DIY Faux metallic storage boxes with colorful lids
Preparation for spray painting
Before I go into details how I painted the boxes I want to introduce you to some basics of spray painting. If you have long hair whenever you use spray paint firstly tie it into the bun or protect it with the old bandana. Wear old clothes, preferably with short sleeves, for which you will not be sorry if it gets splashed with paint.
You want to spray paint outside or in the well-ventilated area, such as a garage with an opened door. Protect your working surface with large garbage bags and/or with the several layers of old newspapers. Make sure you covered with bags and newspapers area larger than your object is so you can spray without worrying about your paint getting on anything else. If you work near walls, for example on the balcony, cover the part of walls with the garbage bag as well. Just secure it with painter's tape, or put a large piece of cardboard along the wall. You can use the large or medium-sized cardboard box as well for spray painting, but make sure to place the bag or newspapers in front of it. Also, prepare the smaller piece of cardboard or newspapers for testing the spray.
How to spray paint
Separate lids and box bases, and put them close so you can grab them easily. Shake the can of spray paint according to instructions which are always on the back of the can. Then aim the can at the testing cardboard piece and gently press the sprayer on the bottle. This way you will check how much paint is coming out, how much it disperse and how far you have to remove the can from the object because every spray paint is different. You're now ready to start spraying!
Remember when spray painting to go light and to keep the bottle at least 10 cm (4 inches) away from the object you spraying. It’s better to have a couple thin layers of paint than to go crazy - that’s when you’ll get drips. So, spray with short light strokes, and work your way around the box until the entire surface is completely covered with paint. Then let the paint to dry. Depending on the weather it will take about 5 minutes if it's warm, or up to half an hour if it's cold outside.
Then repeat the light spraying. You should cover the object with paint in about two to three turns. Always let the paint to dry completely before you apply another layer, and do not forget to shake the spray bottle and test it before you start painting. If you want you can spray the inside of the box as well, but know that you should do it separately. First spray the inside and then outside of the box. To spray the lids you can place them on top of the plastic glass which allows you to turn them without messing the paint and easy to dry them.
I primed the base of the boxes with one coating of the white spray paint so the chrome would be more effective and shiny. Also, I sealed the chrome with a coat of clear spray paint to be sure that my paint won’t scratch.
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