How to Spray Paint Hardware

I was just working on <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/12/stickygrams-in-my-office.html" target="_blank">the whiteboard tutorial</a> and I when I got to the photos about the primer I used, I realized I haven't yet shared my new favorite product! I used it to DIY the pulls I used for the wardrobes in <a href="http://domino.com/an-ode-to-the-pax" target="_blank">my first Domino piece</a>. (PS my next project article will go live soon!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0799.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_0799.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />This spray primer is life-changing for those of us with itchy spray-trigger fingers! Especially if you've ever wanted to (successfully) spray paint knobs and pulls. In the past (like when I sprayed <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-best-gold-spray-paint.html" target="_blank">my laundry room hardware gold</a>) I've been a little iffy about whether or not spraying hardware for kitchens or other high-use areas is actually good idea. I was always worried about chipping/adhesion issues.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8036.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8036.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Seriously though, this Rustoleum spray primer, which is specially formulated for metal applications, works like a dream. It coats thickly, but evenly, and it <i>really</i> sticks to the metal and provides a great new base for your paint to hold on to.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cDSC_0585.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/cDSC_0585.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name="more"></a><div style="text-align: left;">When I found these industrial pulls below, I knew I wanted to spray them to look brass and that I would need a really good primer to pull that off. And you know what they say - necessity is the mother of spontaneous purchases. And this one totally worked out for me!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xIMG_7743.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xIMG_7743.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found the pulls in the hardcore hardware aisle (not the same aisle as the regular knobs and pulls). This aisle has window sash pulls, latches, hinges and garage door pulls. It's usually the aisle that also has rope and and chain at Home Depot and Lowes. I love how chunky and squared off these were, but I picked up a few garage doors handles too, just for comparison. I think my gut was right about the square pulls, but I also think these others could be cool in the right application. Filing away for later!</div><br /><br /><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8039.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8039.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, some people might want to use a deglosser or a TSP spray as a first step before spray painting hardware, but I sort of feel like the primer makes that effort unnecessary. Depending on the existing finish you're working with, deglosser can make for a slightly uneven finish - it can sort of gunk things up sometimes and you never really know when.  So I think it's best to only use it if you have to. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8047.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8047.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I did lightly sand the top of the hardware first, just to make sure there were no bumps or residue anywhere. Then I flipped them over and sprayed the underside first.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8051.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8051.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The key, always and every time you're painting anything, is to do multiple light coats with drying time in between. Even and maybe especially with your primer. After two good coats on the back side, I flipped the hardware over and sprayed the tops.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8063.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8063.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you notice any bumps, drips or dust specs, leave them to dry and then lightly sand them off after the primer has cured. Often dust specs will just wipe away with a cloth after the paint has dried. Don't mess with wet paint!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8112.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8112.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I repeated the same process with my beloved <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-best-gold-spray-paint.html" target="_blank">Design Master Gold Metal spray paint</a>. Man, this gold is perfect! The paint is a great quality, but the color is spot-on for what we're all looking for in brass-like hardware, especially after it fully dries.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8223.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8223.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I did one final step and used a spray lacquer on the tops, just to give it an extra layer of protection. It did change the look of the finish a bit (it's a bit more shiny now and the extra layer changes the way the light refracts, so the gold is a touch less bright). The jury's out on whether or not I would repeat this step next time. It is nice to have that safety precaution though. Maybe I'd just try a matte sealer and do a really light coat?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8226.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8226.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To install the pulls I bought a box of #10 brass 1" screws. It's a good idea to drill pilot holes first just to ensure you're installing them in the exact right spot. One of my pulls is slightly off and it's driving me nuts (must fix!!).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8228.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8228.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sprayed pulls are holding up perfectly and I love them more the more I see them. My mind has been racing, thinking of other projects to do with that amazing metal primer. (that white board tutorial is coming up though! Stay tuned!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0799.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_0799.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0766.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0766.jpg" /></div>

How to Spray Paint Hardware

I was just working on  the whiteboard tutorial and I when I got to the photos about the primer I used, I realized I haven't yet shared ...

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New Piano!

We bought a piano as an early Christmas present! It got delivered a few days ago and I'm loving how it looks in our music room (which is still not painted - I need like a week of nothing to do but house projects).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1019.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1019.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I wanted something small since we have other big pieces of furniture going in there (the chesterfield and probably the tiger chest?), but I didn't want the smallest spinet size piano either.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0101.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0101.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><a name="more"></a><br /><br />This one is just a hair bigger than a spinet - it's like a small console piano. The back top opens up so the sound can be louder if you want it to be (the kids will <i>not</i> be taught that little trick though).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo vDSC_1048.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/vDSC_1048.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1056.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1056.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's a touch more feminine than I had in mind originally, but I like that it's still very simple. And I really love the bow-like music stand.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo vDSC_1015.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/vDSC_1015.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The finish is a little roughed up, but it's not horrible in person. I think it will be easy to touch it up with one of those furniture markers and maybe some ebony Restor-a-finish.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1003_2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1003_2.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The brass casters could use a good cleaning and some Brasso.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1014.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1014.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we first saw the piano, the bench wasn't upholstered and when we came back into the piano shop to buy it they had sent out the bench. :/ </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9827.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9827.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The checkered chenille is not my favorite but I haven't had a minute to pull off the fabric. I hope the top of the bench wasn't too damaged. I can always cover it back up with a new fabric if it is though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo vDSC_0986_2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/vDSC_0986_2.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br /><center></center>It was a really great price since technically it's a starter piano (we only paid a couple hundred dollars and they delivered it, which was huge for me!). It has a really beautiful sound though - not at all tinny like some smaller pianos can sound. It's been so fun to sit down a play and to help the girls with their practicing. Lessons start for them after the holidays!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_1035.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1035.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh! Also, did you see my new rug? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0999.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0999.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0011.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0011.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a silky Ralph Lauren beauty I scored on clearance at Homegoods! I love the way the light hits it and it is seriously so soft! Linus practically lives on it - I think he likes it more than his dog bed. (such a snobby poodle.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0104.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0104.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />

New Piano!

We bought a piano as an early Christmas present! It got delivered a few days ago and I'm loving how it looks in our music room (which is...

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ShoeMint Holiday Give Away!

<center></center>We've got some fun holiday parties coming up over the next few weeks and I'm so excited to try out <a href="http://9nl.be/83ut" target="_blank">these new heels</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0861.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_0861.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The front is the softest, buttery camel leather, and the heels have this cool modern lucite panel. I love them!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0869.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0869.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0873.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0873.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />This week's give away is from <a href="http://9nl.be/83ut" target="_blank">ShoeMint</a> (where I got these heels!). They are giving away an amazing pair of shoes to three readers. (I'm eyeballing these little black suede booties here!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo SM1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/SM1.jpg" /></div><br />In case you aren't familiar with the company, <a href="http://9nl.be/83ut" target="_blank">ShoeMint</a> was started by Rachel Bilson, stylist Nicole Chavez and Steve Madden. They work together to designer beautiful, real leather and suede shoes at a great price point. New designs are added monthly, so there is always something new to want on the site!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo SM2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/SM2.jpg" /></div><br />To enter to win one of the gorgeous three pairs of shoes, <a href="http://9nl.be/83ut" target="_blank">sign up for ShoeMint</a> (completely free, no obligation to buy) and then leave a comment here with your favorite pair of shoes. Contest is open to US and Canada only, and ends Dec 25 at midnight. Winners will be emailed. Good luck!<br /><br /><i>PS For 20% off your first ShoeMint purchase, <a href="http://9nl.be/83ut" target="_blank">click here</a>!</i>

ShoeMint Holiday Give Away!

We've got some fun holiday parties coming up over the next few weeks and I'm so excited to try out these new heels . The front is th...

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DIY Concrete-Topped Office Credenza

<center></center><center></center>For months, I've been keeping an eye out for a mid-size vintage console table or credenza that wasn't too bulky and that had a functional, easily accessible storage area for a printer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0922.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_0922.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I've seen a few here and there, but nothing jumped out at me as the perfect fit. I saw this vintage credenza a week or so ago at a used furniture store for only $39 and while it didn't jump out at me at first glance, it sort of grew on me over time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9999.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9999.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I actually took a few quick photos and then I decided to pass on it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9993.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9993.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />But as soon as I had the idea to cover the bad formica top in concrete, I knew it could be something super-functional <i>and</i> beautiful, so I hustled back to the store to buy it a day or so later.<br /><a name="more"></a>I repeated the same steps on the credenza's top that I used in <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-concrete-countertops.html" target="_blank">our laundry room redo</a>. The basic idea is to rough up the formica, trowel on the Feather Finish concrete in several thin coats, with drying time and sanding sessions in between.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0137.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0137.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0144.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0144.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0149.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0149.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />A good sealer is a must here. Ardex makes one, but I just used a brand called Silkagard in a really thick coat. I don't know if this sealer would be heavy-duty enough for a kitchen application, but it's served me well in our laundry room and now on this credenza. (PS - in case you were curious about the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-concrete-countertops.html" target="_blank">laundry room counters</a>, they're holding up really well! No regrets!)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0175.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0175.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While the two or three coats of sealer were drying, I brushed on an oil-based coat of Benjamin Moore's Galapagos Turquoise using this <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-strip-vintage-furniture.html" target="_blank">same approach of placing the paint</a>, sort of in the way you paint your nails.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0186.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0186.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're careful to not put too thick of a coat on, you won't get any drips. But if you do, just let it dry and then sand and light touch up the mistake areas. The result should be a glossy, glass-like surface.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0197.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0197.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0912.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0912.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Isn't that side detail pretty? I love the simple line.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0851.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_0851.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so happy with how the matte concrete pairs with the glossy lacquered look. I left the concrete a little more raw-looking this time and I really love the contrast of pretty things with the industrial material.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0808.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0808.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0780.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0780.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Also, how great is that giant yellow lamp I picked up at Goodwill for $5?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0897.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0897.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It needed a new shade in the worst way, so I put one of my old black ones on it and the proportions are much better now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9935.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9935.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love seeing the gold tortoise shell pattern peeking out from under the shade while I'm working a few feet away at my desk.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_1023.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_1023.jpg" /></div><br />Also, can I just say that a can of white paint does wonders for any room?! My office felt like a beige cave just a few days ago and now it looks bright and cheery with the new white walls and the new furniture. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9820.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9820.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0750.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0750.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0746.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_0746.jpg" /></div><br />Three cheers for progress toward a happy and functional office space!

DIY Concrete-Topped Office Credenza

For months, I've been keeping an eye out for a mid-size vintage console table or credenza that wasn't too bulky and that had a funct...

Read more »