Decorating Tips for Using Spray Paint

Few things can transform outdated decorating pieces as easily and inexpensively as a can of spray paint. Once the primary tool of graffiti artists, spray paint has become a staple for the do-it-yourself decorator. Today spray paint comes in a variety of colors, ranging from metallic to pastel. Whatever your room décor, there is a spray paint for you.

Here are a few decorating ideas to spruce up your house, all with the help of a can of spray paint.

Picture Frames

For easy and dramatic wall art, try grouping black and white photos in black picture frames. I achieved this look by collecting several mismatched wooden frames from around the house, and spray-painted them a glossy black. I only had a couple of old black and white photos, so using my digital camera I took several new pictures of my kids. Using Photoshop, I converted several of them to black and white images. The result was an instant wall mural of crisp black and white photos. The grouping of several uniform black frames was far more dramatic than one larger picture, and more pleasing to the eye than several mismatched frames.

Light Switches and Outlet Covers

Add an unexpected splash of color by painting dull beige outlet covers with a color to compliment your room's décor. I painted all the outlet covers in my son's room a zesty orange, to contrast against the rooms deep blue walls.

Old Furniture

This idea was inspired by my sister-in-law. She spray-painted an old beat up wooden end table a glossy black, and Viola! It looked like it came strait out of Pottery Barn. I was so impressed I tried it on a similar end table in my own living room. I also painted an old commode black and it makes a great vintage bedside stand.

Plastics

Recently there have been many lines of spray paint designed especially for plastics. These are great for sprucing up old children's furniture and toys, or jazzing up generic lawn furniture. I painted my daughters pink Little Tykes rocker a more boy-friendly green, for her little brothers.

Plastic planters scream to be spray-painted. I like to pick up plastic pots and urns on clearance sale, to use for the following gardening season, or as gift baskets during the holidays. Plastic planters that have some kind of detail look beautiful when painted. A quick coat of barn red spray paint makes a bold statement, and can be used indoors as part of your Christmas décor.

Spray Painting Tips

-Always work in a well ventilated and draft free area, preferably outside.

-Hold the spray paint 10-12 inches away from the object you are painting. Use a wide sweeping motion when spraying to avoid streaks and drips.

-Spray on at least two coats of paint, letting each coat dry thoroughly.

- Make sure the object you are spray painting is thoroughly clean, dry and sanded, if necessary.

Look around your house for things you can dress up with a new coat of spray paint. I used spray paint to transform a small MDF shelf black, to match my picture frame mural. I spray painted a wooden fruit bowl red, to add some contrasting color to my green kitchen ( I only painted the outside). I also spray painted an outdated living room lamp black, and covered the lamp's shade in some leftover toile fabric, for a French country look. The possibilities for spray paint are as endless as your imagination!