Do you love the look of gold or silver-leaf furniture but hate the price? Or the idea of DIY-ing it? I’ve never done silver leafing myself, but from what I gather, it entails furiously rubbing tiny particles of expensive silvery paper stuff onto a large surface and hoping that it sticks, even though nine-tenths of it won’t. Don’t tell the other DIY blogger people I said this, but I think some things are not worth doing yourself! Like making your own chapstick. Seriously, just go buy some. It costs 99 cents. DIY something worth your time!
So yeah, silver-leaf is probably worth your time, because it looks pretty darn cool in the end, but if it’s simple shiny silver you’re after, try Better After reader Rebecca’s method seen below. Nothing more than Rustoleum’s metallic aluminum enamel paint and a foam roller. And how cool does it look against that wallpaper, huh?
But.if.you.want.something.less.funky.and.futuristic… (that was me typing in a robot voice, in case you couldn’t tell) then here’s a warm and welcoming buffet from Gretchen in a buttery yellow. Even just removing the lattice inserts went a long way in updating this piece. Check out more on her blog Gretchen Moore.
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13 Comments
tearinguphouses
February 15, 2012 at 9:58 PMthat shade of yellow is nice on that second piece. i wonder what it is?
Anonymous
February 16, 2012 at 12:16 AMI want to know why I cannot find awesome pieces like this. Since I have been looking at this blog I now pay A LOT more attention at thrift stores, yard sales and Craigslist for sure.
BF
February 15, 2012 at 10:04 PMLove that color of the yellow, and the shine on that silver is so perfect!
Meg and Mum's
February 15, 2012 at 11:02 PMThose are killer makeovers! I’ve been petrified of the silver spray paint after attempting to paint a cabinet. It rubbed off every time it was touched. But this has prompted me to give it another go (maybe after some more research) 🙂
Lets just build a house!
February 16, 2012 at 12:23 AMLove them both!
Mosiphine
February 16, 2012 at 1:58 AMI wanna hear more about how Rebecca did the metallic desk! This is exactly what I have I’m mind for a table of line, it looks great!
Teri
February 16, 2012 at 2:42 AMI agree! HOW did she do that silver desk???
VintageDanielle
February 16, 2012 at 3:03 AMThe silver desk is AH-MAZING!
J-ROK
February 16, 2012 at 3:40 AMI love/hate it when I’m sitting by myself, looking at the computer, and laugh OUT LOUD. you and your silly robot voice…
suzyq
February 16, 2012 at 4:45 AMRebecca left a comment on my blog about the metallic paint – it is absolutely gorgeous – have to try this. And the yellow is beautiful too.
Thanks for sharing these Lindsay!
You’re the best.
Gretchen Moore
February 16, 2012 at 4:56 AMHi! It’s Gretchen with the yellow desk. I used Behr’s “Leisure” yellow paint. Kind of a brown mustardy shade which I really enjoyed.
Gretchen
http://www.vibrant-vintage.com
Anonymous
February 16, 2012 at 3:13 PMHi, it’s Rebecca! I’m so thrilled that you like my silver desk. There was really more prep before I actually started painting. I sanded w/220 grit paper, then used Ben Moore primer w/an enamel underbody(always follow the drying time)w/a foam roller, only 1 coat, then the Rustoleum metallic aluminum, 2 coats. I always use oilbased primer & paints for better adhesion & staying power. Be sure to have really good ventilation & use a respirator mask. That enamel is some strong stuff. Don’t want you killing a few brain cells! By the way the wallpaper was actually just a sheet that I stuck to our wall. Hey, it was a cheap & beautiful backdrop! If you have more questions, you can email me. Rar1229@hotmail.com
Pour Girl
February 16, 2012 at 6:49 PMI totally agree, some DIY projects are more hassle than they are worth! Like others have said that shade of yellow is perfection.