The Tightwad’s Notebook: Lesson #17–Take Advantage of Spray Paint for Dated Items

The Tightwad’s Notebook: Lesson #17–Take Advantage of Spray Paint for Dated Items

spray painted mirror — We freshened up an old mirror frame by spray painting it black to match our console table. The original frame (over two decades old), was drab natural oak. But, since I wasn’t willing to part with over $200 for the black glass mosaic mirror I really wanted, updating this mirror with inexpensive left-over spray paint was the best option for now (but it’s been over a year since we’ve had this mirror up over our console table).

Even for non-DIYers, spray paint is the way to go to update interior and exterior home items such as frames, outdoor furniture, indoor light fixtures (who knew?) , etc. (Take a look at this great article on the subject from This Old House.) We often forget about that half-empty can of spray paint in the garage we used long ago, but there are also great new looks like oil rubbed bronze spray paints (see links to Krylon brand above–but take care to look for any recalls–there was a recent recall on Krylon’s clear acrylic spray paint product).

Last year, we took advantage of a can of black spray paint by updating a framed mirror for our entryway. The really old mirror (I’m talking over two decades) was in fine shape, but the frame was a dated natural oak. Blech. The mirror I really, really wanted was over $200 (black glass mosaic, stunning, gorgeous, at Pier 1 Imports–it was a want, not a need). So, my husband spray painted the old frame and it now matches our little half-console table. It looks striking when you walk through the front door! Plus, I saved $200 bucks. If I was ambitious, I’d make my own mosaic frame! Ha! Not likely.

One day, if I can find it again, I’ll get that lovely black glass mosaic mirror when the time is right (well, there is that red glass mosaic mirror on clearance now for $60! I have other priorities, however. Sometimes, it’s tough being frugal–LOL!)