Spray paint itself is an amazing product – goes on quickly and evenly for a smooth finish. Metallic spray paint takes the level of wonder a step higher. I have been experimenting with two paints from Krylon’s Special Purpose Metallics line that I found at our neighborhood hardware store, and I think I’m addicted!
Dull Aluminum (1403) is what I used on the little box from the rummage sale. Despite its name, I don’t find it dull. It gives a cool grey/silver finish that looks like it’s painted – okay, I know that sounds obvious, but I mention it in contrast to the Bright Silver (1401), which looks more like a real metal finish.
Projects using Krylon “Dull Aluminum” and “Bright Silver” paints.
Here are some projects I’ve tried with each, and I’m already thinking about what to do next. Let me know if you have suggestions!
Bright Silver Paint
I’ve been trying to find more projects that reuse old things. Recycling is great, but it still uses a lot of energy and produces waste. Reusing is good for our planet and our pocketbooks, too! The challenge is to find projects that reuse old items but don’t look like a preschool art project!
This idea for a DIY apothecary jar is not original to me. I’ve seen it in several places, including Parties for Pennies.
DIY apothecary jar made from a used jar, a cabinet knob, and metallic spray paint.
You will need:
- glass jar with lid
- cabinet knob with bolt
- washer
- drill
- sandpaper
- spray primer
- metallic spray paint
- clear finish spray
1. Sand the lid to roughen it up for the paint to stick.
2. Drill a hole in the center of the lid
3. Insert the the bolt and washer from under the lid and screw on the knob
4. Spray primer, then paint (2 coats), and seal with a clear finish. Let each coat dry before continuing.
Another view of a DIY apothecary jar made from a used jar, a cabinet knob, and spray paint.
It’s such a creative and satisfying project. We use jars all the time, and I have a ton of knobs leftover from replacing the dated brass and black ones in our kitchen, so I’m thinking of making lots of these as gifts!
Dull Aluminum Paint
I used this paint on a couple of projects recently. This is actually a pretty silver-colored paint; I don’t like the word “dull” in it’s name! The first was for painting this box I picked up for five dollars at a rummage sale:
This dull old box was painted silver with Krylon Dull Aluminum paint and looks beautiful in our living room!
I also used this more muted (I refuse to call it dull!) metallic paint to finish off a screen I was painting to hang in our master bathroom. This was an example of “the third time’s a charm.” I started with the bare wood screen, and hoped to use it that way, but it was just too rough and unfinished. Next, I painted it a pale blue (Swept Away by Benjamin Moore), which I had leftover from painting our kids’ bath and also used to paint another screen. The blue paint was an improvement, but it still felt unfinished, so I masked off the center and sprayed the border in silver. Sometimes, it takes a few tries to get the look you want, but it was worth it!
It took a few tries to get the look I wanted for this screen. The silver spray paint really makes it feel elegant and finished!
A closer view of the finished screen in blue and silver.
These metallic paints are really so easy to use for a spectacular effect. Some other great uses I’ve seen and would love to try are:
- spray branches for a vase arrangement
- spray a decorative tray
- spray ceramic vases or bowls for display
- make pendants out of clay – thumbprints, engraved words, etc. and spray with silver, so they look like stamped metal
- more DIY apothecary jars for sure!
“Jewels”
This project is shared at:
, which are artists’ paints. I found this color, 
Jewels at Home 