This piece will be so fabulous when it has a fresh coat of paint
(and maybe some fun new hardware).
Recently, due to my move, I have ended up with a lot of things that need to be painted. A lot of mismatched wood things. I happen to know that many of you like to paint. Everywhere I go in blogland, someone is happily painting something and making it beautiful again. Is there anyone out there that DOESN’T like to paint? Is there anyone who dreads the idea and procrastinates like I do?
I love the end result, but I admit I just don’t like to do the painting part.
I have a friend in Portland that has come over several times to paint with me. She knows me. She knows I hate painting. But she. LOVES. painting. And somehow with her around, painting something is a bit more fun.
But here, in Washington? I have no one to paint with me {sniff! I think I heard crickets}.
Just look at all the pieces of furniture and other wood items I have that need paint! Someone put me out of my misery!
I need to paint this table and chairs.
I need to paint my front door and my light wood handrails.
And if I was ambitious and liked to paint, I’d paint the walls too.
I need to paint this cabinet in my son’s bathroom
when I do the Coastal bathroom makeover.
I guess I need a painting pep talk, or some sympathy. Anyone?
Let’s take a little poll.
THE PROCESS OF PAINTING: LOVE IT OR NOT?
PS. I had to laugh that Winston snuck into a couple of my photos today. He had a little accident this weekend while off on an unapproved adventure to a neighbor’s house (a St. Bernard accidentally knocked him over and he injured his shoulder. Winston is 14 years old so he isn’t as sturdy as he used to be).
After his trip to the vet, he was ordered to be on bed rest until his shoulder heals. Ha! Every time I turn around, he’s walking around, or sneaking up the stairs. Or mocking me from his bed.
I bet Winston would like a Sleep Number bed. Win one for him at Blissfully Domestic!
I share your paint misery…boo hoo…Thank goodness I have an extended family who LOVES to paint. The pieces are GORGEOUS and will look fantastic with color.
I hate to paint! Which is why my list of “Things in Desperate Need of Painting” is sooooo long!
Shannon
Shannon @ Silver Trappingss inspiring blog post..
Oh man, I wish you lived close to me. We could do some great swappin’. I would love to come over and paint for you if you would show me how to decorate everything once it’s painted. That is what I have trouble with!
Karas inspiring blog post..Spring? Break
*sigh* I have to admit to being a total “paint-a-phobic” … and yes I am into creating words to suite me
Paint gives me angst! I work with color and interior selections on a daily basis and paint drives me coo-coo! Little tiny colors one swatches — paint that changes totally once it is applied on a wall with direct light… UGGGH its all so challenging.
Not really — but I do think its critical to have a great paint “eye” and because I am so persnickity about paint I love to “hire” a wonderful person that will do the job I invision me of doing– BUT wont!.
Claudia@DipityRoads inspiring blog post..Serendipity
Love that desk Melissa. I’ve been on a hunt for one of those and a dining room hutch that I can paint. But I have to say, I don’t mind the finish coats of paint, or the decorative paint if that’s what I’m doing, but I HATE to prep. Filling holes, sanding, priming, I usually leave those nasty jobs for my husband, if’ he’s willing! Can’t wait to see how beautiful they will turn out. And poor Winston, hope he heals up quick!
Dawn-Hydrangea Homes inspiring blog post..May Day Flower Jar Contest
Melissa, if I didn’t live all the way down here in California, I’d come up with my box of brushes and help you out. You have as many projects and some of the same ones as I do. (stairs and bathroom).
Poor Winston!!!!! Give that cutie pie a gentle hug from me and our menagerie!!! That mean old dog next door! Perhaps Winston would
like to help you paint? He makes me smile!!!!!!!!!
hugs,
Becky
I love to paint! That’s the part I really enjoy! I love transforming things and adding beauty to my home (or others ie: friends, parents, etc.). I absolutely adore the results! For the most part, the painting process really isn’t that long or bad. Yes, I too get a few sore spots after a day of painting or even two or three, but they’re worth it to me.
It’s all the dang prep work and clean up that suck the life out of painting projects IMHO. But I’ve found it’s far easier, if you have a dedicated space and the tools always organized at the ready. I also like to chunk the prep work up a bit so it doesn’t seem like I’m sanding for an eternity on something, or filling & sanding holes in the wall forever. If I have a whole room or a large piece to paint, I’ll break it up… Say prep one wall/or all the larger falt surfaces one day, the next do another wall/ the legs, the next yet another wall/ detailed areas around doors & drawers, etc. It’s not so overwhelming to me that way and each time I feel one step closer to the finish line. I can usually accomplish even larger projects like a room within a week or two if I have alot of other things to tend to in between. Just by breaking it up into manegable bits and keeping at it, it get’s done rather quickly and without driving me bonkers in the process.
I hate the prep work … so much prep work for painting, but I love painting- it’s theraputic for me. Especially walls.
ginas inspiring blog post..Easter morning 2009
This is such a funny post. I love paint. I love all of the luscious beautiful colors and how they can transform a room. And most of the time I really like the process of painting. Lately, though? I’m completely burned out on painting and have been procrastinating those projects like you wouldn’t believe.
So in short, I feel your pain. Give yourself time. You may get a sudden burst of energy and motivation to tackle a few projects…really…it could happen
.
AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottages inspiring blog post..Being a Gemini is Exhausting
Well, I’m with you Melissa – I love the result, but I’m not so crazy about the process. I find that setting aside a day helps get me in the right frame of mind. I get up early, put on my painting clothes (they are covered with paint stains), eat a good breakfast and crank the music! I like to paint to the Beatles or Abba, or Chicago. That old classic rock just seems to help!
Lorrie
i hate painting and I think the reason I hate it, is that i am not good at waiting for a finished products some times so I rush through everything. a horrible trait that they should have a 12 step program for!!
I buy stuff with painting in mind, and then the thrill is gone. The stuff is still in my garage and I’ve already moved on to bigger and better. (and more to paint!)
Hopeless. Ah well. The sun is out today. Time to pull a few weeds and forget about paint. I love my forgetful memory for that fact alone.
Donna
Donna at Funky Junk Interiorss inspiring blog post..A dreamy kitchen made out of recycled materials
Love the idea of painting and poring over the color samples. Hate the prep work. Love the actual painting process and the finished product. Right now I’m procrastinating getting back to an ongoing project…painting interior trim. Here’s one post during the time I was getting started… http://ewbpcb.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-difference-day-makes.html
pendys inspiring blog post..Books, Brothers, & Bogies
I like painting…and oh how I would like to get my paint on anything wooden that needs painting…have to do it when the husband is away as he says why paint it!!! Duh man because it is a dated item..spruce it ha ha
annes inspiring blog post..Hi All…..
I love to paint but hate the cleanup afterwards. I just as soon throw everything out and buy new (brushes, trays, etc) and that bugs my husband so he (almost) always does my painting for me. I could just buy cans of spray paint but I am never satisfied with the shades of color they offer in spray cans so I always have to buy “custom” mixed colors. (I know – I’m a little compulsive.)
JoAnnes inspiring blog post..And with that…
I love it…when I get started. That is the hard part. But I do like to paint anything whenever I do get started. I am quite amazed at how much I can get accomplished when I get off my tush and get going on it!
J.J.s inspiring blog post..Holy typewriter ribbon, Batman!
Didn’t know you were a WA gal! I can be your new WA paint buddy! lol! I am so obssessed with painting everything! Murals on walls, furniture, shelves, cabinets, candlesticks, lamps…ok I will stop. But seriously, if it’s holding still I paint it. My favorite spot at a hardware store? …the mistint section ;0) I have so much paint it’s ridiculous. Anyway, I can see that your painting task is overwhelming but just take it one at a time. The cabinet will be darling all painted up! You can do it :0) Blessings, Katy
I don’t mind painting, but I spend MONTHS agonizing over paint chips and fretting about how it will look IRL. I begin almost every paint job with sweaty palms and heart palpitations until it’s dry and looking like I’d hoped it would. I especially worry about painting things that you can’t do over easily– like wooden cabinets and antiques. The stuff you’re thinking about painting would make me veeeerrrrrry skittish indeed.
Oh, no, Heather, now you got me worried. I tend to leap into projects and not even think that I will do a bad job. Until I do a bad job, then suddenly I get the sweaty palms and heart palpitations. OH NO! Now I am worried that I shouldn’t tackle these things myself. HALP!
I am so there with you! I really don’t mind painting walls, but furniture? Yikes! Not only do I not like to paint furniture, I freeze up about it. It has to be in really bad shape before I’ll attempt it. I feel guilty for hiding the natural wood even though I don’t always like it. I’d love to paint my handrails, vanities, and kitchen cabinets, but there all in really good shape. I worry about resale value, since I’m sure my dream house will be available at any moment and at a ridiculously low price;-)
I don’t mind painting at the outset of the project. It’s when I realize just how looooong the task will take that I start to poop out. I don’t think my husband will ever agree to paint rooms with me again after I fizzled out halfway through the first coat of painting our bedroom a deep cocoa.
Pamelas inspiring blog post..Design Crush: Kelly Giesen
I loved reading these. I always think it sounds like a good idea until I get started, too! Actually, I just painted all of my kitchen cabinets by myself, and although they look great I am taking a break from painting! See ‘em here: http://www.makemineeclectic.wordpress.com
well spray painting has become my new favorite thing. I would much rather paint than hang wall paper given the choice.
kaseys inspiring blog post..Does this make sense?
I am like you- I DON’T enjoy painting -but I do know that things would look so much better if I did. I’m overwhelmed by all the color choices! And I find painting to be messy… I tend to be a perfectionist!
The painting I don’t mind. The prep work I HATE!
Tashas inspiring blog post..Chicken Quesadillas
I hate preparing and finishing.
My last photo on today’s post “My Life is Not a Magazine Cover” shows the edge of our fence which has been begging for paint for several years.
Maybe this summer….
Trish @TheOldPostRoads inspiring blog post..My Life is Not a Magazine Cover
I strongly detest the painting. I have to pieces sitting in my garage right now ominously waiting for me to work up the ambition. I’ll post photos maybe next week if I get them done.
Juliannas inspiring blog post..Refrigerator Bran Muffins
I don’t mind painting walls. Maybe I even love it. I hate painting furniture. Despise it. Completely. But. I love that I get something that looks just the way I want it to without spending much money. So until I have an endless budget, I will be at home painting my furniture. And grumbling about it.
Jen@thecottagenests inspiring blog post..Challenge Update- Game On
You already know that I love to paint anything that sits still long enough, so come on & get on the bandwagon with us. You can do it! Actually, my favorite projects require spray paint…fast & easy. But, everything can’t be painted like that, so a brush & foam roller works best. And yes, a little prep won’t hurt either. But think how purdy they will look when you are done! You can stand back & proudly show off your skills.
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitalitys inspiring blog post..Chicken Fajitas
The chairs will be difficult to paint because of the seats… so I wouldn’t be looking forward to that, but the rest shouldn’t be too bad. Hubby doesn’t like me to paint wood at least not oak like what you have there.
Barbaras inspiring blog post..Using What You Have To Organize
I definitely don’t love to paint. Especially spray paint. I have an appreciation for it, that’s for sure and I definitely love the idea of a quick and easy change, but having painted a small dresser 2 weeks ago and my cuticles still baring the scars (black spray paint) I don’t love it.
But, oh the projects that would be finished if I would get after it!
Cristys inspiring blog post..100 & unwrapped
I feel your pain. I have LOTs to be painted around here and I will “pity party with you”……..I don’t mind the actual rolling of the brush, I just don’t like all of the prep work involved…the taping, the possible priming, the covering of things, the moving of items. Ugh, makes me tired and I’m already tired. I have a partially primed fireplace that is staring at me right now. Have you tried asking for help? Like actually say…”hey if you help me for a couple of hours, I’ll pay you or give you such and such…….I’ll buy your dinner, whatever it takes girl. ” Try it out. I had 2 ladies help my with my laundry room one afternoon and it was SO much more fun.
Well, you have OFFICIALLY inspired me to post about this situation. If I don’t post about it today…then tomorrow it will be. Wow Melissa, look what you can do. If I lived near you, I’d help you….and guess what?!?………..We’d have a blast!!!
katys inspiring blog post..{30 Minutes to a Prettier Front Door}
I HATE to paint!!! I love the idea of it and love the results but I hate the process-the prep, the mess in the middle, the clean up. Ugg, I feel a major case of the eye-rolls coming on right now.
But when I do painting projects I usually just dive in and get it done and sometimes end up with sloppy work. (It’s so hard to be patient and wait for those coats to dry). But, usually when it’s all done I love it, if for no other reason that it’s done!
Ginas inspiring blog post..Dairy Free Whole Wheat Walnut Pancakes
I am like you. i love the end result but the whole process is just that….a process. there is no fast food painting project. it takes forever. and i’m not patient. but then i look at the real wood i have and i know that i must keep it or else i would be very unthrifty just throwing it out. then what would i use as a dresser?
Noelle Tomcos inspiring blog post..Fashion Issues
Winston, you’re adorable!
My family would tell you that I love to paint because I’m always painting something. The truth is, I don’t. I just love painted things…so I have to paint them.
Just think about how wonderful it’s going to look when you’re finished, and pretend that you like to paint…that helps me!
debi@life in my studios inspiring blog post..Playin’ On The Porch
I love painted furniture but don’t love to actually do the painting, I usually find a way to convince my hubby to do the work.
Interesting…
Despise is not too strong a word for me and painting.
Vees inspiring blog post..A Fun Twist
You can DEFINITELY DO IT! They will look great. Do not fear! Think of all the posts too. Each piece could be 2 or 3 different posts!
Sue @ My Party of 6s inspiring blog post..Uber
i actually like it. not necessarily painting walls, i leave that one to my husband…but if it’s a piece of furniture, i really don’t mind!
i am trying to find the time to paint my mantel very soon! hopefully a taupe with a glaze on top! wish me luck!
and i have a question for you…i have chairs just like yours, tell me how you are going to paint them (with the woven bottom??)…that part does scare me a bit!
i want mine black!
cynthias inspiring blog post..and a happy monday to ya!
Lucky for me I love wood furniture….cause I HATE to paint!!!!!!!!! My DH is so wonderful, when we do have to paint a room, he does all the “cutting in” )he is SOOOO much better at this than me) and I just have to roll! It’s FABULOUS! I married a great man! 41 years and counting:):) Pinky
Hi Melissa
My poor daughter Annie had to live in chaos, because I was avoiding her room. I’m finally done painting the walls after living here for 2 months LOL I paint all the time, but I only like painting the details… you know, little bits of artistic things that make it special. It’s like the birdhouses I paint, people want me to sell them, but I hate the first coat all the way until I get to the details like flowers and little birds, so I don’t. As far as walls, I hate cutting in, but give me a roller any day
rue
rues inspiring blog post..A couple questions
BTW, you have a great eye for these things… maybe you can answer the questions on my post today…
rues inspiring blog post..A couple questions
So sorry that you do not like to paint…I love it. In fact I search out items that are paintable, just so I can paint more stuff! I do find it occasionally difficult to get myself geared up to paint (the thought of all that mess and all that clean-up can be overwhelming) however, to solve that problem, I like to designate one day/weekend a month to paint everything that I currently have which is in need. This saves hours of clean-up, b/c it doesn’t take much longer to wash out 3 or 4 brushes than to wash out 1, and it makes me feel like I accomplished A LOT. Good luck…you can do it and it will look great!
Jens inspiring blog post..Happy Easter!
So sorry that you do not like to paint…I love it. In fact I search out items that are paintable, just so I can paint more stuff! I do find it occasionally difficult to get myself geared up to paint (the thought of all that mess and all that clean-up can be overwhelming) however, to solve that problem, I like to designate one day/weekend a month to paint everything that I currently have which is in need. This saves hours of clean-up, b/c it doesn’t take much longer to wash out 3 or 4 brushes than to wash out 1, and it makes me feel like I accomplished A LOT. Good luck…you can do it and it will look great!
two words my dear SPRAY PAINT. I have seen & heard about many people spray painting their furniture instead of P A I N T I N G -which takes F O R E V E R. Even The Remodel Guy recommend spray painting kitchen cabients! go figure- so, it doesnt totally get you out of painting but it does make it a little faster & I am all about fast- get in, get out!
Amanda-The Eck Lifes inspiring blog post..The Fairy Room
UHHHH, so much work!!! I do not like the act of painting. What I like…..uh, I mean LOVE is the outcome.
Tina Kay
Tina Kays inspiring blog post..
I know that I don’t even need to answer the “love it or hate it” question. If you weren’t on the other side of the country, I’d come do it for you. Since I can’t, do this:
http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2008/04/something-old-is-new.html
More pictures:
http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2008/07/rehab-rehash.html
Black or white. Whatever color works for you. There will be a lot of taping to protect the rush seats, but they’ll look great when they’re done.
Bossy I am, no?
Love you!
Kimba
Kimba @ A Soft Place to Lands inspiring blog post..Lisa Leonard Jewelry Giveaway: A Winner and A Discount
I responded in Twitter but in case you missed it:
lightly sand, wash, spray seats with oil primer, brush or spray chairs with oil primer , 2 topcoats oil paint, distress
I seem to always be in the middle of a painting project. I can’t say that I love painting but I sure love the results so I do it and get excited about doing it. I’m excited about your projects as well, and I’m here to cheer you on. PS. I have a Westie too!
Kay Phillipss inspiring blog post..Easter Dinner
I love to paint but prepping is not my favorite! You made me think of some of my projects that I need to paint… handrails etc…
Winston is so cute… sending wishes of a speady recovery.
LuLu
LuLus inspiring blog post.."Bowl" Full Of Memories…