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DIY

DIY Cabinet End Panels with Shaker Style Trim

January 5, 2022 by Bre 1 Comment

Have you heard the expression “always never done”? That’s the perfect way to sum up my kitchen makeover project! Although I declared it finished last spring, I was wrong. (Shocker.)

I decided to add DIY cabinet end panels with shaker style trim to dress up the cabinet bases and tie into the kitchen soffit disguise.

Learn how to upgrade builder-grade cabinets with DIY cabinet base panels! This is SO easy!

Adding trim to the cabinet bases to create the look of nicer end panels did a lot for the look of this kitchen, and I’m really glad I did this. It was actually very easy, and something even a novice DIY’er could accomplish.

See how she added style to builder grade kitchen cabinets with DIY cabinet end panels.

Supplies Used to Create DIY Cabinet End Panels

These are the supplies and tools I used to do this project exactly as shown in this post. Some of the links are affiliate links, and you can read my full disclosure policy for more information.

  • 1/4″ x 4″ select grade wood boards (note: if covering a gap at the bottom of the cabinet base, make sure the 4″ width will completely cover that. You may need to get a wider board if your gap is larger than mine.)
  • Miter saw (alternatively you could use a circular saw or even a hand saw)
  • Brad nailer
  • Tape measure
  • Speed square
  • Contour gauge (if cutting wood to fit flush with baseboards)
  • Jigsaw (if cutting wood to fit flush with baseboards)
  • Pencil
  • Caulk
  • Wood filler
  • Sandpaper
  • Primer & paint
  • Small crow bar or pry bar (if removing shoe trim or quarter round from cabinet bases)

How to Add Shaker Style Trim to Cabinet End Panels

While there was nothing technically wrong with my cabinet bases, they felt plain to me and they were pretty beat up along the edges. I brainstormed for a long time on how to make them look better, and I decided that making them look more like the soffit trim we previously added would be the best bet.

Before: these builder grade cabinets had plain bases. See how this blogger added trim to them to create a custom look.

My cabinets had a pieces of shoe trim at the base, so I began by removing that trim along the bases where I was adding the trim or panels. I also had to remove the adjoining shoe trim pieces because they would stick out too far once the new base panels were complete.

To add end panels to these kitchen cabinet bases, she had to remove the quarter round first.

With the shoe trim removed, I then measured the distance from underneath the countertop to the floor, and used my miter saw to cut one piece of 1/4″ x 4″ wood to that size. I then used my brad nailer to attach it to the left side of the cabinet base.

To upgrade the look of builder grade cabinets, this blogger created the look of cabinet end panels with simple wood boards.

I repeated the measuring and cutting process, and attached another board to the right side of the cabinet base. The left and right measurements were slightly different, so it’s important to measure for each piece and not assume that they’ll be the same!

Creating the look of cabinet end panels on builder grade kitchen cabinets is a great way to add style at a low price.

Next, I measured the top piece and bottom piece, cut those boards, and attached them with the brad nailer.

Learn how to use wood boards to add the look of cabinet end panels to builder grade cabinets.

This first one was the easiest cabinet base to add paneling to because it only needed perfectly straight boards.

Cutting Trim to Accommodate Baseboards

The other two cabinet bases are attached to a wall and have adjacent baseboards, which meant that I either needed to remove (and replace) the baseboards, or cut two of the wood panel pieces to fit snugly with the curvature of the baseboards.

This cabinet is adjacent to baseboards, so the wood panel piece had to be cut to fit flush with the baseboard.

I chose the latter option and used a contour gauge to trace the profile of the baseboards onto the wood trim. I always wanted to use one of these tools because they remind me of those toys that look like nails and they make a perfect impression of your hand, face, whatever. But I digress . . . ;-P

She used a contour gauge to trace the profile of the baseboard and add that to the wood trim she was cutting for the cabinet base.

Then I cut out that squiggly design (I’m sure that’s a technical way to describe it) with the miter saw, and it fit perfectly!

A jigsaw was used to cut this trim piece to fit flush with the baseboard.

I added all of the trim just as I did for the first cabinet base.

Cabinet Base Panels Finishing Work

Once that was finished, I filled holes with the wood filler, caulked all along the edges, primed, and painted. I also added new shoe trim to the fronts of the cabinets where the toe kick remained.

Here the new trim work is getting primed and painted.

Before finishing it all up, I popped on a new outlet cover that blends with the painted cabinets. It’s a special cover that goes over the existing outlet, so no electrical work is required and you’re not painting the actual outlet – just the decorator cover.

DIY cabinet end panels made with simple wood boards elevate the look of builder grade cabinets.

I’m so happy with how it all came together! And, I’m really proud that I did this 100% all by myself. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below or by messaging me on Instagram!

Learn how to make DIY cabinet end panels with simple boards! It elevates the look of builder grade cabinets instantly.

Filed Under: DIY

DIY Peel and Stick Kitchen Floor with FloorPops Tiles

October 27, 2021 by Bre 2 Comments

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As part of my sister’s 1950s kitchen makeover, we updated her linoleum with a peel and stick kitchen floor applied right on top of it.

See this peel and stick kitchen floor, installed right over the old linoleum.

This post is not sponsored and I have no affiliation or relationship with the company that makes FloorPops tiles – the peel and stick we used here. This is a totally unbiased review of their peel and stick floor tiles meant to, help you!

Also, I’m not going to give you a step-by-step of installation for these floor tiles because the instructions that come with them are great. I will share tips that we learned, which helped us along the way.

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

Before Installation: How to Prepare a Floor for Peel and Stick Tile

Before we even stuck one tile in place, my sister had to do some dirty work.

She scrubbed the old linoleum clean and used a heavy duty floor stripper product to get up all of the built-up wax on the surface. The floors still looked yucky even after all that cleaning!

Before this kitchen had dated linoleum flooring. It has a new peel and stick kitchen floor with FloorPops.

Once the floor dried, she primed it with a multi-purpose primer. Simply2Moms recommended it in their blog post about peel and stick vinyl tiles in the laundry room. She let that dry overnight.

(P.S. sorry for my man hands in the below photo: I didn’t polish them since I was doing manual labor! :-))

Before putting down a peel and stick kitchen floor, she primed with a multi-purpose primer.

The FloorPops instructions didn’t say anything about priming the underlying floor, but because the linoleum was so old and probably still had some wax or polish build up in the divots, we figured better safe than sorry!

FloorPops Vinyl Tiles

For my sister’s kitchen, we used FloorPops peel and stick vinyl tiles in the Parthenon pattern, which seems to only be available at Floor and Decor.

To help give some perspective, she spent around $275 on tile for her kitchen, which included a box of extra tile to keep for future replacements, if needed.

FloorPops are available at many other stores and in many other patterns.

You can buy them at Amazon, Home Depot, and even on WallPops’ website (they make FloorPops).

Peel and Stick Tile Installation: a One Day Project

The day after my sister cleaned and primed the linoleum, we got to work!

We started by finding the rough center of the kitchen and drawing a straight horizontal line intersected with a vertical line on the floor in Sharpie. Then we pressed the first tile into place, and rolled over it with our tile roller tool.

The tile roller tool really helped press that adhesive to the linoleum floor. I definitely recommend using one if you plan to install peel and stick tile over linoleum.

She installed FloorPops vinyl tiles in her kitchen.

If you’re wondering why we started laying the tile in the middle of the room, you should watch my video on starting in the center!

We worked outward from the center in a staircase pattern, for the most part, and made sure to look at each tile closely to line up the patterns as much as possible.

To install peel and stick vinyl tiles, do it in a stair step pattern.

We left a border around the edges to complete last.

This is a FloorPops kitchen floor in process.

Amy at The Crazy Craft Lady gave us a helpful tip for sizing the edge pieces in her YouTube video. Definitely watch her video if you plan to install FloorPops in your home!

We cut the edge pieces using a combination of a self-healing mat and utility knife, and regular scissors! The self-healing mat / utility knife combo worked great for straight cuts. The scissors were perfect for cutting pieces that had notches, etc.

The edge pieces went in easily, and once we finished installing all of the peel and stick tiles, my sister added new shoe trim around the baseboards to help hold the tiles in place even better. This also gave the floor a more finished look.

Here she is installing FloorPops over linoleum.

And in case you’re wondering: yes, we tiled underneath the refrigerator and oven! #nottoofun

These sisters installed FloorPops peel and stick tile in a kitchen.

Are FloorPops Durable?

When I posted a video of our peel and stick tile installation on TikTok, many people asked about the durability of FloorPops, especially in a kitchen.

At the time of writing this post, my sister has only had these in her kitchen for four months, but they’re holding up great.

There has not been any peeling of the tiles, nor have there been any adhesion issues. The tiles are staying put and looking great!

This 1950s kitchen makeover features FloorPops peel and stick tile.

How Do You Clean FloorPops Peel and Stick Tile?

People were also very interested in how you clean these peel and stick tiles, especially in a kitchen!

My sister mops them as she did her linoleum floor, but she makes sure not to use too much water. Since there is no grout in between the tiles, she doesn’t want to get water in between those gaps and cause problems with them sticking.

FloorPops peel and stick tiles in a kitchen.

Of course they vacuum nicely, too.

One thing we were worried about was if adhesive would puddle or ooze between the tiles and cause crumbs and dirt to get stuck there. This has not been a problem at all – thank goodness!

My FloorPops Review

All in all, I definitely recommend FloorPops peel and stick tiles for certain situations.

I would not look at these peel and stick tiles as a long-term flooring solution. I think they’re perfectly suited for a facelift that you want to get a few to several years out of before upgrading to a more traditional floor type.

In this case, my sister and her husband plan to renovate the kitchen in the future, so the FloorPops were the perfect flooring update while they wait to renovate.

They’re easy to install, come in a multitude of on-trend colors and patterns, and clean nicely. They are a fantastic option for anyone looking to make a budget-friendly update, while recognizing they will not last as long as regular flooring.

FloorPops vinyl peel and stick tiles in a kitchen.

Leave me a comment here or message me on Instagram if you have any questions!

-Bre

Filed Under: DIY

DIY 1950s Kitchen Remodel with Painted Cabinets

October 20, 2021 by Bre 2 Comments

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My sister and her husband recently purchased their first home and welcomed their first baby. While they loved much about their new house, they did not love the dated and barely functional 1950s kitchen.

This 1950s kitchen was desperately in need of a remodel. The homeowners did a budget-friendly makeover with painted cabinets and more.

The 1950s Kitchen Before: Aesthetic and Functional Problems

There was no dishwasher, and with lots of baby bottles to be washed, that was a problem. The range vent hood also hung so low over the stove that it made it almost impossible to use the back burners.

BEFORE: This 1950s kitchen had a range vent hood that was so low, you could not even use the back burners of the stove.

Limited cabinet space forced them to use a mash up of bookcases to store food and appliances. At least they had that great wall-mount telephone to call their friends! Ha.

BEFORE: This 1950s kitchen lacked storage, so the owners used bookshelves as a pantry.

And style-wise, well, I think the photos speak for themselves. What is hard to tell in these photos is that the yellow gingham wallpaper also covered the ceiling. It made a statement. The large exposed hinges on the cabinets also drove my sister crazy.

BEFORE: This 1950s kitchen was so dated and did not function well for the owners. They gave it a remodel makeover with painted cabinets and more, and it looks so much better.

In addition, there were two types of countertops (wood-look laminate and black tiles), and multiple styles of tile backsplash – all of which were falling off the wall.

BEFORE: This 1950s kitchen had broken tile backsplash and wood shelves on the ends of the cabinets. It got a total makeover.

In short, this kitchen was a HOT MESS.

Kitchen Remodel: The Plan

My sister and brother-in-law planned to do a gut renovation of the space (like, with real contractors and designers). But when they realized their remodeling priorities would need to shift with the addition of a new family member, I devised a plan to remodel their kitchen for both looks and function . . . DIY style.

Having just completed my own DIY Kitchen Makeover, I decided to torture myself again.

Here is the official proposal and plan, which I scribbled on notebook paper Memorial Day weekend 2021. It’s very sophisticated, as you can tell.

To update this kitchen, the budget-friendly plan included lots of options for makeover.

Since my sister and brother-in-law are both teachers and had the summer off of work, we decided to tackle this 1950s kitchen remodel project as a team, and with the help of many others, so that their kitchen would be ready to go before school started again.

We got to work almost immediately! It was a lot to take on, but so much fun (not always – I’m not going to lie to you!)! We worked hard to make the kitchen look so much better, and work better for the family, and I am so proud to show you how it all turned out!

DIY 1950s Kitchen Makeover: The Process

A lot of the work was completed by my sister and brother-in-law while I wasn’t there. We live in different states, so it was impossible for me to be there all of the time! During the times I wasn’t there, I was obsessively calling my sister to make sure they were staying on track with the insane job list I’d given them.

They started by removing the wallpaper, repairing the walls, and painting the walls and ceiling Sherwin Williams Moderne White. My brother-in-law also removed that low-hanging vent hood and shortened the upper cabinet to accommodate an over-range microwave / vent combo.

As part of the 1950s kitchen remodel, the owner added a microwave above the stove to replace a vent hood that was too low.

Once these jobs were complete, my mom, kids, and I crashed in to do an intense three day cabinet painting marathon. We took turns sanding, priming, painting, and entertaining children. We could not have done this so quickly without my mom taking care of the kids and pitching in to paint while the baby was napping!

Having painted my own kitchen cabinets months earlier, I knew exactly what to do, so we were able to pound this out. (And hey, if you’re interested in learning how to paint cabinets, check out my digital cabinet painting ebook, which gives you EVERYTHING you need to do this job right!)

This kitchen got a makeover with painted cabinets. Here the primer was tinted to go beneath green paint, so it looks like a strange color.

For these cabinets, we used Behr Cabinet and Trim Enamel in Hillside Green. I really liked working with this cabinet paint because the recoat time was much faster than Benjamin Moore Advance. I also think it covered and self-leveled nicely.

Once we finished painting the cabinets green, we felt like the kitchen was already looking so much better!

This 1950s kitchen got a makeover with painted cabinets in Behr Hillside Green.

The next project in this kitchen was covering up the old linoleum, which was discolored and dingy no matter how many times it was cleaned. My sister scrubbed the floors and removed all of the wax buildup, and then primed them with a self-adhesive tile primer.

The next day she and I worked like crazy while my mom watched our kids (she was the MVP for sure), and we put down an entire new peel and stick floor right over the old linoleum! (Check out this post on her Peel and Stick Kitchen Floor!)

Peel and Stick Floors by Floor Pops were laid in this 1950s kitchen remodel.

I loved this part of the project; it was exhilarating to see this kitchen change right before our eyes! This peel and stick tile is beautiful and very nice quality. I don’t think it will last forever, but it will do the trick until my sister and her husband are ready for a full renovation.

On the wall where the bookcases previously served as a pantry, we added floating shelves, new cabinets painted to match the original 1950s cabinets, and a portable dishwasher. Yes, that’s right, a portable dishwasher! My sister and brother-in-law just roll it over to the sink when it’s time to do the dishes. It’s been a game changer for them.

Open shelving was added to this 1950s kitchen to create extra storage space and a place to display decorative items.

During this process, my sister was sharing her progress on Instagram, and one of her co-workers saw that we needed help with some electrical. She enlisted her husband, a contractor, to help, and he spent 1.5 days with my brother-in-law teaching him how to fix the electrical issues. Can you believe that generosity?

Once that was taken care of, the new countertops could be installed. My sister opted for a beautiful marble-look laminate as a durable and budget-friendly countertop. She went through Home Depot for installation, and they did a great job!

New laminate countertops were installed in this 1950s kitchen.

The Kitchen Remodel Reveal

Although there are still a few minor details to be wrapped up in this kitchen, after about four months of work it is 95% finished! I am so happy for my sister and brother-in-law because they have a kitchen that makes them feel good when they step inside, and it actually works for them now!

This 1950s kitchen remodel features green painted cabinets, matte black hardware, black appliances, a patterned peel and stick floor, and white marble laminate countertops. This 1950s DIY kitchen makeover turned out gorgeous.

The original 1950s cabinets look so much better painted in Behr Hillside Green, and updated with gorgeous hardware that was gifted to us by D Lawless Hardware.

My sister chose flat black hinges, black knobs, and black pulls to coordinate with the black appliances in the kitchen. I’ve purchased hardware from D Lawless before (including for my Oak China Cabinet Makeover), and the price and quality cannot be beat. The updated hardware was a huge improvement from the original 1950s cabinet hardware!

Soft green kitchen cabinets with matte black hinges and hardware create a beautiful look in this 1950s kitchen.
This kitchen remodel features green painted cabinets, matte black hardware, black appliances, a patterned peel and stick floor, and white marble laminate countertops. This kitchen makeover turned out gorgeous.

In case you’re missing the gingham wallpaper that previously covered the walls and ceiling, don’t worry. We saved a piece of it and used it as artwork in the kitchen. Aaah, memories.

The homeowners saved a piece of wallpaper that was on their kitchen walls, and framed it for a memory of the old kitchen.
This kitchen makeover features green painted cabinets with adorable plant shelves next to the kitchen sink.

Unfortunately, one relic of the 1950s kitchen that didn’t survive was the wall-mounted telephone. Taking its place is an entirely new bank of cabinets, the portable dishwasher, and gorgeous DIY open shelving that houses items my sister and her family actually use, as well as decorative items to give the space personality. (I think we’ll take the shelves over the phone.)

This 1950s kitchen remodel features DIY open shelving to give extra storage space and room for decorative items to be displayed.

The toe kick panels still need to go on the base of the cabinets, but you get the idea of what this will look like when it’s totally finished.

Open shelving in this 1950s kitchen remodel adds a warm and beautiful touch.

This added counter space and storage (including pull-out trash), has been incredible for the livability of this kitchen!

This 1950s kitchen remodel was a lot of work, but it was an incredible joy for me to get to spend time with my sister and our families, and to make such a difference in her happiness and home.

Bre of Average But Inspired and her sister stand in the 1950s kitchen remodel project they completed.

With the constant flow of home renovation content on television, Instagram, and blogs, it can feel like a total renovation is the only option for updating a kitchen and making it work for you. But that is not the case: with some creative planning and hard work from family and friends, you can create a space you love and that works for you, without spending a small fortune!

This 1950s kitchen remodel features green painted cabinets, matte black hardware, black appliances, a patterned peel and stick floor, and white marble laminate countertops.

Thank you for reading all about this project that we poured our hearts and souls into. Please let me know if you have any questions or need a pep talk! You can leave me a comment here, or find me on Instagram!

Filed Under: DIY

The Easiest Hardwood Floor Scratch Repair

October 12, 2021 by Bre 23 Comments

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If you have hardwood floors, you know how frustrating it is to see scratches marring their beauty.  After lots of trial and error, I have figured out the easiest hardwood floor scratch repair technique, and it doesn’t involve ANY sanding at all!

If you have scratched hardwood floors, you need to read this post! Learn how to fix scratched hardwood floors yourself, with just two products! It's an easy DIY hardwood floor fix that anybody can do.

I can’t tell you how excited I am about this hardwood floor fix.  It may seem dumb, but I lived with unsightly white scratches on my hardwood floors for years before finding this solution.  It takes about 20 minutes and costs hardly anything to fix.  

Supplies Needed to Fix Scratched Hardwood Floors Without Sanding

This post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

  • DAP Wood Blend Sticks (get the color that matches your hardwood floors most closely.  There are packs for dark wood and light wood)
  • Clean, dry, lint-free cloth (tip: I like to use cut up men’s undershirts for this)
  • S.C. Johnson Paste Wax (if your floor is not finished with glossy poly or in an ultra-matte finish)

Hardwood Floor Scratch Repair with a Wax Stick

After replacing some furniture in my living room, scratches left on the floor from the old furniture were really starting to bother me.  There were large sections of white marks that stuck out like a sore thumb all over the place.

You don't have to live with scratched hardwood floors! There is a super easy way to fix shallow scratches and it doesn't cost a lot!

Then one day while digging through my utility drawer (aka the “who knows what’s in there drawer”), I found a pack of DAP Wood Blend Sticks.  I have no idea where these things came from.  I have no memory of buying them and neither does my husband.  But I digress.  Anyway, I decided to see if they would fix my scratched wood floors problem.

Step One: Rub the Wax Sticks on the Hardwood Scratches

I cleaned up the section of the floor where I needed to work, and then I started rubbing the wood blend sticks over the scratches – kind of like I was coloring on the floor.  (My three-year-old was watching me the whole time, and I just know that I’m going to find Crayola crayon drawings on the floor sometime soon.)  

You don't have to live with scratched hardwood floors! There is a super easy way to fix shallow scratches and it doesn't cost a lot!

I used several of the colors that came in the pack, since my floors vary in tone from place to place.  

Step Two: Buff off the Excess Wax

After I applied a lot of blend stick to the scratches, I let it sit for a couple of minutes.  Then I grabbed a lint-free cloth and got to work buffing the areas I’d colored.

I had to use a lot of elbow grease to get all of the excess wax stick off of the floor.  It was easy to tell when I’d removed all of the excess blend stick from the floor because the cloth moved over those spots easily and it no longer felt sticky to the touch.

The scratches looked much less pronounced after I’d done that, but it wasn’t totally perfect yet.

You don't have to live with scratched hardwood floors! There is a super easy way to fix shallow scratches and it doesn't cost a lot!

Step Three: Apply Paste Wax

I then grabbed the S.C. Johnson Paste Wax that I love to use on my furniture refinishing projects, and I applied a thin layer over the scratched areas.  

You don't have to live with scratched hardwood floors! There is a super easy way to fix shallow scratches and it doesn't cost a lot!

Once it had been on there for about twenty minutes, I buffed the excess off and was SO EXCITED to see that the scratches on my hardwood floors were virtually invisible now!  Everything blended together so nicely and the floor looked beautiful once again!  

You don't have to live with scratched hardwood floors! There is a super easy way to fix shallow scratches and it doesn't cost a lot!

Of course if you put your face right up to the scratches you can see them because there are still the scratch indentations there (I didn’t sand anything down after all), but to a person who isn’t checking the floor out with a microscope, they look beautiful once again.  

You don't have to live with scratched hardwood floors! There is a super easy way to fix shallow scratches and it doesn't cost a lot!

This little trick for fixing scratched hardwood floors without sanding has made a big difference in the look of my floors.  And it is so inexpensive (compared to refinishing!), and easy!  

If you have any hardwood floors that are in need of touching up, I recommend giving the DAP Blend Sticks and Paste Wax a try.  Remember to only use the Paste Wax if your floors have a finish of a subtle sheen (as opposed to gloss or matte).  

You don't have to live with scratched hardwood floors! There is a super easy way to fix shallow scratches and it doesn't cost a lot!

Filed Under: DIY

The Best Way to Spray Paint a Faucet

September 15, 2021 by Bre 16 Comments

If you want to spray paint a faucet, learn how in this post. The best way to spray paint a faucet or spray paint bath fixtures is easier than you think.

I will paint anything. Really. But being totally honest, I was nervous to spray paint my bathroom faucet and tub fixtures. Thankfully, it was a HUGE success, and I can’t wait to show you the best way to spray paint a faucet and bathroom fixtures for a lasting finish!

I completed this tub fixture painting project months before writing this post so I could be sure the process actually works. I didn’t want to give you bad advice about spray painting faucets (or any other bathroom fixture, for that matter)!

I stand behind this process and the products used, and I believe this inexpensive painting project can be an integral part of updating any bathroom!

Learn how to spray paint a faucet and update your bathroom fixtures in no time!

Spray Paint a Faucet: Supplies Needed

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

To spray paint my bathroom fixtures as I show you in this post, these are the exact supplies I used.

  • Lime-A-Way cleaner
  • Comet cleaner
  • Sponge
  • Rubber gloves
  • Sandpaper (I used 150 grit)
  • Tack cloth
  • Painters tape
  • Masking film
  • Rustoleum spray Automotive Primer
  • Rustoleum Matte Finish Custom Shop automotive spray paint

How to Spray Paint a Faucet or Bathroom Fixtures

After I painted this bathroom’s bath tub, the tub fixtures looked even dingier and gross than they did before. I was hesitant to try and remove them because they were strongly caulked in place, and I was worried about disturbing old plumbing and causing problems for myself.

Before spray painting this faucet and tub fixtures, they were dingy and dirty looking.

I worked up the courage to paint the tub fixtures, including the faucet, and I’m so glad I did! I was concerned that I’d accidentally get spray paint on my newly-painted tub or the shower tile, but it all worked out.

Step One: Clean the Faucet and Fixtures

As with any painting project, one of the most important things to do is clean the surface properly!

In this case I scrubbed the faucet and fixtures with Comet cleaner, and then followed up with Lime-A-Way to remove the calcium and lime buildup from the pieces.

The tub overflow plate was especially gross with tons of buildup, so I put that in a Ziploc bag and let it sit. The Lime-A-Way ate through the bag, but luckily I had it sitting on a plate so it didn’t ruin the table I had it sitting on! Just be careful if you use Lime-A-Way as it seems pretty caustic.

Step Two: Sand the Bathroom Fixtures

Once the fixtures were clean, I lightly sanded them with 150 grit sandpaper and then removed all of the dust with tack cloth.

If you want to spray paint a faucet or bathroom fixtures, prep is essential! After cleaning make sure to sand the fixtures and remove all dust.

Step Three: Protect the Surrounding Area

Next to cleaning the fixtures, protecting the surrounding surfaces is probably the second most important thing to do!

For this, I hung masking film from the shower ceiling and sides, and then carefully cut small holes to push the tub fixtures through. Once the fixtures were through the masking film, I taped up the rest of the film on the opposite wall.

Before painting bath fixtures, make sure to use masking film to protect surrounding surfaces.

Then I draped masking film over and into the bath tub, and taped that to the masking film on the walls.

This was sufficient to protect everything from overspray – thank goodness!

Step Four: Prime the Faucet and Fixtures

Now it’s prime time! For this step I sprayed the faucet, trim valve / handle, shower arm, and overflow plate with Rustoleum Automotive Primer. (Instead of painting the shower head, I purchased this matte black shower head, which I added to the shower arm after the fact.)

Automotive primer is the best primer to use when painting bath tub faucets and bath fixtures.

It dries very quickly, and I topcoated it (next step) within one hour of application. Note that if you don’t apply a topcoat within an hour, you’re supposed to wait 48 hours before topcoating.

Step Five: Spray Paint the Faucet and Bathroom Fixtures

And here is where the magic really started to happen! I spray painted the faucet and fixtures with Rustoleum Matte Finish Custom Shop spray paint in black.

Rustoleum Matte Finish Custom Shop automotive spray paint is a perfect spray paint to use for painting bath fixtures and bath faucets.

I applied a light coat to everything, and recoated almost immediately. Unlike other spray paints I’ve used in the past, this spray paint allows you to recoat at any time.

Two coats of the automotive spray paint did the trick and covered the faucet and fixtures perfectly.

Learn how to spray paint a faucet or bath fixtures and get a lasting finish!

I let this dry for two days, which is longer than the spray paint can recommended. I figured better safe than sorry!

The spray painted finish is holding up absolutely perfectly on the tub faucet and fixtures. My kids use this tub/shower two times daily, so the paint finish is definitely getting a test.

Cleaning Spray Painted Faucets and Fixtures

Part of the secret to maintaining painted faucets and painted bath fixtures is using gentle cleaning products on them.

I clean both the painted bath tub and the painted fixtures with a mix of hot water and Mr. Clean concentrate, and apply with a sponge cloth. I wipe off water spots with a soft cloth and avoid using paper towels to clean these surfaces, as the paper fibers could scratch them (maybe?).

Learn how to spray paint bathroom faucets and bathroom fixtures with paint that actually lasts!

If these spray painted fixtures ever start to chip or flake, I will update this post. For now, everything looks amazing! If you’re looking to give your bathroom a low-cost update, consider spray painting the fixtures!

Filed Under: DIY

Polka Dot Wall: DIY Painted Accent Wall

September 2, 2021 by Bre 2 Comments

Paint a polka dot wall to add a fun statement to your home decor! This painted accent wall idea is simple enough for any DIY'er to tackle!

Months ago I set out to give my kids’ bathroom a facelift, and over the summer I slowly (very slowly!) I pulled it all together. Of course I veered from the original modern vintage bathroom makeover plans (I never can stick to a plan exactly!), and part of that involved this Polka Dot Wall, which is a super easy DIY painted accent wall idea!

Paint a polka dot wall to add a fun statement to your home decor! This painted accent wall idea is simple enough for any DIY'er to tackle!

Accent walls are one of my favorite ways to add personality to a space (take, for example, my painted grid accent wall), so when the bathroom makeover was feeling a little bland to me, I decided a quick and easy paint job is what it needed.

In just a couple of hours I was able to paint this charming bathroom accent wall, and I’m going to show you how you can paint a polka dot wall of your own!

Painted Polka Dot Wall Supplies

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To create the DIY polka dot accent wall as shown in this post, these are the supplies used.

  • Round floral foam (tip: have several of these on hand so you can swap them out as they get gross or if you need to take a break during the project. You can’t wash them out or keep them fresh, so it’s better to have several.)
  • Stencil brush
  • Paint (latex paint or even craft paint will work here!)
  • Paint tray
  • Level (note: a laser level is the best choice if you have one available)
  • Paper or card stock
  • Knife

How to Paint a Polka Dot Accent Wall

Don’t let the instructions I provide make this seem harder than it is. This accent wall is incredibly easy to paint.

Plan Out the Accent Wall

Begin by setting up a laser level at a mid-point on the wall. If you don’t have a laser level, lightly draw a level line on the wall with pencil that can be erased once all of the polka dots have been painted.

Next, decide how far apart you want the polka dots to be from one another (both horizontally and vertically), and cut a sheet of paper to that size. (For reference, my polka dots are about 9″ apart.). The paper will serve as the polka dot spacer. That’s a very important job.

Paint the First Row of Polka Dots on the Wall

Now it’s time to start painting the accent wall!

Gently paint one side of the round floral foam with paint. As tempting as it may be to dip the floral foam into the paint and apply the foam to the wall, don’t do that. There will be too much paint on the foam and it will run down the wall. (Not that I’d know anything about that.)

Press the foam onto the wall and paint the first polka dot.

Paint a polka dot wall to add a fun statement to your home decor! This painted accent wall idea is simple enough for any DIY'er to tackle!

Next, using the paper spacer you previously created, continue painting polka dots on the wall – along the horizontal line.

Paint the Second Row of Polka Dots

Once that first row of polka dots is complete, it’s time to move up or down along the wall. This step is hard to describe with written directions, so you may want to watch my TikTok video on how to paint a polka dot wall for additional help!

You can use the laser level or draw a level line to create the next rows of polka dots, or you can simply use that paper spacer only. (I did a mixture of both in this project.)

Click to view any of the posts in this series!

  • Vintage Modern Bathroom Makeover Plans
  • How to Paint a Bath Tub
  • How to Paint Bath Fixtures with a Lasting Finish
  • DIY Polka Dot Accent Wall
  • Modern Vintage Bathroom Makeover Reveal
Paint a polka dot wall to add a fun statement to your home decor! This painted accent wall idea is simple enough for any DIY'er to tackle!

To use the paper spacer only, flip the paper spacer vertically and run it up (or down) the wall from the first polka dot you painted. Place your finger at the edge of the paper, and then flip it horizontally. The end of that paper is where the first polka dot on the next row will go.

Paint a polka dot wall to add a fun statement to your home decor! This painted accent wall idea is simple enough for any DIY'er to tackle!

This will offset the polka dots with each row as you’ll see on my polka dot accent wall.

Continue this process until you cover the entire wall in polka dots.

Paint Polka Dots Along Edges or in Corners

Once you have finished painting the full polka dots, there will likely be some spots along edges of walls (or in my case, along the large mirror that I didn’t want to remove), or in corners, that need partial polka dots.

Simply cut the floral foam circle to size with a knife, and place those partial polka dots wherever they’re needed!

Paint a polka dot wall to add a fun statement to your home decor! This painted accent wall idea is simple enough for any DIY'er to tackle!

The Painted Polka Dot Accent Wall

It only took around two hours to complete this accent wall project, and to add some whimsy and fun to this previously boring bathroom!

The benefit of a painted bathroom accent wall is that there’s no peeling like you would potentially get with wallpaper in a high-moisture space, and paint is cheaper than adding a wood wall treatment. Plus, as soon as we grow tired of the polka dots, I can easily repaint. It’s just one wall, after all!

Paint a polka dot wall to add a fun statement to your home decor! This painted accent wall idea is simple enough for any DIY'er to tackle!

Let me know what you think of this painted accent wall idea! I love to hear from you in the comments below, and on my Instagram!

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: accent wall, paint

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Hi, I’m Bre! Thanks for visiting Average But Inspired, where I show you how to work with what you’ve got to create a home you love.

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