Following the advice of John and Sherry Petersik from Young House Love, I decided to give my sofa a little spray-tan makeover. The couch came with the standard IKEA birch legs. They're fine and I probably would have left them if I hadn't seen what a difference paint can make.
First step was to take the legs off the couch. That meant we were chilling on this for about a week:
Next, I set up shop in my woodworking studio (a.k.a. home decor shop, a.k.a. conservatory). I laid down a plastic tarp and got to work sanding the birch legs to remove the clear varnish on them. This step helps the spray paint stick better. I used 80 grit and sanded by hand. It only took about 30 minutes to do 8 of them.
Then came the fun part...spray painting. I get really nervous before I paint. I know that's crazy, but I guess I'm worried that I'll mess it up and it will be a waste of time and money. I give myself little pep talks to remind myself that it can all be undone with a little more sanding.
I went with the same spray paint that the Petersiks did and followed their advice of doing thin, even coats. I chose Rust-Oleum's Oil Rubbed Bronze because I liked the idea of having a dark leg that also had a little bit of shimmer. It's nothing too noticeable, but in the right light it gives the legs a little more depth.
Very thin first coat |
After 3 thin coats |
Couch legs before |
And here's the final product:
I think it makes such a difference. I love the way it looks and I feel proud that I did it on my own...even if it is a relatively small project. It's hopefully the first of many!
That turned out great! You're a little Petersik in training. I remember that post when they did it to their couch.
ReplyDeleteMegan, that is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteJust who's child are you?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Dad
It looks like you also got a coffee table upgrade in between pictures?
ReplyDeleteGood eye Katie! I need to blog about that...maybe tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteCouch looks great. I will be over with my pillow and blanket shortly to crash as an uninvited houseguest. Looking forward to reading about more of your DIY projects!
ReplyDelete