Changing The Color On Outdoor Decorations

If you have ever loved a decoration but did not care for the color.  Think of how to change it to make it to your liking.  In this example, I bought these 2 Nutcrackers that go outside at Home Depot but I have never liked the color.  This year, I decided to repaint them in the colors that match the rest of my porch.  It is pretty easy to do with some painting patience but they turned out great.

I was scared that I would mess them up but then I remembered it is just paint and I could just base coat it all again and start over.  I never had to do that though.  So I put on a multi-episode show and got to painting.  It was great watching the nutcrackers transform.  The original paint job was done so sloppy and I was able to make it clean in the final product.  So, give transformations a try and see what you can do!

 

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Supplies

• Chalk paint (white, cream, or grey) – I love using chalk paint on many projects because other paints adhere to it easily.  So whether the object has a shinny surface or matte, chalk paint neutralizes the surface for easy painting.  Also, if the surface is dark, you have to make it light before painting a lighter color.  If you try to paint over the dark color with silver for example, you will be painting at least 10 coats.
• Metallic acrylic paints in the color of your choice.  See the colors I used below.
• Paint tray and a variety of paint brushes
• Cup of water
• Protected surface – I save the the paper that breakables are wrapped in stores, and use them for projects – this is free
• Paper towels and/or baby wipes
• Glitter in the color of your choice (optional) – you can sprinkle clear, white, champagne, silver or gold glitter on certain parts of the decoration for added more sparkle.
• Clear protective spray paint (optional) – if the object is porous or will be exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, spray a protective coating of spray paint.  I recommend placing these objects on a patio or under a covered porch.
• Disposable gloves (optional)

 

Directions For Changing The Color On Outdoor Decorations

• Wipe down the existing decorations and make sure no dust or debris is still on the decorations.

 

• Then set up the surface you will be working on.  So you will want to protect the surface with drop cloths or paper.
• Next, with a large brush, brush on the chalk paint and cover the decoration and allow to dry at least 2 hours.

 

 

• Then, start painting the decoration in the colors of your choice.  In this example, I painted these nutcrackers in the colors of gold, silver and white.  So for the silver and white, I did have to do two coats because the metallic was too light the first time.

• • Here are the colors I used on this project:
    • FolkArt Chalk Paint – Cottage White 25643
    • DecoArt Metallic Champagne Gold DA202
    • Hobby Lobby’s Crafter’s Collection Silver Metallic 258475
    • Hobby Lobby’s Crafter’s Collection Charcoal Grey Metallic 1180512
    • Hobby Lobby’s Crafter’s Collection White Metallic 645066
    • DecoArt Metallic Glorious Gold DAO71
    • Monaca Fine Arts Metallic Charcoal Grey
• So once you are done painting, allow the decoration(s) to dry full 24 hours indoors before sealing.

• Then spray paint on a clear protective coat and allow to dry and cure for another 24 hours.

• The outdoor decorations are now complete!  I recommend setting under a partially covered patio or porch for longer use.  These also can remain indoors.

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