This metal shelf-rack was bought back in 1967 in a hardware store. Actually, hardware stores were IKEA’s replacement at that time.
In general, I had 2 shelves — with 4 and 5 shelves. For half a century they were pretty worn out, but the metal itself was “alive”. I decided to restore the historical exhibit and decorate the cottage with it. After measuring the free space on the wall in the house, I decided to make a rack with only 3 shelves. I looked at photos of fashionable interiors and realized that my design fits perfectly into the loft style. It is characterized by the use of metal furniture and accessories. Industrial things painted in dark or shiny tones (chrome, copper, gold) look especially cool.
What needed to be done: peel off the old paint and apply a new beautiful enamel. Naturally, any kind of enamel can not be used. If I want to add a “loft” chic, I need metallic enamel. I chose an aerosol of two colors: “Old copper” (for shelves) and “Graphite” (for racks) — such a contrast should look very impressive.
In order for the coating to fit well, it is necessary to remove ALL the old paint.
At first I tried to remove it with a metal brush, but the old paint held up well, the process was extremely slow.
My favorite “skin” nozzle with grain P60 was used. Things have moved on.
The old paint was cleaned off the shelves. There is quite a lot of dust, so it’s better to do it outside. The side racks were first thoroughly washed in a basin. Then I went over them with sandpaper. I wiped all the parts with acetone for degreasing, and it was possible to start painting. The main thing is that the weather was warm and almost windless. Ideal conditions for spray application!
But first, the primer — it will provide the necessary adhesion so that the enamel holds better, and will save its consumption. I did not try to be wise — I bought soil from the same manufacturer. It is also acrylic, like enamel, and is perfect for my purpose.
The shelves are primed, the composition dries quickly enough, especially in the sun. While the shelves were drying, I primed the racks.
And after a couple of hours I applied the first coat of paint. As usual: shake the can for 2-3 minutes (do not neglect this operation if you want to get a beautiful smooth coating!) and from a distance of about 30 cm, he carefully applied the “old copper” to the surface.
Painted shelves on the street. There was almost no wind, and that’s great — it didn’t blow away the jet.
The details of the shelf are ready, the paint has finally dried out in one day. If it were not for the aerosol, then I suffered with the racks for a long time — it is unrealistic to apply paint on such details exactly with a roller or brush.
In daylight on the street, the rack just shines. The paint went perfectly. Thanks to the soil, it has bonded well with the surface. Admittedly, I was a little afraid that the coating would sparkle excessively. But the color turned out to be noble with a delicate shine. Dark Graphite-colored racks do not distract attention, but set the architectural rhythm. In general, the choice of enamel-mettalik has fully justified itself!
It is easy to hang a shelf-rack, it is necessary to tighten only 4 screws. It will look great against a painted wall or plain wallpaper. You know, now the fashion for the design of the 60s is returning. Masters give new life to old chairs, cupboards, cabinets. I myself recently repainted the refrigerator, which has been serving me for decades. And it all fits perfectly into the philosophy of reasonable consumption. High-quality things can serve more than one generation, and it’s a matter of 2-3 hours to decorate them in a new way!
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