I’m SUPER frugal, so I’m always on the lookout for cheap, fun ways to update my decor. I’m also sadly lacking in the “crafty” department (no glue guns or scrapbooking for me, thanks), but I do have the skills to use a brush or spray can, so paint has always been a great tool for me. Sure there’s your basic latex, and the stuff that comes in cans, which can go a long way to changing the look of a room, lamp or lawn furniture. But there are also a few paints out there that go above and beyond the norm. I’ll be testing each of these on my own personal projects soon, but for now, here are the basics on these extraordinary paints:
Just one of the many cool things you can do with chalkboard paint! Source: www.globallygorgeous.com
1. Chalkboard Paint: Feeling creative? You can transform a small space, or a whole wall into a chalkboard, and color to your heart’s content. This paint works on wood, metal, plastic, glass and paper, so your options are WIDE open. I’ll be using FolkArt Chalkboard Paint, because it was well reviewed online, and comes in a lot of different colors (I’m painting the top of my chewed-up coffee table a lovely chalkboard brown). This product only comes in 8 oz. containers, so if you want to do a whole wall, it’s more cost effective to go with a product like Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Brush-On (also well reviewed). There’s also a paint that can turn any surface into a MAGNETIC chalk board! This stuff is a little pricey, but it will transform any wall or furniture a multimedia surface. Neat!
2. Upholstery Paint: What…I can paint my couch?? Simply Spray upholstery paint is a super cool idea, and has gotten great reviews (it was on the Today show last month). It’s permanent, even for outdoor furniture and auto upholstery, and the fabric doesn’t get stiff from the paint. This is a great cost-conscious product for small projects, at about $12 a can (I’ll be shopping around for a nasty old footstool or office chair to test it on). Larger projects like a couch can require up to 12 cans of paint, which gets pricey (still cheaper than a new couch), and the manufacturer provides guidelines on how much paint you’ll need ahead of time, so you can budget for it. Can’t wait to try this one out!
3. Stainless Steel Paint: We all like the upscale look of stainless, but what if you’re saddled with an old-school white appliance (or better yet, Harvest Gold)? Stainless Steel Finish paint is a great way to finally get that almond-colored dishwasher to blend in with the other appliances – fantastic! But why stop at appliances? You can transform your whole house into a stainless steel palace, and your neighbors will be green with envy! I’ll be scouring thrift stores for the most dated appliance I can find (please let it be Avocado green), so I can bring it into the 21st century, and make it the centerpiece of my kitchen. Seriously, if you’ve ever been haunted by that one appliance that works fine, but pre-dates the age of stainless, this is a quick fix that’ll hold you over until it needs to be replaced.
When it comes to decorating, you need only be limited by your imagination. Creative use of these cool, innovative paints can really change the way you decorate. And remember, the BEST thing about paint is (other than the small price tag) – you can always paint over it. Stay posted for my personal paint reviews, where I’ll be stretching the limits of craftiness!
