August 29, 2007
Spray Paint is Hard
Today I found out that spray paint is hard.
In the (one) small area it has gone on well. But in the big expanse area - which most of the lockers will be - it is really hard to do well.
The angles are awkward, being small little locker cubbies. you can't get 12-18" away. It's hard to spray in even strokes when you're running into walls. It's hard even when I'm not running into walls.
I thought enough coats of blotchy might magically add up to an even looking finish. But no.
Plus, it's taking a lot more cans of paint than I thought. Maybe because the bottom was so rough, even after sanding and wiping down. Maybe because the trendy colors cover less per can than ugly colors? I've never tried to spray paint anything big, but it turns out 25 square feet isn't very big.
So ...
it's hard.
I really hope they don't look horrible when I'm done.
I took the whole herd out to buy more yellow paint, when I realized one can was far from enough. I forgot to buy blue painter tape. Which I guess is okay because I think I have some around here. But now I have to look and see where I might have put it. I'm sure I put it somewhere that seemed logical at the time. Which might be harder than the painting itself.
We'll see.
Posted by Kim at August 29, 2007 4:38 PMIt's very hard. Daniel, spray paint king, says you need to make sure not to stop and start with the nozzle pointing at the cabinets. Start just off to one side, do a smooth band across, double back, and when you want to stop you need to run it all the way off the edge before you do.
But spray paint does go down a lot nicer than brushed-on paint.
I've discovered Krylon works a ton better than cheapie ones... hope it's not too late to say that. If nothing else, lay some lace or something patterned over the top and spray again - the pattern ought to cover up or distract from any blotchiness. (I learned THAT, obviously, before I met Daniel!)
best of luck to you! I think lockers are cool and I hope yours turn out happy.
Posted by: kelly at August 29, 2007 5:17 PMtell me about it. i started spray painting an old rocking chair that was painted black. thought one can would be enough. black is REALLY hard to cover. went back to the shop where i bought it and the color had been discontinued!! but (i love the internet) i found it online and am waiting for it to show up, but it won't be in time for the move.
Posted by: Linda at August 29, 2007 9:27 PMIt sounds as though you have been very productive lately. :-) I seldom paint, spray or otherwise, so I admire those who do.
Posted by: Rosanne at August 30, 2007 8:44 AMI found that was an issue too when I spray painted the bed I made. I just didn't go on as easily as I'd envisioned and I needed more that I'd planned on too.
Can't wait to see your finished project.
Posted by: Chris at August 30, 2007 12:07 PMThe WonderHusband and I have an agreement--I leave almost every kind of painting to him, and he leaves almost every kind of sewing to me. Much less frustration that way!
Have fun! I'm looking forward to seeing the pics after you are all done!
Posted by: Theresa at August 31, 2007 6:27 AMgreat to hear from you! we're all doing great in shambleyland.
i hope you post an "after" photo so we can see how it turns out!
Posted by: staci at August 31, 2007 7:29 PMI've never liked spray painting. Too hard! We are doing some painting this weekend too. Trying to get those last projects in before fall. Where did summer go?
Posted by: Erin at August 31, 2007 9:33 PMHey, Kim, when you get a chance to check out my blog, I nominated you for an award. ((HUGS))
Posted by: Theresa at September 2, 2007 9:41 PM
