I have what probably constitutes a lifetime supply of buttons, but unfortunately my collection doesn’t have as much variety as I’d like. A couple of years ago I sorted my buttons into two separate sets, making a jar full of colorful buttons and another full of white, black, brown, and other not-as-pretty colors. As it turns out, I have about 4 times as many of the latter! That’s why I’m glad I came across this head-slappingly simple idea from Patty at Capture the Details. She took a bunch of white buttons and applied some spray paint, giving them a completely fresh look! (If you plan to use them on clothing projects, I’d suggest spraying on a coat of primer first, or using a primer-and-paint-in-one product.) [how to spray paint buttons]
Patty is also a very talented illustrator and photographer, so be sure to check out the rest of her blog. You’ll be glad you did!
Project estimate:
- Buttons, on hand or $1
- Spray paint, on hand or $1 and up
- Newspaper, on hand
Total: Free and up
7 Comments
Ginger
This is one of those things when you want to smack yourself in the head and say “Why didn’t I think of that?”
Everyday I get more and more convinced you can spray paint anything.
Kelly H
I was going to post the same as Ginger. Why didn’t I think of that!?
I have so many buttons with a pretty design, but an awful color. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Shoregirl
Oh wow – what a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!!
Tee
^^Ouch^^ slaps head a little too hard.
Fabulous idea! Thanks Rhonda!!
Patty Schaffer
thank you for featuring my spray painted buttons! i giggled about all the head slapping going on! LOL
my intention was purely craft-based… i never thought of using them on clothes – great idea! someone will have to try it and let me know how it works out. :-)
have fun with your buttons and colorful spray paint!!!
xo, patty :-)
Molly
I have done that, works great. I first ‘primed’ them with that plastic paint they make for plastic furniture (only because I had some already) then painted them with regular spray paint to what I wanted them to be.
Have also coated some with nail polish and it has held up okay (is on a hand wash only cardigan I don’t wear super often, so can’t say how it would work on something that is used a lot)
Caroline
I read a blog post somewhere about dying buttons too. Turns out that apparent RIT will work to dye them. I haven’t tried it yet.