I'm think when I get back I'm going to have a little get-together with all my bloggy friends and we can all share our favorite spray paint project.

17 comments:

Amber said...

Wow, they really do have a lot of great ideas on their website! I have always painted my furniture the old brush way, but I would like to try out spray painting. Now, I just need to find some pieces to paint! :)

Bella Della said...

I am getting ready to do some painting projects. Thanks for the inspiration and the helpful hints. I am all for spray painting!

Scrapper Mom said...

Cool beans!!

I have got to find something to paint.

Debbie said...

Hi Heather! I love your new layout and thanks for posting your tips. I was amazed that you did that desk so lickety split. Did you seal it with anything? As usual, you and Kimba inspire me to get out the paint and spiff up some old stuff. Love the projects you showed here. Have fun on vacay!

Judy said...

Love that paint!

It's so funny you mentioned about the Mr. Clean magic eraser. After my ordeal with the grout/tile, I didn't want to mop over it and have all that hard word disappear so I bought a Mr. Clean mop to just damp mop the floor. But my daughter was telling me just this week that her kids bathroom tub has always looked dirty and no matter what she did to it, she could not get it clean (and this is a house less than 2 years old that cost big bucks). She finally tried the Magic Eraser on it and she said it cleaned up like new! I do love the Magic Erasers!

Thanks!
Judy

Linda said...

What great projects! I love spray paint and I am so glad to know that primer comes in spray paint as well.
Love the blog background.
Blessings,
Linda

m said...

Thanks for the links!

I'm checking them out because I want distress some end tables.

I teach . . . said...

Hi there. I am new to your blog, but love it already.

Do you spray paint everything, or do you use brushes as well? I have a few things I need to paint and thought I'd ask you since you seem to be an expert. You do beautiful work!

Anonymous said...

Gray hair? You too? Man, I hate that! I can't cover it though (for very long anyway)!

Martha said...

Oh, sister.

Grey hair: Me too. Lots of it.

That Krylon Door Knocker project: Hello????? How awesome is that? I should use that idea for my flower pots. Way cool.

You are so inspiring...do you know that?

xoxo,
martha

Heathahlee said...

I LOVE the pumpkin idea! I am just beginning my love of spray paint, so all these ideas just make me drool. Thanks for sharing!

SeaWorthy said...

Hey Mrs J,
wAs over at marthas this morning, shes done it, Ive done it and Saras done it..all because of you hooooooo. I am such a follower. You, are such an inspirer..if thats a work. Im going to also go and spraypaint me a shirt. I was never one for a rattle can, but youve got me convinced. And not for my grey roots, either...
--keepin up with the joneses....out at the beach!
Lisa
coastal nest

Sarah said...

They really have some great ideas! I think I might try the vaseline frame! Have a great vacation!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, I haven't been by in awhile. Love your newly painted bedroom. That is a great color & has been used for a few years now in many showhouses. And spray paint is my best friend! Love the stuff.


Rhoda

Anonymous said...

Hi, again! Thank you so much for addressing my question in such detail! I am so excited to get going on my project now. I have never tried spray painting before, and can't wait to get started!

Thanks again! You're a dear!

Kimba said...

I couldn't agree more! I just discovered the Krylon spray paint. It has become my new favorite. And my Wal-Mart sells it for $2.50 a can! Major bargain!

Love the blog makeover too.

Anonymous said...

I am just popping in again to let you know that I used your ideas and recommendations regarding painting furniture, and painted an old telephone table and chair set! This was my first time painting furniture, and I used your advice to a T, and it all turned out beautifully! Thanks so much!

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