Devin Jacobs
Some items around your home might seem like scrap destined for the bin, but a little painting can work wonders. Besides being affordable and therapeutic, DIY activities let you style your space to taste. Here are 20 things you shouldn’t toss out; take them as creative low-budget projects to spice up your house.
Bookshelves
A recent paint job is all you need to turn a tired bookshelf into a stylish piece of home decor. This straightforward task will remove the previous scratched-up surface. After cleaning the shelf, sand it and apply a suitable primer. Finally, paint two layers in bold or neutral tones with a water-resistant topcoat to prevent mold.
Hardware
Before replacing hardware like doorknobs and drawer pulls, try some paint. After cleaning the hardware with a degreaser, spray with enamel or a rust-resistant formula, then let it dry before reattaching. You can keep the change for replacing hardware because your painted version will stay in good shape for several years.
Main Doors
A newly painted door can completely change a room’s vibe. Visitors would easily believe you changed the entire thing. While durable, weatherproof emulsion works for the exterior, satin or semi-gloss finishes perform better for interiors. After removing the hardware and sanding the surface lightly, apply a primer, then paint in even strokes with a roller or brush.
Outdated Tiles
When you stumble on dull, worn tiles in kitchens or bathrooms, painting is a better option than removing them. You can work on this easy makeover in the afternoons, spending only about $40. Just make sure to research preparation and sealing procedures. Be careful with broken tiles; let them go unless you have ideas.
Furniture
Have old dressers or tables gathering dust? Turn them into stylish, refreshed pieces by cleaning and sanding away old paint or varnish. To start, apply the correct primer for the material, then smoothen the finish with chalk or latex paint before sealing it with a final filler to last longer. This DIY project is both enjoyable and budget-friendly.
Cabinets
The dull cabinets in your house that look like an eye sore can still become stylish focal points that attract compliments. The process is easy: clean, sand, and apply a primer. Then, use cabinet-grade paint in a semi-gloss finish for durability. Your kitchen or bathroom cabinets will shine better after the two layers dry.
Dated Laminate Countertops
Instead of tearing out your old counters, you can allow them to complement the existing theme of your space. A stone-textured or epoxy-based paint that can mimic granite or marble does the trick at a fraction of the cost. Remember to seal with a lasting topcoat to protect against water and stains.
Fun Decor
Fun decor raises questions in the minds of visitors and helps them see you in a better light as a creative, artistic individual. Paint plain, unfinished items, wooden letters, or picture frames to match your style. Sand them lightly and use an acrylic craft airbrush to get a vibrant design before sealing them with a clear varnish.
Thrift Store Finds
Thrift store treasures are usually dated and may appear dull, even in good condition, but you can turn them into home decor with spray paint. A simple color change can work wonders. Clean the item thoroughly and lightly sand it if needed using the proper spray designed for the material—plastic, metal, or ceramic.
Bathroom Fixtures
Although unusual, this fix is more affordable when you can’t remove the faucet. Likewise, you can make other fixtures like towel bars and shower heads look brand-new with metallic or enamel spray paint. However, remember to apply a primer and water-resistant topcoat for metal and tape off surrounding areas to avoid overspray.
The Bathroom
If you’ve never tried painting, you might not realize that your bathroom could benefit from a simple refresh rather than a full renovation. You can retouch the walls and other parts with waterproof and mildew-resistant paint—prep by cleaning surfaces thoroughly and sanding shiny areas before applying two coats.
Garage Doors
The garage door may seem unimportant to you, but it’s one of the first things people see when they visit your house. It’s the first thing people experience at your home, and it’s worth considering. Depending on your door, use exterior-grade paint designed for metal or wood. The fresh color boosts curb appeal.
Window Frames
Don’t let worn-out window frames detract from your home’s appearance. You can easily increase their appeal with weather-resistant emulsion and a coating to protect the material against wear. After cleaning and sanding the frames, use painter’s tape to shield the glass. While you use a primer for wood, a rust-preventive formula works fine for metal.
Fireplace and Fireplace Mantels
A dark brick fireplace can feel heavy and dirty, but whitewashing it improves its appearance. Mix water and latex paint in equal proportion to get a light, textured finish. Then, clean the bricks and tape off the surrounding areas. A weekend dedicated to creating a lovely centerpiece is all it takes.
Outdoor Plastic Toys
Faded outdoor toys can make your yard look outdated. Kids also love shiny objects, and a splash of paint can reignite their interest. First, clean the toy with soapy water and dry it thoroughly before sanding the surface to help the emulsion stick. Then, use sprays for plastic in thin, even covering.
Accent Wall
This project requires a little more patience than other activities, but the result is impressive. Bold accent walls have personality and energy, so you can redesign any room. Tape off the edges before starting, and roll the paint in even strokes. Adding patterns or stencils can give it an extra touch of flair.
Stairs
Don’t ignore your stairs when they get old. Paint cement stairs like your walls, but take a different approach for wooden ones. Sand them thoroughly and clean the surface. Use long-lasting floor paint, add a base layer, and let your imagination run wild with single-tone colors, stripes, or stencils before finishing with a clear sealant.
Baseboards
Baseboards may be small, but a recent makeover can change the overall design of your home. Scuffed, dull baseboards brighten when painted with semi-gloss or high-gloss trim paint. After cleaning and taping off your walls and floors, use a small angled brush to apply in smooth strokes. Once done, your baseboards will pop.
Ceilings
Ceilings are among the least maintained parts of a home. Besides cleaning, you can paint them a solid color—soft blue, bold black, or white—to change the mood of a room. Painting your ceiling in darker tones than the wall creates depth and ambiance. Don’t forget to choose flat latex paint to avoid unwanted glare.
Pots and Planters
You can always match clay pots, terracotta, ceramic, or plastic planters to your interior setup. They brighten any space as they make the greenery pop while giving your garden a good vibe. Home decor experts recommend adding patterns, colors, or designs with a small brush or cotton swan (small dots) for a personal touch.