My favorite spray paint tools

Krylon Spray Paint



This is my absolute favorite spray paint. it works well, comes in a wide variety of colors, and is reasonably priced. But even if you don't use Krylon, use a name brand spray paint. I'm a generic girl, but sometimes generic just doesn't cut it. Trust me, spray paint is one of those times.

 Spray Handle





I don't know why I put off buying one for so long. It was $2.50 at Walmart and it is worth every penny. It truly saves my "trigger" finger and wrist from hurting when I'm on a spray painting binge. It also seems to provide a smoother spray once  you get the hang of it.

Mask



OK, if I'm being honest I have to admit I don't use a mask every time I paint. If I'm doing a quick project in a well-ventilated area (ie: outdoors), I don't bother. But a mask is a must when doing large projects. You don't want to be breathing in the paint fumes for long!

Newspaper



Newspapers are a cheap, quick and easy way to protect surfaces (even if it's just your grass : ) for small projects.

Tarp



My tarp was about $10 at Walmart. I don't usually haul it out for little projects (ie: a frame), but for bigger projects (ie: a desk), it's almost a necessity.

Old Shoeboxes and Disposable Plant Pots

 



These make great "stands" for items when painting them. If you rest the item directly on your tarp or newspaper, it's harder to get to the bottom edge, and the item will often stick to the tarp or newspaper. You can purchase stands for this purpose, but why buy them when you can get them with something you're buying anyway?

Sanding Block

 

Spray paint sticks to most items without needing to sand first. Once-in-a-while a quick, light sanding is needed. This block is perfect for that. I picked up a two pack at the dollar store, for well, a buck. Can't beat that.

Time to try chalk paint?

If you love paint the way I do, you've undoubtedly heard about chalk paint. The idea of chalk paint has intrigued me since I started reading about this craze. The things I read about it sound great - no sanding prior to painting, sticks to just about anything, goes on smooth, a little goes a long way, and is great for a distressed look. There are a couple things I don't like, though - it needs to be waxed to finish it off (Though I'm only assuming that might be hard, and maybe it will make the surface more durable. That's the idea, anyway.) and the cost. Chalk paint is expensive!
But I've also found quite a few recipes to make your own. And they don't seem hard. I found this recipe at SunflowerHugs. She likes it, and her projects look great. I have a big dresser I plan to paint white and distress for my daughter. I think it might be time to give it a try!

Turning an old desk into a night stand

Remember this desk I planned to paint silver? Well, it's been a busy summer, but I'm finally getting around to it! I started by painting the spots where I scraped off decals, so I'd have an even surface. I just used white spray paint I already had on hand.

 

Now it was time for the silver! Actually, it's called "aluminum." I wanted more of a matte finish silver than a shiny silver. I couldn't find what I wanted in Krylon, so I went with Rustoleum. That's not to say Krylon doesn't make it, but they didn't have it at Walmart, which is where I was. I was pretty happy with the Rustoleum, though. After the first spray, I knew I'd make the right choice. I love the silver! Like most spray paint projects, the desk took a couple of coats and a bit of touchingup to complete.

For the most part, I love the way it turned out. But, to be honest, I'm not thrilled with the top. It has seen much better days, and that shows through the silver.

 

 

 

With some more work and elbow grease, I could probably get it to look OK. But I've got another idea in mind. It's going to take a while to complete, though, because I don't want to spend a lot of money on this project. So I'm going to go to Michael's and JoAnn Etc. weekly with 40% off coupons (unless I happen on a sale!) to purchase enough of what I need. Stay tuned for the final result!