Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Home
  3. How to Paint Everything

How to Paint Everything

By Kate Rockwood Updated March 06, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
how-to-paint-everything-opener- Paint-Cans-0220
Credit: Addie Juell
The power of paint is real: It can breathe new life into a room, resuscitate a vintage find, and make any item infinitely more stylish. Before cracking open a can, take a cue from these projects, and learn how to make over practically every material.
Start Slideshow

1 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
how-to-paint-everything-opener- Paint-Cans-0220
Credit: Addie Juell

You may feel like your home is in dire need of a top-to-bottom makeover, fighting urges to toss everything out and replace furniture, lighting, flooring, and other accents with completely new finds. But there's a solution that gives your home a fresh look without having to redecorate—and its easier to pull off than you would ever believe.

Paint can breathe new life into any room in your home, but your walls aren't the only place that can benefit from a fresh coat. Did you know that you can paint furniture, floors, cabinets, and even pottery? The most important tip when using paint to transform your living space is to take some time to understand it in all of its forms, from spray paint optimized for metal items to semi-gloss acrylic paint used on brick and other exposed surfaces. With the right formula and a little planning, a paint-focused makeover isn't just possible; it's easy, too.

In fact, with the right tools and the right approach, we're of the mind that you can paint just about anything in your home, from fireplaces and lampshades to wicker furniture and even glass itself. There are a few ways to give old furniture a face-lift using paint, even if they're not made of a wooden base; using spray paint on metal stools, for example, will help maintain the piece's quality while giving it a completely new look. We're walking you through how to paint a number of design accents in your home, as well as sharing expert tips for executing a professional finish on interior design elements like cabinets and structural framework.

Before you burn out on a total redesign, consider what a difference a few of the following projects could make in your space, then learn how to refresh practically every material and object in your home with paint.

1 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Painted Wood Barrister Bookcase

painted wood barrister bookcase
Credit: Addie Juell
Get the Painted Wood Barrister Bookcase How-To

In your basement or at the flea market, there's probably a knockout piece of furniture hidden under a dated stain or chipped paint. Or maybe you see the star-is-born potential in an unfinished dresser. The secret to a sharp revamp is thorough sanding, before you paint and between coats. Some people skip this step, but it's what separates slapdash streaks from lasting luster. So take off the hardware, give your find an allover scrub with 150-grit sand-paper, wipe it down, and prime. Then use a mini roller to apply your color for fast, even coverage. Finesse nooks and details with an angled sash brush. Let dry, and repeat two to three times, using finer, 220-grit paper for the sanding.

2 of 9

3 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spray-Painted Metal Lamp

spray painted metal lamp
Credit: Courtesy of Addie Juell
Get the Spray-Painted Metal Lamp How-To

Antique steel items like lamps and midcentury patio furniture have looks and quality that won't quit. But a dull or oxidized exterior can squelch their innate style. High-coverage spray paints will disguise light rust, and come in a range of glossy colors, like this cool blue-gray. The difference between uniform and splotchy results is in the technique, says Mark Wilgen, senior marketing director of small project paints at Rust-Oleum. Read the can to know how far back to stand (the distances can vary considerably), and shake it for a full minute to mix the paint properly. Another trick: "Always start spraying off the object, then sweep across and past it," he says. "And keep it moving; never stop in one place." Apply multiple fine coats, letting each dry before you mist on.

3 of 9

Advertisement

4 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Painted Brick Fireplace & Screen

white brick fireplace with painted cover
Credit: Addie Juell
Get the Painted Brick Fireplace How-To

A dated red-brick fireplace can fade to fresh white—you just need the right stuff for the job, per Kevin Jones, a product manager at Pratt & Lambert. The challenge: Brick and grout have different textures. To get paint to adhere to both, scuff the entire surface and loosen grit with a wire brush, vacuum up the debris, and wipe everything down with a damp sponge. When it’s dry, pick up two kinds of brushes to put on primer: a stiff one-to-two-inch nylon/poly one for grout; a high-nap roller for bricks. Complete your high-style hearth with two allover coats of paint designed for masonry.

You can also customize your fire screen, which becomes even more attractive with age and character. Add newfound inspiration to your fireplace by remaking this accessory to be even more striking with a coat of heat-resistant copper spray paint.

4 of 9

5 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Painted Wicker Sofa

painted wicker sofa living room
Credit: Courtesy of Addie Juell
Get the Painted Wicker Sofa How-To

The gaps are the quandary here: Too little paint and you get patchiness; too much and you gum them up. A sprayer makes the job foolproof. (We like the Graco TrueCoat 360 Airless Paint Sprayer) "In two thin coats, you'll get all the nooks and crannies without clogging the channels," says Benajmin Moore field integrations manager Mike Mundwiller. Inspect your piece from different angles as you go to catch any bare spots.

5 of 9

6 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Painted Glass Vase

painted glass vases with flowers on gray stand
Credit: Addie Juell
Get the Painted Glass Vase How-To

What to do with a cluster of mismatched vessels collected over time? Adopt a sunny, half-full attitude and tint them from the inside out. Combine glass paint with a little thinner, and pour about two tablespoons of the mixture into a clear bottle or vase. Swirl it around, then place the item upside-down on the opening of a cup or open pint container so its lip is suspended and the excess can drip out. Let it dry for at least a day, then heat-set the paint—and make your handiwork washable—by baking it on a sheet at 325 degrees for 40 minutes. Add flowers, or display these light catchers on their own.

6 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Painted Ceramics

painted pottery ceramics decor
Credit: Addie Juell
Get the Painted Ceramics How-To

Plain, inexpensive pottery can look absolutely artisanal with a little customization. Your supplies: a small pot of ceramic paint, some newspaper to spread out on your work surface, and a fine brush. Then it's up to you whether to be spontaneous or precise. Give a vase a Pollock-esque splatter with a few flicks of your wrist, or use a pencil to draw lines along a rim and paint over them. Let dry for 24 hours, then bake pieces on a sheet at 300 degrees for about a half hour to set your artistry in stone.

7 of 9

8 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Painted Cabinets & Stool

blue painted cabinets yellow stool
Credit: Addie Juell
Get the Painted Cabinets How-To

Painting these kitchen fixtures saves you a bundle: It costs about a tenth of what new ones do. And if you put in the prep time, the rest is gravy. Remove the doors and drawers, unscrew and label the hardware, and spray and wipe down every last inch of the boxes, fronts, or shelves with a degreasing cleanser; try TSP-PF or Zep. "Then let it all dry for at least a day," says Dave Murphy, training director at N-Hance Wood Refinishing. "Even a tiny bit of moisture can cause bleed-through in the final finish; it looks like yellow or brown dots." Cabinets are made of myriad materials, from solid wood to plastic laminate; if you're unsure what to use on yours, bring a door with you to the paint store and ask an expert. When you're ready to go, sand or use a deglosser (a liquid that dulls the old coating), prime, and sand again. Apply multiple thin coats of semigloss or gloss paint with a microfiber roller. They'll look shiny and new in short order.

If you're looking for another kitchen DIY, we also updated a metal stool with just two coats of heavy-duty, chip-resistant spray paint. You could also take it to an auto shop to be professionally powder-coated.

8 of 9

9 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Painted Floors

painted-stairs-080-d112909.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
See More Ways to Paint Your Floors

You can add new complexity to any room with customized floors—you'll start by choosing a base color and applying two to three coats of paint before adding customized graphic finishes. We're sharing five of our favorite ways to paint floors with instructions on how to pull the look off in any space.

9 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kate Rockwood

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 9
    2 of 9 Painted Wood Barrister Bookcase
    3 of 9 Spray-Painted Metal Lamp
    4 of 9 Painted Brick Fireplace & Screen
    5 of 9 Painted Wicker Sofa
    6 of 9 Painted Glass Vase
    7 of 9 Painted Ceramics
    8 of 9 Painted Cabinets & Stool
    9 of 9 Painted Floors

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    How to Paint Everything
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.