Spray Paint Addiction

Hello! Today I want to discuss my newest addiction... and I am stressing the word addiction because I really think I'm starting to have a problem, but admitting that is the first step right?? Two words: SPRAY PAINT. It is such an easy, easy solution to unsightly items, or items that just need a little more pizazz. I'll elaborate soon. 

I spent the day running around with my mom, shopping and lunch, our usual Friday when we are both off work. I've been so good this week on following the Slim 4 Life plan and was down 4.8lbs today since Sunday. Woohoo!! But I'm sure I probably gained that back and more with how much my guilt is weighing on me for eating On The Border for lunch today. Oops. Ok, ok this will be my last hoorah and I'll get back on course. Only 63 days until we leave for Europe... but who's counting? I can stick with it until then! :) 

We went to Ulta and I got to use my LEVEL 6 reward (don't ask me how much I had to spend to receive that, I'm a teeny bit ashamed). BUT I got a whopping FORTY DOLLARS off my perfume of choice. I'd say that's a pretty sweet deal and I've had my eye on one for a while, so I finally bought it. Flora by Gucci, Eau Fraiche. It smells amazing! 

Afterwards we went to Cavender's and I took this pic. Random, I know, but I think it turned out really neat with all the colors. 

Soooo back to the painting. I've been working on multiple projects at once, but mainly things for the front porch and flower beds. Our curb appeal needed a little boost so that's what I've been focusing on. First, I'll go through some things that are in progress and then show you what I accomplished today. 

That little owl will more than likely find it's way on my porch, but I'm not positive yet. I found him in Austin, TX at a little shop called Uncommon Objects on Congress (REALLY cool place, if you've never been). He was quite ugly, being made of solid brass, so I decided to take him home and beautify him. I painted him with basic acrylic paints and mixed colors to make the ombre effect. It took me a little longer than I expected (about 4 hours total), but he is finished and glossed and ready to be shown off. 

Onto the front porch! This is a BEFORE&AFTER picture of my front door. Max and I painted this together using Behr Outdoor paint and primer in Satin. The color is Shoreline (which is a main street in our neighborhood). We thought that was a good coincidence. It only took 2 hours total and made a huge difference. Oh, and the mat is from Home Depot. 

Now onto my little objects... hence the spray paint addiction. I've collected random things, some old from my flower beds and some new from stores, and painted them a bright assortment of colors to match the door mat and place in the flower beds. I painted them first with one layer of Kilz Original Primer, then with 2 coats of Rustoleum indoor/outdoor spray paint in their selected color, and finished them with a coat of Rustoleum Clear Gloss protectant (following each instruction on dry times and whatnot). I'd say they turned out pretty cute and can't wait until I get my flower beds up to shape now to put them out. I want to remove all the mulch, lay a weed block, and cover with small stones... so who knows when I'll finally be done. But here they are in all their before & after cuteness. 

The teal color was the same paint we used for the front door, so I hand painted those object inside (pardon the mess of my craft room). Oh, and while using spray paint in the garage make sure you have PLENTY of ventilation. It was a very windy day or I would've painted outside and even with the garage door completely open I still got pretty woozy off the fumes. 

And last but certainly not least, my project for today! I'm am feeling quite accomplished that I was able to finally finish something. I repainted by front porch wicker furniture with Rustoleum spray paint in Espresso, satin finish. It's not perfect, but it'll do for the time being. I don't plan on having them for years to come, so it's fine by me. 

 BEFORE: They looked pretty down in the dirt.

 I removed the cushions and pulled them out in the grass. Then I used this wire brush I bought (which I found in the spray paint section at Home Depot) and brushed as much of the flaking paint off that I could. 

Then I carried them to my spray paint area in the garage (YES, I have an area... see how serious this is?). And it appears that one chair was previously blue, the other chair was green, and the table was yellow. Nice. We will fix that in no time. 

I blew all the dead leaves and grass and dust off of them.

Here is the spray paint I used. If you are planning on spray painting anything, I HIGHLY recommend that comfort grip. So much nicer than having to press and hold that small nozzle and get paint all over your fingertip.

And here they are after! So, so much better and it only took about 45 minutes.

Here they are back on the front porch. I love the transformation! And I even pulled some of my other painted objects out to put them on display. Cute, huh?

One last picture... Here is the front door again with added objects. I'm still awaiting a red, felt wreath and will eventually plant some red flowers in that pot, but you get the idea. 

Ok, well, that is all for now! Sorry for the super long post, but I had to get you caught up to date with the projects. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and happy painting! :)

-M