How to update anything with spray paint!

March 03, 2020

We've had some beautiful weather lately -- spring IS on the way! This time of year I always get the urge to spray paint something after months of not getting outdoors much. 

I've talked about the joy of spray paint many, many times over the years. It's such a cheap way to update so many items! I gathered some of my favorites to show you just how dramatic the change can be. 

I'm also sharing a big fail...but more on that in a minute. 

My favorite spray painting project to date (and that's a long time) is our coach light redo at the old house. They were looking really worn (they were MUCH darker than this when I installed them): 
How to spray paint outdoor light fixtures

And after cleaning the glass and giving them a shiny new coat of paint, they looked amazing!: 
Spray painting outdoor light fixtures

You can see the whole tutorial on how to spray paint outdoor light fixtures here

They held up beautifully -- even I was shocked. They still looked pretty darn great when we moved seven years later. 

I've sprayed many outdoor items over the years since -- these hose guides were looking pretty rough: 
I will spray paint anything

As you can see, oil-rubbed bronze (or, ORB as we called it back in the day) was my go-to: 


Spray painting outdoor items

I've spray painted SO MANY light fixtures over the years. It's such an easy way to update a light from the 80's. Check out that amazing taping job! (See how I did that at the link.):
Updating 80's light fixture with spray paint

One of my favorite ways to use spray paint is on shiny brass. I updated these Goodwill lamps into stunners:
Spray painting brass lamps

Dark blue dresser white lamps

I later painted that wood mirror when I changed up the foyer -- there was too much wood going on. I love the pop of black!:
White board and batten wall for cheap

I found this bath caddy on clearance years ago -- spray paint and some stenciled numbers completely transformed it!: 
Cute rolling caddy makeover

You can see how I painted, distressed and later added wheels here. That little table and chair set was my sister-in-law's growing up. I gave it new life with spray paint as well. :) 

I'll literally try spray paint on anything! I've even spray painted bamboo roman shades and it worked so well. 

I've shared tutorials on getting the best finish many times over the years. You can see my spray paint test comparing different brands for coverage here:
spray paint coverage comparison

I wrote this post all about spray paint (and answered many questions) years back, but it's still good info. Enjoy the blast from the past photos in that one!

This week I got out in the beautiful weather and sprayed one of my favorites -- floor vents!: 
Painting floor vents with spray paint

Yep, you can even spray paint floor vents. They hold up pretty darn well. Our original vents are a light color that really pops off the hardwoods -- a coat of "ORB" and they are good to go!:
Spray painting floor vents

Now...one of the items that did not fare well, and it's one I get asked about a lot. 

I shared how I spray painted our brass door knobs at the old house and then how they turned out after a few months of use: 
spray painting brass door knobs

Not well! It was one of my only spray paint fails. BUT there are a few suggestions I share in that post that may create a better result for you.

Have I convinced you to try spray paint over the years? Any hits or misses you've encountered?

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Comments

  1. Spray painting reminds me of when I went to architecture school – we used to spray paint everything! Such a simple DIY but it makes a world of difference. Thanks for sharing! ❤️✨

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

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