Spray paint can be a bit underrated, but I recommend one doesn’t overlook the number of items this heroic can will save around your home. Yes, it can perform miracles. Well, sort of. Whenever one thinks, ‘I need a new (insert whatever item comes to mind)’, you might want to reevaluate that thought and wonder, ‘Can I spray paint this instead?’
Now that we have shifted our thinking, let me tell you about the lifesaver that vigilantly sits on one of my paint storage shelves. This cape-wearing can (at least in my mind) is the Rust-Oleum Metallic Paint & Primer in one. I opted for the oil-rubbed bronze which will be the featured exhibits I will provide, but it comes in different colors and finishes so everyone can experience the same level of excitement. This amazing product can be used (according to its written claims on the can) on “wood, metal, plastic, and masonry.” Although, this wonder product covers all kinds of things, I will be focusing on specifically the legs of a table I purchased and my glass screen door’s hardware.
Every time I opened my glass screen door, I felt the need to wash my hands. Perhaps it was the fact that people tend to touch door handles, maybe because I’m a bit of a germophobe, or because the brass color had overstayed its welcome and aged after years of use. In actuality, it was the latter. This tired handle needed a rest. So I gave it a vacation and had it sunbathe in my yard until it tanned and transformed beautifully into an oil-rubbed bronze color by the simple touch of my index finger pressed against the rust-oleum can’s trigger. There is no sweeter sound than the hissing of color being sprayed as it rejuvenates its target. It’s a fountain of youth of sorts.
Once the screen door hardware proudly flaunted its new facelift, I decided to take on a riskier rescue – the legs of my brand new office table. I had envisioned a table of specific dimensions with a white top and bronze metal legs. Sexy, right? I thought so too. After searching and coming up empty handed, I decided to purchase something close to my desired wishes and DIY-ed the rest of it to what I was looking for in the first place. The original leg color of the table was a boring, washed out silver and since I don’t do well with boring, I chose to give it a few shots of liquid bronze so it could stand more confidently in the middle of my office party. The end result was marvelous! Once again, the rust-oleum spray paint had saved the day performing another session of CPR (Color Post-Renovation).
These simple projects are easy and can be completed in one weekend. Who knew a small can of spray paint could bring so much joy and beauty to one’s home?
To complete these projects you’ll need to work outdoors and these are the materials needed:
- Rust-oleum metallic paint and primer in one (2 cans of spray paint for this particular project)
- 400-grit sandpaper (two sheets were plenty for both table legs and one for the glass screen door hardware)
- Respirator mask – A Charcoal Mask is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to protect one’s lungs from damage due to dust particles (metal, wood, etc.) and specifically fumes. Our lungs can’t dispose of metal and the fumes are toxic.
- Surface to spray paint on (cardboard will work just fine)
- Microfiber rag or towel to wipe off dust after sanding metal
- Disposable, latex, or cleaning gloves
- Safety glasses
- I would advice to remove any jewelry to prevent spray paint particles from adhering to and damaging jewelry
- Hat (optional to protect hair, but not necessary)
- (If removing screen door hardware) – screwdriver and an Allen wrench/Allen key/hex key
Respirator Mask (Charcoal Mask)
I’ve provided a video for the table legs project below and hope this helps you with your own projects at home. Happy spray painting!
