Cheerful Frugality Spray Paints
In our discussion about making old things feel new again, we received this question:
Can you share a few tips here for choosing the right brand/type of spray paint? Is the really cheap stuff worth using, or will I wind up wishing I had spent the money for a better brand?
In my grandmother's day, no spring cleaning was complete without a fresh coat of paint sprayed on outdoor furniture and decorations. Buying a new look just wasn't possible.
The good news is that we seem to be turning back toward that make-do mindset. The paint aisle is full of products that are cheap, easy, and effective. When might spray paint be the frugal choice?
- If spray paint means the difference between using something and letting it sit in the garage
- If you're painting an irregular surface (nooks, crannies, and/or mesh with holes)
- If you need a basic color
- If you are painting metal
- If you have a small project you can spray in a cardboard box
Otherwise, brush painting with recycled paint is usually the cheapest option. I've bought quarts of premium paint at the Habitat Homestore for a quarter. It would take a lot of $1 cans to equal that coverage. However, a good spray paint can keep you from buying a new chandelier, so you'll have to weigh cost and convenience for yourself.
Here are some of my best frugal tips for buying spray paint. When is it worth splurging on Rustoleum, and when will the Walmart store brand do?
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3 Responses to “Cheerful Frugality Spray Paints”
April 27th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I’m looking for things now that could use a fresh coat of paint.
April 27th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I use the good stuff on items that get up-close attention (like mirror or pic. frames) or lots of wear-and-tear: kid’s beds, dressers and nightstands, yard furniture.
Cheap for everything else …
just yesterday trash-picked empty water cooler bottles to spray with a hammered metallic surface, making “copper” vessels (props) for the spring play at school.
deb meyers
July 28th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I love the idea of using the hammered spray paint to cover water bottle coolers. I have some we keep our spare change in. Will look a lot better in my room as a vessel! Thanks Deb Meyers.
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