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How to: recycle with PlastiKote spray paint

If you’ve vowed to create less waste this year but are itching to change your décor now that all the Christmas bits have been put away, use PlastiKote spray paint to recycle and revamp what you already have and give your home a whole new look. Spray paint a table, chair, chest of drawer, vase, lamp, frame – the list is endless.

chest of drawers makeovers

This little chest of drawers had seen better days when it was picked up at a local charity shop for a few pounds around six years ago. It was a solid piece of furniture but not very attractive. Given a  makeover using Twist & Spray paint in pretty pastels, it was used in a girl’s bedroom. A couple of years later, a more sophisticated look was requested and out came Chalk spray paint in Cappuccino, Dark Hessian, Old Hessian, Pale Rose and Vintage White. More recently, the chest of drawers has been moved to a different room and is now a stand-out piece having been sprayed in Dusty Coral, again from the Twist & Spray range.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Prepare your spraying area with dust sheets, newspaper or cardboard. Set up in a well-ventilated room or preferably outside on a warm, calm day.
  • Lightly sand to remove any flakes of paint or varnish and wash with warm, soapy water to get rid of any dirt, dust or grease. Allow to dry.
  • For any bare wood surface, always use primer. PlastiKote Twist & Spray Primer is ideal. If your item has already been spray painted with PlastiKote, you can just put your new colour over the top but if you want to ‘kill’ the existing colour, ie if it is dark and you’re going light, or you’re not sure what paint or varnish was previously use, priming will give you a good base to start on. Priming also gives added durability.
  • Once primed, follow instructions on the can of your PlastiKote spray paint to apply your colour coat.
  • Allow to thoroughly dry. With high usage items, it is recommended to let the paint ‘cure’ for a good 48-72 hours before putting in to use.

Here are a few more upcycled items that might give you some ideas for your own projects:

more furniture makeovers

This stool and cabinet have both had a Chalk makeover, the stool in Pastel Green and the cabinet in Pale Rose.

more furniture makeovers2

The nest of tables was rescued from a trip to the tip with a colourful makeover using Twist & Spray in Pink Burst, Smoke Infusion and Yellow gloss spray paints. Patterned wrapping paper was used under the glass tops to add interest. The dining chair was sprayed with Daffodil Satin. PlastiKote Twist & Spray is a great all-rounder, quick and easy to use and can be applied to most surfaces.

These are simple makeovers which hopefully have inspired you to have a go. We’d love to see your recycled projects – share with us on Facebook or Instagram#plastikoteuk.

If you’re unsure about using spray paint, watch our vlogs for tips on spray painting and inspirational projects (look on the right-hand panel for the vlog category).

For more inspiration, check out our YouTube or Pinterest page. 

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Colourful dining featured

How to: create colourful outdoor dining with PlastiKote spray paint

Eating outdoors is one of many pleasures on a sunny summer’s day.  From a family barbecue to an evening supper for two, it’s great to make the effort and lay an enticing table. Here are a couple of  simple ideas using PlastiKote spray paint that are quick and easy to do and won’t cost a fortune. Your summer table will look bright and beautiful!

You will need:

Paper doilies (from Hobbycraft, The Range and other good retailers)

Terracotta plant pot and saucer

Newspaper/dustsheets/cardboard

PlastiKote Fluorescent spray paint

PlastiKote Twist & Spray Primer in White

Paper Doily place mats

How to:

  • In a well-ventilated room or preferably outside, use newspaper or dustsheets to mask the area where you are spray painting.
  • Place the doilies on cardboard to keep them flat.

step by step

  • Apply a couple of fine layers of PlastiKote Fluorescent spray paint following instructions on the can. We chose Fluorescent Pink and Green. Allow 5-10 minutes between coats.
  • The doilies will be touch dry in 30-50 minutes and thoroughly dry in 2-3 hours.
  • You could also use PlastiKote Metallic, Twist & Spray, Chalk or Fast Dry Enamel spray paints for different colours and effects.

 

Flower pot cutlery or napkin holder

How to:

  • In a well-ventilated room or preferably outside, use newspaper or dustsheets to mask the area where you are spray painting.

spraying the pot

  • Terracotta pots are very porous so it’s recommended to prime the pot and saucer first with PlastiKote Twist & Spray Primer in White, following instructions on the can.
  • When they are thoroughly dry, apply 2-3 layers of PlastiKote Fluorescent spray paint again, following instructions on the can. Allow 5-10 minutes between coats. For this project, we chose Fluorescent Green and Yellow.

colourful pot after

  • Allow to thoroughly dry.
  • Use for napkins, cutlery or line with a napkin and fill with fruit for dessert.

For more easy projects, check out our Mini Makes board on Pinterest.

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Primer- feature pic

Top tips: priming your project with PlastiKote spray paint

Many of our spray paints don’t require a primed surface but our top tip this month is to prime your project if it is to be in everyday use. PlastiKote spray paint has developed a wide range of different primers to make sure your project is fully prepared.

Anything that is going to be used frequently eg items of furniture, will benefit from a coat of primer first as it gives added adhesion and durability.

 

Priming wooden table with PlastiKote Twist & Spray Primer

Priming wooden table with PlastiKote Twist & Spray Primer

 

We also find that coverage is even better when a coat of primer is applied, especially with our water-based paints.

Bare wood, MDF and terracotta should always be primed. Of course, your colour spray paint will adhere without priming but wood, MDF and terracotta will soak the paint up and you will use a lot more spray paint.

 

Terracotta pots being primed in Twist & Spray Primer in White

Terracotta pots being primed in Twist & Spray Primer in White

 

Primer also gives a helping hand when spraying onto metal. Our metal primers also fight rust and offer protection from corrosion.

 

Priming metal railings with PlastiKote Metal Primer in Red Oxide

Priming metal railings with PlastiKote Metal Primer in Red Oxide

 

 

 

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