Are you a DIY dynamo?  Or more of a take-your-time-a-mo?  Or start-a-project-with-good-intentions-then-get-tired-of-it-quickly-and-pretend-it-doesen’t-exist-when-you-see-it-sadly-sitting-there-in-your-garage-a-mo?  I think you can guess what I am.  But there’s value in that approach too!

Shannon loved this dresser she found at an auction, but not so much the ‘banana pudding’ color scheme.  So she gave it a coat of white primer, and got no further than that for nearly a year.  But by then, the white had grown on her. So she finally finished it off with a glossy top-coat and a dipped look by painting the bottom in gold, and I’d say it was definitely worth the wait.  See it on her blog Burlap and Lace.   

You’re all I ever wanted! Zinc furniture, you’re all I ever needed, YEAHH.  So tell me what to do now, ‘cuz I can’t … afford … you …  (That was an N’Sync joke in case you couldn’t tell, or are way younger than me).

Yes, zinc furniture is what all the hip kids are into these days.  Check out any Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware catalog, and you’re sure to see some hardcore zinc happening.  You are also sure to see price-tags that will make you choke on your own tongue.  But, good news: you can easily recreate that zinc look yourself!

Check out this formerly flat, matte, and unexciting table top that Shelly at Shizzle Design made shine with several paint and wax treatments.  At one point, she had sprayed water on the wet paint, which gave it a really cool aged and spotted look, but then she claims she messed up and added another coat which ruined it. I don’t think it looks ruined at all Shelly, still looks great to me!  It added so much more depth and detail.

So, if you like the zinc look, knock it off!  As in, make a knock-off, like Carrie at Painted Furniture Ideas did with her nightstand. Check out her blog for a thorough rundown on how exactly she achieved the zinc-like finish you see here. 

Debbie also hopped on board the zinc-train with this dresser makeover.  The white had to go, as well as the flower decal, which she replaced with a nail-head design to complement the metallic motif.  (Now that I think about it, maybe I should have started off this post with a Metallica joke instead.  I’ll save that one for another time).  See it on her blog Painted Therapy

Feeling overwhelmed?  Don’t be!  You don’t have work with large items of furniture only.  You can zinc-ify anything. See what Kelly did with this little bird statue? So chic!  Plus, she’s got even more small items getting zinc-y with it on her blog DTTD: imagine design create.

 

And finally, one last attendee at our zinc round-up.  This table from Aimee at The Vintage Estate was just dying for a zinc-treatment.  C’mon, look at those handles.  They were way ahead of the game. Now they look right at home with the new paint, which you’ll notice has more of a white undertone, particularly on top. You could also go with more black to make a deeper look too.  There are so many techniques out there for achieving this look, why not give it a shot!  Then send your pictures to me!

Win a $1000 Shopping Spree from Krrb and Apartment Therapy!  

This post is dedicated to my mom and sister who are living it up in California as we speak, without me. Bunch of lame-o’s. They are planning to go to Disneyland and go shopping and hit the beach. I’m planning to fold some laundry and sweep my driveway.  It’s practically the same thing.  Except NOT. They’re probably drinking colorful beverages and hanging out of the back of a convertible and starring in a music video right now.  Well, guess what?  I’ve got this adorable dresser makeover by Debbie at Painted Therapy to distract me, so … wait, is that a beach cruiser?  Et tu, Debbie!?

Like that?  Check out Debbie’s red bike dresser right here.
*sniff*