It doesn't matter if you're black or white

My front porch railings that is....

My railings have driven me crazy for a while now. Since I find myself with a little more "free" time these days, I figured I'd spend the day painting them. I've had a big burst of energy lately and ready to bust out many projects that have been on the back burner for a while now.

They don't seem so bad from a distance, but once you get up close it's a different story. 

See what I mean?? Prior to the sale of the house, these were quickly painted... Enamel/oil based paint was not used and the rust has since bled right through. Time to freshen it up for fall.

I spent a couple hours prepping the surface. I bought a steel wool type attachment for my drill and went over the railing with that. I also used a flexible metal putty knife to scrape any loose paint..Then I taped off all areas that were to be painted.

I decided that while most of this was to be done by hand, spray paint would come in handy for all the scroll  work and make the process around the door easier. So glad I had some spray paint on hand!

Before actually going to work on painting the railings, I sprayed them with a rust inhibitor product or "Rust Reformer" as it is called. I coated only the really bad rust areas with it and it helped to further prep the surface for new paint.

For the spray paint I used RustOleum's Protective Enamel Spray in Gloss Black. For my brush on application, I used their Protective Enamel oil based paint. I made sure to get a good quality brush--made for oil based paint, and a container of mineral spirits for clean up.

Once the area was prepped I started first with the area around the door and spraying it. I figured by late afternoon I'd have to go back inside the house-- so it'd be nice if this area was dry by then. (I had my backdoor unlocked too so I could come and go through there if needed). The application went on smoothly. Or as smoothly as it could. I quickly had wiped down the frame etc with a damp cloth before applying the spray paint. I was careful about drips, but it doesn't seem to matter what I do, I always tend to drip when using spray paint. Go figure! Thankfully a quick swipe with my finger lessened the appearance. Phew!

What a difference! Really Makes the teal door pop don't you think? 

It's similar to this inspiration image I've had pinned on my Pinterest board. 

Source: Elizabeth & Co

Once the door area was complete I tackled the railings.. Pain stakingly tackled them. Talk about having patience! Oooh weee!! I sprayed the top portions of them where they meet with the porch ceiling. That made it a little easier. I still had to contend with all the curly scrolls and make sure all sides were coated. It was so nice to take down all the paper for the big reveal. My address by rights is above the door--- I've blurred it for privacy. --Plus now with so much focus on the door, the address numbers are obviously not centered above the door.. I  will be fixing that soon. 

A few more changes made the entry ready for fall, like retiring my Summer wreath I made back in June. 

I also pulled out the impatiens from the pots and replaced them with some sunny yellow mums. Two HUGE potted palms complete the porch. I received them as a house warming present back at the end of July from dear friends who were moving their family of 7 across country. For the longest time they didn't have a permanent home at my house, until now. Well granted, they still may be moved if they aren't getting enough sun etc on the porch. But for now they complete it, plus every time I walk past them I am reminded of my friends who I miss oh so much! 

So there you have it folks, for around $20 the front of my house has a completely different look. Nothing like a boost of curb appeal to begin a new season!

I still need to paint the fascia and soffit area as well as the front portion of the porch-- which I'll need a much taller ladder for. It's a start though!

Sooooo what do you think?? Have you done any projects around your home lately?

**I have not been compensated in any way by RustOleum for mentioning their products**

Back to blogworld

I'm back guys!

It's been a rough month or so, but today starts a new month and what better time than to post a new blog entry.

These last few weeks I've been working to clean and organize and regain some ground so that I can continue to work on housey projects. (In the process continuing to find missing items) I just couldn't work amongst all the saw dust, tools and odds and ends laying around. Time for some order!!

Now that things have re-grouped a bit, some order has been brought to the chaos, I can continue on with all my never ending list of projects.

I've celebrated this past Thanksgiving with some friends (I'm gearing up to host for next year). I also celebrated my birthday which was a fabulous weekend and ended with the Lady Antebellum concert.

Talk about an amazing show! My seat was 7th row, but I ended up standing up next to the stage the entire time.. Charles said happy birthday to me within the first 10 minutes, and later Hilary came over and said happy birthday to me as well. I was in my element... And yes, like the good ol' days of elementary school and seeing the Backstreet Boys that I LOVED, I had a homemade sign for Lady Antebellum staying it was my 25th birthday.

C'mon, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! Before the concert started they had a camera going around taping people dancing and it was put on the big screen.. I was caught on that too. It was awesome!

 (And no, this is not using zoom!!)

Back on the house front, the front door is ALMOST 100%. Just a few more coats of paint and it'll be good to go. The other night I was busy cleaning the living room to prep for getting the Christmas tree this weekend, I hung some garland on the mantel and semi decorated it. I decorated a wreath too and then realized,

"Crud, the front door isn't done yet. I can't hang this beauty until THAT is done..." So I finished up the trim panels and went to town priming it.. As of last night the official coat of paint went on and I'm IN LOVE with the color!!

If you remember here, I was tossing around several colors. My heroes have become Sheryl and Mike! They've taken the plunge and have a fabulous colored door, which sealed the deal for me and mine.

I'm sure I'll have some neighbors who will think...."What the heck is she thinking?!?!".....Shoot I'll have some friends who think that too I'm sure... But the bottom line is this, I wanted something different, I wanted it to make a statement, and I wanted something off the beaten path..... I got that.

Enough of me rambling on and on.. You want pictures don't you? Yes you do, you know you do! 

 After the panels were cut and put on, the door was primed.

 I just couldn't wait to see the door color, so I painted a big swatch and was giddy with excitement.

 Two coats down, (paint still wet) and I'm in love!

The bottom of the door will be graced with a kickplate for a finishing touch. I'll be sure to show the final product. It's starting to get semi cold here- so I doubt I'll paint the front porch before Christmas but we'll see!

My mom is coming down for Christmas for the first time and first time since I've been a home owner... I can't wait to put her to work!!! (She wants to help, trust me) Hard to believe that it was this time last year I drove my realtor Julia nuts with looking at 30+ houses!!