My New Word Is Galvanization

Galvanization (noun):
1.  the process of startling into sudden activity; stimulaling.
2. The process of coating (metal, especially iron or steel) with zinc.


This post by Jennifer at Blissfully Ever After galvanized me to take on the (faux) galvanization of a metal wall magazine rack that my son no longer wanted.  I varied Jennifer's technique a little, mostly because this rack is a lot bigger than the star she "galvanized."  I heart her star.  


Here's how I went about galvanizing.  First I bought a bottle of this: 

FolkArt Metallic Gunmetal Gray

I also bought a bottle of burnt umber that Jennifer recommended to give some rusty accents, but decided not to use it on this project.  That's okay because I'm so in love with this technique that I'm sure I'll be using it a lot!  If not, it will make a great glaze.

Here's my wall magazine rack just after I started spray painting it black.  I almost forgot to take a before picture...whoops!  I just used some inexpensive store brand black spray paint that I already had on hand. I was so galvanized to galvinize, that I almost forgot to prime first!  Are you seeing a theme here?  Forgetfulness is driving me crazy.  

As you can see in the next picture, this rack had a very shiny finish on it.  I definitely needed a primer to make the paint stick.

Here it is primed.

Next I used several light coats of black spray paint (non-glossy).

When that was dry, I started daubing on the gunmetal paint with sponge daubers.  I used 3 sizes of sponge daubers, starting with the largest and working in layers down to the smallest.  

First layer with the large dauber

Here you can see I started filling in more with the large dauber first.

 Then I switched to the medium and small daubers.

I wanted to capture the cross hatched look seen on some galvanized items, so I lightly dragged the edge of the daubers randomly along the surface.  I did not add any more paint to the dauber before doing this.

Here's a close up of the cross hatching.

Finally, I used a small paint brush to get paint into the inner corners in random spots.

Galvanization complete.  Have I galvanized you into galvanizing something yet?  Or have I just driven you nuts?  Don't answer that please.  This rack will either go in my future office or in the craft room I'm working on.

I just love galvanized anything don't you?

I'm so honored that this project was featured by these terrific blogs:

I've linked this to these fabulous parties.  Visit these hostesses and show them some blog love :)