Let me preface by saying that this cost ME pennies because I had everything laying around. And if you have kids and you like to DIY, chances are you’ll have everything to do this too. Since we built our DIY shelving (aka that giant project that is solving our storage problems), I’ve realized I don’t have that many ‘pretty’ things to make that open storage work for us. I do have lots of books and lots of wall art/ photo frames. Oh, and candles… but you can’t really burn candles on shelves like this and I’d rather them be in use. So I’m trying to get creative to dress up all those books a bit.
So I went digging through my kids’ toys (I promise, not a horrible parent) and picked out a couple toys I thought were pretty cute structurally that they didn’t play with much (if at all) and decided I’d give them a quick makeover. I brought them outside to spraypaint and my kids caught me and told me that I wasn’t allowed to paint toys. I told them I wanted to make them into decorations (and they LOOOOVE decorations, they’re my kids for sure), and that was the end, they were on board with less toys, more decorations. I hope you have as easy to please toddlers ;)
BUT it was raining! For a few days. And that’s super lame when you want to do a quick project but you sit inside your house waiting for the rain to stop. I was going to show you guys that I used the HomeRight Spray Shelter to protect my pretty little spray paint projects from dust, sap, wind and such (our yard has a giant tree that produces pollen at a crazy rate), but then as I was setting up this tent in the rain I realized… it’ll keep my project dry too. And another unintended perk of this tent… it’s a barrier to keep little fingers away from your pretty paint projects! Because, that was probably the biggest risks to this project.
I’ve actually spray painted dinosaurs before… a couple times (for this party and for this doorstop) and I really love the way they look BUT they’ve always taken me 1000 (slight exaggeration… but only slight) coats to get them looking perfect. SO it took me this long to learn the power of primer, you guys! It’s a total game changer. And I used 1/10 as much spraypaint because of it. To think I tried to save money by NOT using it…
The other tip I have for you is to still use a dropcloth to keep dirt (if you’re outside) from being stirred up by the spraypaint. That’s really it! I am thrilled with how they came out. I tried three different metallics for this project (Rustoleum Mirror Effect Gold, Krylon Brushed Nickel, Krylon Metallics Copper) and I think the copper one is my favourite.
Alright, before I let you go, I’m excited to be giving one of these HomeRight Spray Shelters away to one of you… AND because you guys were pretty darn excited about winning one of their paint sprayers over on Instagram… HomeRight was kind enough to offer we give away another one over here! So to be clear… the giveaway is for a Spray Shelter and a Finish Max Paint Sprayer… pretty rad, right!? If you’re curious what the heck that is, you can hop over and check out this post to see it in action. The giveaway is open to Canada and US and will close Sunday at noon PST!
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DIY Faux Stitched Monogram
I just moved and have some shelves and fixtures (handles, lights, ect.) in the new house that need an update!
I hear you! We moved in over two years ago and there’s still one light I want to give a refresh. I hope you’re able to get it done quicker than me ;)
I would paint my backyard fence
You and me both! That’s on my list for this week actually (but stain!)
I really need to re -face my kitchen cabinets.
The paint sprayer would be a dream for you then!
My husband would love this tent thing – he paints miniatures and often sprays them to prime or to finish.
Definitely! It’s nice and big so he could walk around to get all sides without touching to turn them
We are always painting odds & ends at my house. My husband tries to set up a makeshift wind screen in our garage (w/ saw horses & tarps) – this is so much better!!
I plan on painting some old milk crates & bookcases next for my son to take to college with him in August…
SO much better! I can actually set it up by myself too (but I was also in scouts, so I like to think I’m a tent whiz)
Ahhh! I needed this TODAY! My husband and I are making a coffee table and today we were spray painting and stuff kept falling from our trees and then it started raining (thankfully, we got the boards inside in time!). Seriously, this is a genius invention!
Trees!! Right? Haha, This would be a total game changer for you :)
I want to paint my daughter’s changing table.
Kids spaces are great places to try fun colour choices, for sure!
The project I’d most like to do is paint my kitchen cupboards. I’d get some practice painting a nightstand first!
Starting with a smaller project is a great idea! Kitchens are such an undertaking, but SO rewarding!
My husband and I purchased our first home and are finally getting to the fun stages of decorating and painting, I would probably start with our dining room chairs and i’d love to try it to repaint our brick fireplace!
We’re at that fun stage too- isn’t it the best?! We painted our fireplace with a brush and man, the paint sprayer would have made a world of difference if we’d had it sooner! Good luck, Kayci.
Anything that’s not tied down! Seriously, I have rooms full of trim that I’m making that will need to be painted white, 5 exterior doors that were replaced, and all the interior doors that will be replaced are destined to be painted black.
Sounds like you have your project list set! Good luck Darlene :)
Great job! I love how paint sprayers are great for big and small jobs! We painted our kitchen cabinets a few years back, and I have 3 book cases, the top of my dining room table, 2 buffets, a credenza, and a small wooden cube that are waiting for a paint sprayer’s touch…
Yes! Big and small is right. It sounds like you’d get good use out of it!
Oh man do I need one of those! Between pine needles and pollen I don’t stand a chance! Painting my kitchen cabinets soon and this would be crazy helpful!
It would be perfect for cabinet doors!
Awesome. That would be so much easier than waiting for the perfect weather!
Right!? So handy!
i need to paint a dresser and the changing table for our nursery. our first son is coming in september!
Congratulations! Babies are the most special gift. I’m a big fan of painted dressers for change tables :)
I have an enormous number of projects including kitchen cabinets, an iron bed and kitchen chairs. I would love to have a shelter to use with my paint sprayer!
An iron bed would be an AMAZING project!
I want to paint some accent furniture in bright bold orange! Tired of my beige walls, beige carpet, beige world. COLOR!!!!
Orange is so BOLD! I love it, we are all white and I’m getting ready to add some pops of color- it’s about time ;)
. I would start with some new cabinets & bookshelves
I’d paint my grand darling’s brass bed!
I would LOVE to paint a brass bed one day! What a fun project.
We just bought a house and I have endless projects but first up is thr kitchen cabinets!
Congratulations on the new home Rachel!
Oh man! We just moved and seem to be painting EVERYTHING! This would be so helpful! And let’s be real, I might just use the shelter to hide from my toddler for a bit of a break!
I’m with you on the hiding! Haha, good luck Brianne :)
I have some wooden chairs that I found at a thrift store I would love to paint to match our rustic barn board kitchen table!
I was wondering if the plastic items you spray painted stay sticky? I’ve tried to spray little plastic dinosaurs and they always remain sticky to the touch.
They definitely didn’t! Spraying more coats thinner will help make sure it dries fully, tacky usually means too thick of coats :)