3 Decorating Ideas With Leftover Paint
1. Tree Table
Tree stumps, used individually or clustered together, function as low tables in a living room. A coat of enamel paint applied to the tops serves a dual purpose: It adds a jolt of color and creates a smooth, sealed surface.
Materials:
Electric sander
Tree stump
Sandpaper in extra-fine, fine, medium, and coarse grades
Wood filler
2 paintbrushes, 1 for primer and 1 for paint
Wood primer
Enamel paint
Hammer
3 to 4 furniture gliders
1. Using the electric sander, prepare the surface of the stump. Sand, changing from coarse to medium to fine paper, until the top is smooth.
2. If there are holes on the surface, use wood filler to conceal them. Let dry, and then rub the surface lightly by hand with fine sandpaper.
3. With a paintbrush, apply wood primer to top surface, painting from the outside edges inward to keep primer from dripping down sides. Let dry, then sand lightly by hand with extra-fine paper.
4. With other brush, apply enamel paint to top, again painting from the outside toward center. Let dry 2 to 3 days.
5. Sand lightly by hand with fine paper. Apply another light coat of enamel. Let dry for at least 2 days.
6. To create feet, hammer furniture gliders into base.
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2. Birch Trivets and Coasters
Birch disks, stained in a variety of hues and then treated with a coat of matte polyurethane, can be used as decorative and functional trivets, coasters for drinks, and mini hors d’oeuvre trays.
Birch disks, stained in a variety of hues and then treated with a coat of matte polyurethane, can be used as decorative and functional trivets, coasters for drinks, and mini hors d’oeuvre trays. These trivets and coasters can handle hot, but not scalding, dishes. They also make pretty serving pieces. Because the wood stain isn’t food-safe, slip parchment paper beneath any food to avoid placing it directly on the wood.
Materials:
Sanding block and sandpaper in fine or medium grade
Birch disks, available at garden centers
Foam brush
Colored wood stain
Paintbrush
Clear matte polyurethane
1. Lightly sand the top surfaces of each disk.
2. With the foam brush, apply wood stain.
3. Wipe off any excess with a paper towel. Let dry. Repeat until the desired color is achieved.
4. With a paintbrush, apply 1 coat of polyurethane. Let dry.
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3. Painted Lampshades
The right lampshade can transform a room — all you have to do is find it. Here’s a simple way to make one instead. Start with an opaque white paper shade, and add paint, trim, or silver leaf. High-gloss oil-base paint gives the best results; thin it if necessary, and apply two or three coats to the outside of the shade, letting it dry after each. To add ribbon trim, cut ribbon to the circumference of shade, paint the edges of shade with craft glue, and lay the ribbon over the glue with the ends meeting at the shade’s seam. The wide silver trim shown here is self-adhesive but stiff, so it can only be used on drum shades; it was scoured gently with steel wool to give it a matte look. Silver leaf can be applied inside a shade before you paint the outside.
1. Use a paintbrush to spread a thin coat of gilders’ adhesive. Pick up a sheet of silver leaf with a static brush to transfer it to the shade; add sheets one at a time, starting at the bottom and overlapping slightly, until the interior is covered.
2. Use a soft cloth to rub the silver leaf gently, removing bits that don’t adhere. Coat the silver leaf with acrylic spray to keep it from tarnishing.
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