Saturday, March 17, 2012

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:
Photobucket

RomanceOnADime.com


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


Funky Junk's Saturday Nite SpecialPhotobucket
sew many waysI Heart Nap TimeMaking Monday Marvelous Linky Party
RomanceOnADime.com
Creatively Living

21 comments:

  1. Hi Deborah Lynn,
    I love it, and it looks easy to do which is always a bonus, nice job!

    Sandra

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  2. I'm going to have to try this! What a great idea!

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  3. This is one of the coolest things! I am allergic to regular galvanized metal, so this is so great! Thanks

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  4. Love this! Where can I find that magazine rack? I've been looking for something like that to go in my office!

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    Replies
    1. I'd love to know where you found the mag rack, too! :)

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  5. Looks great ! Have you ever tried to faux rust anything with paint ? That is fun too .
    You were commenting on my island , have you seen any of the ones made from old dressers ? There are some on Pinterest . If I didn't love mine so much I would try to make one of those .

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  6. Wow, you must come visit me and bring all your supplies!!! Isn't it fun? I just love what you do. Hugs, Lynn

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  7. Wow - Looks very nice and seems easy. I will have to try this sometime!! Thanks so much for linking up at Romance on a Dime - I will be pinning this!!

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  8. Wow! I wouldn't have guessed when I first saw it, it was a faux finish! It looks fantastic! I am going to have to try this out :)

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  9. i have to admit that i have a teensy little addiction to galvanized stuff and your galvanization process ROCKS - well done girlie! xo c'mon by for a visit (& link up to our weekly Tuesday linky party if ya like)

    www.NorthernCottage.net

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  10. I can't get I've rhos it really does look galvanized! Great job!
    And thank you for linking up at Sunday Blog Love, this is one of my top five picks! I hope you'll have time to link up again this weekend! Take care!

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  11. I loved it to be begin with, but the faux galvanizing technique just puts it over the top! I love the industrial look of anything galvanized and your tutorial makes it look very easy to replicate. Thanks for sharing!

    Claire @ alittlesomethinginthemeantime.blogspot.com

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  12. Wow! You did a great job! I agree that I love galvanized anything and will usually buy it if I see it. This is great that you can do it yourself.

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  13. I've never tried this technique, but it looks sooo cool! Great job!

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  14. I love it!!! It looks awesome!

    Thanks for the tutorial!

    --Katie
    @ Creatively Living

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  15. it would def fool me! fabulous!

    hope you'll visit soon--a great giveaway hapenning:

    http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-giveaway.html

    smiles.

    michele

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  16. THIS TURNED OUT GREAT, I HAVE ONE FROM POTTERY BARN AND IT LOOKS JUST LIKE IT!

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  17. Genius! I love your version, looks like something right out of a catalog!!
    xoxo
    Jeri

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  18. Yay, what a difference! Your letter holder looks sooo much better now! Great job and I've got this linked to my galvanizing DIY post too today!

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  19. Incredible and it looks so much easier than other faux galvanized techniques I have seen in blogland!

    Thanks for sharing. I had to pin this:)

    xx
    Sumaya

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  20. Thanks for the suggestions! I would love to do this on countertops to create a rustic industrial look. I could seal with either marine grade poly or famowood.

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