Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Work In Progress Wednesday




The other day a blogger said she had a lot of projects going on, but wasn't getting anywhere. Oh how I understand! 

I decided to make some progress on one of my projects and then show it, even if I don't have it totally finished. Sort of trying to inspire myself, or shame myself, into getting something done.

Here's my latest project and the state I've reached with it. It's not finished by a long shot (because why leave it simple when you can complicate the hell out of it is my motto), but at least it's getting there.
This old galvanized tub was dirty inside and had a water stain on the bottom that went up 3 inches. I wanted a farmhouse-type container that I can keep current issues of magazines in, and I thought this would do.

My idea was to clean it out inside and paint it with chalk paint. I wanted to paint it a kicky blue-green, but didn't want to waste the expensive store-bought chalk paint for the first couple of layers, so decided to mix up my cheap homemade mix for the first layers.

I was so excited to get started last night, I didn't take pictures until after I cleaned it out with about 15 disposable Clorox wipes and then taped it up with painter's tape and painted the first coat.

Here it is with the second coat of paint on it...
I was just going to paint the inside, not the outside lip. After the first couple of coats on the inside, I took a little of the tape off to see how it looked.
I decided to tape it back up and do the lip too. I wanted the paint to show up more so thought the painted lip would help. Here's the point I'm at now...

To make homemade chalky paint I used leftover Behr's 'Paint and Primer' brand paint in my favorite shade of white, Behr's Swiss Coffee. I mixed up one part Plaster of Paris (from a big tub I've used for 2 years) with a little warm water to make a slush, then added three parts of the Swiss Coffee paint. I've heard Calcium Carbonate makes a better chalk paint, but I'm trying to use up the Plaster of Paris before I try that.

I'm giving it a few days for the paint to dry out, then I'll decide whether I'll stick with the white or add some layers of blue. The cost of this project was...nothing. The tub was in the garage for a few years, and the paint and Plaster of Paris were leftovers. It feels good to be "using it up" this year, and I hope you'll share your projects if you're doing the same.

Whichever color I go with, I know I will be adding some wax or poly to protect it from scratches. Need to do some research on that, but I would appreciate any suggestions you might have on the subject.



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18 comments:

  1. Sharon, that's lookin' pretty good already! Please come and share at Five Star Frou-Frou at A Tray of Bliss? We go live on Fridays. Love, Mimi xxx

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  2. Very interesting. There was a time in my life when I was a real craft lady but those days stopped 12 years ago when we moved to Oregon. Will be interested to see the finished project. It's looking good.

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  3. I love this tub...when you finish, show it to us,pls...with your mags in it and all dolled up.
    xo

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  4. oh, and if you make the eggless cake, remember it's not full and fluffy like cake with eggs....but it sure is fudgy and good and ice cream will take it right over the top....

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    1. your cake looked more like a Texas Sheet Cake, which is more brownie like, which I love. I think it was the fudgy frosting that got me. Anyone interested should go see BJ's yummy looking cake with recipe available.

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  5. I like the tub as it is right now and it will be interesting to see how you finish it off.

    I like the idea of posting it to inspire you to finish it up.

    Thanks for Sharing Your Cup!

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  6. Not sure I would have EVER thought of doing that! What a great idea. I really like those wooden handles. It will be a great place to store your magazines, I think...

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    1. Thanks Rebecca. I'm in love with those handles too. Will show them close up when I get it finished.

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  7. Looks great so far! What are you going to use it for? I can think of a million things. :)

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    1. My thought is to put magazines in it Stacey. But I agree it could be used for a multitude of things.

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  8. Thanks for sharing your paint chalk recipe... I still have to try chalk paint! Liz

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  9. What a great idea! Love the inside and can't wait to see the color on the outside...great recipe for chalk paint!!

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  10. Rivercrest Cottage,
    I'd say you've got a winner on your hands, dear friend!!!
    Lovin' the looks of this project!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  11. I agree with A & S, I like it now! LOL!
    But I know you have a vision and I can't hardly wait to see what will happen!
    XOXO

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  12. I like what the white did to accent this piece.

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  13. I like the white inside! Are you keeping the outside metal or painting it? It is going to be so useful for many things around your house!

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