Have you ever bought something from the thrift store, brought it home, and painted it only to totally regret your quick fix? That's what happened to decorator Jennifer Griffin, author of Dimples & Tangles. Several years ago, she found a fantastic brass tray at a seconhand store for a few dollars and promptly painted it—eek!—black. (Brass hadn't yet seen its current resurgence.) But a stripper, a cleaner, and some light scrubbing has this catchall looking shiny and new again.
Here's how to undo a faux pas on anything brass:
Supplies
Instructions
1. It's best to tackle this slightly messy project outdoors. Pour a small amount of stripper directly on to your brass object, and spread the stripper around with the brush. Jennifer advises against using a foam brush since the stripper will eat right through it.
2.
When the paint begins to bubble (this will only take a few seconds), use a hose and the very fine steel wool to remove the paint from all the nooks and crannies.
3.
Then dip your object into a sink or bucket full of water, wet your Scotch Brite pad, sprinkle the piece with Bar Keepers Friend, and scrub. Dip the object back in the water, rinse with clean water, and dry with an old towel.
Tell us: What successful thrift store redos have you accomplished?
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Plus:
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