The Cluttered Table: DIY University: Home is where you hang your keys

Reeve here. We are starting a new feature called DIY University, with the hopes that it will teach you how to save money by doing it yourself. Today we will learn the basics of spray paint.

I know this is a simple project, but sometimes the basics are good to go over.

As you can see here, we have a lovely gift from my mother - the first of many "house-warming gifts" we will receive from her. However, it doesn't really match our decor - so we should paint it.

I'm using Rustoleum Universal in Hammered Copper. Rustoleum tends to be the paint of choice at our house because it's affordable and covers really well.

First, cover the parts you don't want painted with painters tape. It doesn't matter what kind of painters tape you use - the cheapest one from your local home-improvement store will do.

Since I'm a man and have a tendancy to ignore directions (come on, admit it, we all act like we know what we are doing) make sure you do this in a well-ventilated area. I did this project outside (much easier now that we live out in the country.) Also, I placed it in a box to paint so I dont get paint on the concrete and so Samantha doesn't kill me. (A happy wife is a nice wife.)

Apply paint in a side to side motion in an even medium to thick coat. Remember to keep the can at least a foot away from the object you are painting - too close and your paint will drip. (If your paint drips you will have to wait for it to dry, sand it and start over.) Keeping this in mind, you will have to apply multiple coats to get the coverage you want without the drips. I suggest as least three coats - allowing at least 1 hour between coats to dry. Make sure to spray the back and sides as well. This helps get all the "nooks and crannies" without dripping paint.