DIY Fun with the 8th Wonder: Spray Paint! IKEA Table and Chairs

I recently discovered the 8th wonder of the world: spray paint! I have heard women talk about how it transformed their lives, decorating once again became fun and their creativity was rejuvenated from the endless possibilities, much like how owning a glue gun can change you – I too am a believer now! It is so simple, easy and inexpensive – my type of DIY project.

My first “victim” was our small kid-sized table and chairs from IKEA. We had left the wood untreated when we bought it seven years ago, because – well – because I hadn’t entered the world of spray paint yet! The table top had a “beautiful” display of crayon scribbles from years of little boys not “staying within the lines” never mind staying on the paper! The chairs also showed their age, and not in a good way. In just a few simple steps I was able to transform the set into an adorable accent piece in our LEGO-themed play room.

[bctt tweet=”For less than $20 I transformed this into a perfect accent piece for our #LEGO themed play room. “]

Items Needed for Project:

1. Rust Oleum American Accents Ultra Cover 2X Spray Paint. The Gloss Meadow Green, Gloss Navy Blue and Gloss Sun Yellow were perfect primary colors to match the rest of the decorations in our play room.
2. 3M Sanding Sponge, Fine Grit, 6-Pack
3. An old sheet, painters tarp or other large covering for the ground
4. A damp rag
5. Four little helpers (optional)
6. rubber gloves … because apparently when you spray paint in windy conditions you get paint EVERYWHERE… and it’s really hard to get off your hands. Apparently! So “they” tell me!

DIY Steps:

1. Dusting! Your piece may very well not have any cobwebs in the corners or other signs of cleaning neglect, but ours sure did! I am not even going to pretend otherwise! Remove all dirt and dust with a dry rag.
2. Sanding! I chose a sand paper block with fine grit. I didn’t want to end up sanding too deep or too much – just enough to dull the graffiti handiwork and even out any nicks and scratches.
3. Wipe the furniture down with a damp rag to remove all the sanding dust – and any last remaining cob webs… you know, if there even were any in the first place.
4. Cover the ground with your tarp/ sheet.
5. Paint! First shake the can really well. Go slow, keep the same distance between the can and the furniture. In large even strokes, slowly cover the entire piece. Depending on the coverage desired, you may need to do second and third coats a few minutes apart.
6. Dry! Allow the pieces to thoroughly dry before you move them indoors or start using them.

 

Now how cute did this little table and chair set turn out? I liked it in the plain light wood, but I love it in the bright primary colors for the kids’ play room! For less than $20 I gave new life to an old piece of furniture and added lots of color to our LEGO-themed room! 

This piece goes so well with the rest of our LEGO-themed rooms!

I think my husband now has a healthy fear respect for me with a can of spray paint.

What is the craziest thing you have spray painted?

(Please leave me inspiration in the comments!)