Enough with the white....give me wrought iron (faux that is!)

My first before and after project! Yes!!!! This is one of the main reasons for starting this blog. First project on the agenda, my spindles! I have lived with the white, chipped spindles for almost 5 years and it's time they go. I can't help but think about the real wrought iron spindles I have sitting in my garage that should be sitting beautifully between my railing and floor, but I didn't have the patience to wait anymore. They have been sitting there for three years so they will just have to wait a little longer. I needed a fix, and NOW! So painting each spindle, one by one, is what I did. Although it's not real wrought iron, it looks the part and is much better than those that existed before.

Supplies and Prep:

I did a good cleaning and deglossing on each spindle. I then sanded each spindle so the paint would stick.

Here is the before (now keep in mind you can't see all the little chips and crayon marks on the spindles)

All taped up and ready to go! My kids even got into the action by helping wipe down the sanded spindles....what great little helpers!

Next up - PAINT! EEK.....this always requires a big SIGH, but my mind was set and I was committed. I painted each spindle with Behr eggshell paint in Stealth Jet. It provided a nice matte black color. I didn't want them to look harsh black or glossy, as I wanted to give the appearance of wrought iron. I used a sponge brush because it gave me more control on a small space than a paint brush did.   

Here is what it looked like after the first coat....EEK! It does get better, I promise.

Two coats later, I am extremely happy with the results! It was time consuming, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process - and the painting. I love how the black tones down the orange/brassiness of the honey oak that consumes my house.

The AFTER:

Here is a another before and after:

Some may prefer the white, but I love the black!

Now on to my next project.......Little Man's dresser! Stay tuned.