About Chantel Simmons
Some girls dream of walk-in shoe closets. Chantel dreams of walk-in craft closets. A former crafter for HGTV, Chantel's now sharing her project plans with you. Check back every Friday as she offers up an easy-to-make or easy-to-bake craft you can give to a friend or keep for yourself.
Mark Montano, author of The Big-Ass Book of Home Décor, shows us how to turn an old tea set into a bright and bold work of art.
Have you ever found a great (but beat-up) tea set that just made you sad? Barely any silver left, maybe a dent or two, and even a bent handle? Well, I did and it made me ecstatic! I had finally found the perfect tea set to paint any way I wanted. Five dollars for all three pieces at a junk sale, and now I’m the envy of afternoon tea drinkers everywhere. Break out the cucumber sandwiches, folks, and let’s party!
What you’ll need:
An old silver tea set (or just a teapot)
Silver polish
Fine sandpaper
Rag
Rubbing alcohol
Masking tape
Newspapers
Krylon Fusion spray paint
Krylon Crystal Clear enamel spray coating (high gloss)
Directions:
1. Clean your tea set with the silver polish to get off all of the tarnish
2. Sand the pieces with the fine sandpaper and then remove all the dust. Wipe down the pieces with rubbing alcohol.
3. Tape around the inside of the mouths of each piece so that spray paint doesn’t get inside. Set the pieces on newspaper outdoors.
4. With small strokes, lightly spray each piece. IMPORTANT: Take your time painting these pieces. Don’t overspray them! Use several light coats of paint spaced about 10 minutes apart for the most professional look.
5. After the pieces are completely dry, spray them with protective finish. Use light coats, waiting 10 minutes between coats, until the pieces are glossy and beautiful.
6. Let dry for one week before use, allowing the paint to harden perfectly and keep the set from chipping when you use it. Hand wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge.
Excerpted from The Big-Ass Book of Home Décor by Mark Montano. Copyright © 2010 by author. Excerpted by permission of publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Buy the book!
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