Back, I dunno, 13-14 years ago or more, we purchased brass switch plate and outlet covers for the entire house. Soooo much nicer than those ugly, builder's-grade plastic ones. As we redid each room over the years, I'd change
the covers to better coordinate with that room's decor.
And although we've redecorated the family/great room area several times over the 16 years we've been here (the family room, eating area and kitchen are all one big space), I never changed the covers in these spaces.
About two or three years ago, I decide I absolutely HATED the shiny brass, and they just had to go - immediately! I started looking and pricing new ones. We have so many light switches/outlets in this space. Many with multiple switches. And, of course, all the styles/finishes I liked were on the way-expensive side. It was getting obvious I was going to spend a small fortune getting what I really wanted! Needless to say, I kept putting off the purchase. Yet everyday I cringed as I walked by and caught a glimpse of those switch plates - usually covered with fingerprints!
Finally, one night I just couldn't stand it! Duh!!! Why didn't I think of this sooner? I surveyed my spray paint collection. Took all the plates off and started "experimenting". I originally was really looking for an oil-rubbed bronze kinda look.
Like this beauty in my powder room!
But I definitely wanted the job done that millisecond, and with what paint I already had on hand.
Even though the "Fusion" is for plastic, it still works on metal, wood, etc. Check out Krylon's Website for great project ideas too!
Checking out my paint colors, I decided to use Krylon's Hammered Finish color Copper Hammerhead. Hmmm . . . okay, but that color right on top of the shiny brass came out a little more orangey than I wanted. What to do? So I thought about it for a minute, and decided to try one with first a coat of black, then the copper.
WooHoo! Success!!!
The black bottom coat also seemed to tone down the "hammered" look a bit as well.
Without black first coat.
With black first coat.
Man, I went to town spraying! Twenty-five plates in all. I actually did this project way back before Christmas. I even took pics of the process. But unfortunately they were obliterated when my hard drive went - remember that????
Well, it's been a few months later, and in case you were wondering how the paint held up on those shiny metal surfaces, it's been great! I'm very, very happy with them. I still may change up in the future, but for now I'm extremely satisfied - especially since it cost me nadda! Oh, and no visible fingerprints!
Now, the next big thing that I'm pretty sure is going to come close to breaking my bank, is replacing all the knobs and hinges on all our doors. I've priced this venture, and it's going to cost at least $35 a door! I may have to buy the supplies for this project piecemeal and finally get the task done by . . . say . . . 2012???
I really want to go from this blech!!! . . .
to this . . .
or this . . .
Decisions, decisions . . . do I want brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze finish??? I'd love to hear your choices.
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4 comments:
cool idea-I still have the tacky plastic builder grade after 15 years.
I would go with the oil rubbed bronze handles.
Lisa
I love lever handles! We had those when we bought our first house {23 years ago}. I loved them and when we moved to our current house there were twice as many doors so we didn't go that route.
The outlet/switch covers look great with that paint! It does make a difference using the black first.
Morning Carla,
I LOVE how the switch plates turned out....much better than the builder grade.
I think either of those handles would be gorgeous on the doors.
Hope you are enjoying your day.♥
Found your great blog through joys of home. Great job on the covers!
It makes a huge difference!!
I am looking forward to reading your cute blog.
Have a great day.
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