Redecorate Your Home Frugally Using Spray Paint

Bring new life to your old stuff! You can give a face-lift to almost any item using spray paint. I am a huge fan of spray paint because it is cheap, easy to use, and the results are beautiful. Spray paint comes in every color and multiple finishes. I prefer a satin finish for most home décor projects, but flat and high gloss options are also available. My favorite spray paint is Krylon's indoor/outdoor paint. It adheres smoothly to surfaces, dries in less than ten minutes, and costs less than $3 per can at Wal-Mart.

Wooden items, such as picture frames, shelves, furniture, and mirrors can be made new with a fresh coat of paint. I have done this with several items in my home and have been thrilled with the result. For picture frames and mirrors, remove the glass from the frame before starting your project. Start by sanding the wood just a little with a piece of fine sand paper. Sand the entire surface using light, gentle strokes. Roughening the wood up just a little will help the paint stick to the surface. Don't damage the wood by going crazy with the sand paper. There's no need to completely remove the old paint or finish.

After sanding, wipe the wood down thoroughly with a damp rag to remove any dust left from sanding. Now you're ready to paint. It's best to do the painting outside if at all possible. Spray paint looks best if multiple light coats are applied. Follow the directions on the can for application. Spraying the paint on too thick will lead to drips, which will have to be sanded down and repainted later. Two or three light coats of paint should be enough to achieve a smooth even finish. After the final coat dries, the project is complete. Unlike painting with a brush, there's relatively no clean up when using spray paint.

Spray paint can also be used to give a new look to lamps, light fixtures and ceiling fans. Turn an old brass fixture into a brushed metal work of art. To start, take the fixture apart, removing any glass, light bulbs, fan blades, or electrical cords. If some of these parts are not removable, cover them with painter's tape. I prefer brushed metallic paint for metal light fixtures and fans. The look of brushed nickel adds style to any home. Metal items do not need to be sanded prior to painting. Follow the steps outlined above for applying the spray paint. Make sure to read the instructions on the can as well. When the paint is dry, reassemble the fixture and fall in love with its new updated look.

Patio furniture can be updated the same way. Use indoor/outdoor spray paint for metal or wood furniture. If your outdoor furniture is plastic, select a special spray paint made specifically to adhere to plastic such as Krylon's Fusion for Plastic. A simple paint job can make your outdoor living space look brand new. Kitchen appliances, barbecues, doors, shutters, cabinets, hardware, glass, radiators, and farm equipment can all be recreated using specially designed types of spray paint.

Other fun ideas using spray paint include chalkboards and magnet boards. Believe it or not, you can spray a chalkboard finish onto any surface using chalkboard spray paint. This type of paint comes in dark green or black and can be used to spruce up an old chalkboard or create a completely new one. It's a great product for classrooms, playrooms, and kids' bedrooms. Just tape off the area you want to paint with painter's tape. Make sure the area is clean and dry before painting. All you have to do is spray the paint on and let it dry. You can do the same type of project using magnetic spray paint. This type of paint is great for home office areas, classrooms, workshops, or kids' rooms.

Unlike the chalkboard paint, the gray magnetic paint is a primer. After taping off and cleaning your surface, paint the area with the magnetic paint. After it dries, paint over it with spray paint that is the color of your choice. Because it is a primer coat, the magnetic paint can be used virtually anywhere because it's gray color will never be seen under the final top coat of color.

Spray painting saves you money by transforming something you already have instead of buying something new. It's a way of recycling, so it's great for the environment. Recycle the spray paint can when you're done to make this project even more earth friendly. Spray paint costs $1-$6 per can, so it's a relatively cheap project. I repainted eight dining room chairs for less than $30 using one can per chair. To see pictures of the transformed chairs, click here. 

Smaller projects like picture frames and mirror frames will require far less than one can. Spray paint can be purchased at any home improvement store or craft store. I challenge you to find something tucked away in the back of a closet somewhere that you can turn into a stylish piece of décor for your home. You'll have fun doing the project, you'll be amazed at the transformation, and you'll love how easy and inexpensive spray painting projects can be.