Amy Howard Paint Hack

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

I really loved how my little table turned out using Amy Howard's furniture paint.  You can see that post here.  The paint was thick and creamy, and went on like a dream.  However, the one thing I did not like about this paint was that it was soo expensive.  A tiny jar of 8 oz costs $15.00.  This jar barely finished the little table I painted, including two coats.  Not a bad price if you are painting something very small, but if you have a large project, it gets very pricey, with a quart of her paint costing $35.00.

I had another area in my home that desperately needed something different. It was in my kitchen. As we were downsizing, we bought a tiny home, and this is what the kitchen looked like when the home arrived to our property... barren!  A sink and countertop was all that we had to work with, plus a difficult floor plan.



First we painted the whole home, as well as the kitchen cabinets that were just sitting in the corner. They were pretty sad looking. We also added flooring and beadboard to the bar area.

Before we moved in, this is how the kitchen/dining room/living room looked

There was no pantry in this kitchen whatsoever. In our efforts to keep from any more expenses than necessary, I made do with what I had.  


This was the area in question that I wanted to improve upon.  Better shelving in this area would open up more storage, which is needed quite badly enough in this tiny kitchen/dining room area.


I found this old worn out shelf at a thrift store for ten dollars.  I knew that trying to paint this shelf would get quite expensive with the Amy Howard paint, no doubt taking at least a quart of paint to finish it with two coats.


I mentioned that I wanted to refinish this shelf to the owner of the thrift store, and told her my dilemma with not wanting to spend so much money on the Amy Howard paint.  She told me that she paints and refinishes furniture all the time with her own concoction, and after a bit of talking with her, she shared her "recipe" with me!  How excited I was to try it out!

DAP - Wallboard Joint Compound, 1gal, Pail, White

A container of the dry wall mud (or joint compound) cost me $6.49, and a quart of paint (on sale at the hardware store for $2.99!) and I was set to try this "hack" out!



I wish Annie could tell me what information she picked up as she inspected the shelf... she sniffed it all down before I got started!  I wonder what stories it's life held before it met me ... lol!


The top of the shelf had this peeling laquered layer that had to come off.


Annie stayed patiently with me as I worked.  Such wonderful companions our furry friends are to me!

First coat on!

And now the second coat! Wow!  I was really impressed with the quality of my paint "hack" mixture!


It went on every bit as smoothly as the Amy Howard paint, covered up all the imperfections of the shelf, and had a gentle shine to it.



Here is the finished shelf... $10.00 for the shelf, I used about 1/16 of the drywall compound (about $0.43), and all of the quart of paint ($2.99) for a total cost of $13.42!  I don't know where you could get such a pretty useful shelf for $13.00... but I am quite happy with the finished result!

This space is not complete, this is just phase one!  I hope to find a cabinet something like this one to set on top of the shelf, and finish them both with an antique wax finish.

Image result for vintage cupboard with doors
Credit


Stay tuned for the part two.  But for now, I have much more organized storage, without such a cluttered feel to it, and that makes me happy.  I will have fun yard-saling this summer in my hopes to find the perfect piece of furniture to complete this little spot in my kitchen.  I'm all about bargains, and thrifting, and people in the area we live love to have yard sales, it is a big event all summer, and so I have hopes that I will find what I am looking for.   {smiles}  Plus... I always pray about these things too, and the Lord helps me out, I do believe!

AMY HOWARD PAINT HACK RECIPE

I can hear some of you now saying.... what is the recipe for the paint hack? I'll be glad to share... it is so simple.  Pour your paint into a larger painting container.  (I used a large coffee can).  Then scoop out enough of the drywall compound into a larger paint container and mix with the wooden stir stick until you get a thick consistency to the paint.  The thrift shop lady did not have an exact measurement, but said to get it to a thick consistency.  So that is what I did.  I was familiar with the consistency of the Amy Howard paint, and I added drywall compound until the paint was thick and did not drip from the stick as I lifted it up.  I think I probably added at least half a cup to perhaps 3/4 cup of drywall compound to one quart of paint.  It really does not take very much!  You will need at least two coats of paint.  If your paint does not have a sealer mixed in with it, you may paint the sealer on after you are finished.

One thing about the Amy Howard paint is that all of these steps are done for you - the mixing of the paint, thickener and sealer, so that you don't have to do it.  But, if you are a thrifty soul like me... this paint hack will work just fine for you :)



 My kitchen now that the shelf is in place.  It is not complete ... yet... as I am still looking for the shelf to complete the vintage look, and so be looking for a part-2 to this post... soon :)




I just had to share this picture of the lovely flowers gracing my kitchen right now.  My family bought me some very special flowers for Easter, and they bring joy to my heart to see them!

Do you have any fun "hacks" to share... please do share... my thrifty heart is always looking for ways to save $$ and enjoy the benefits, without the price!

Have a blessed day my friends!
























61 comments

  1. How wonderful that you "just happened" to find the paint recipe! Isn't it amazing how God takes care of the smallest details for us? Your shelf turned out perfectly, and is ready for the second phase. I like your kitchen redo, and am sure the total project will be just the way you picture it. Cute little house in the mountains you have there!
    Blessings.
    Debbie
    xo

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    1. Yes, I was quite thrilled about saving the $$ and getting a wonderful result. Thank you for the kind words, and it will be fun looking for the new shelf topper :) Hope you are feeling better!

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  2. Nicely done!
    It is fun to see you updated kitchen. Those shelves are perfect.

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    1. Thanks Christine, it was a fun project, and quite useful too... I am enjoying the new shelf very much, and will have fun looking for the topper! Appreciate your visit :)

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  3. Your shelf looks so pretty and I thank you for the paint hack idea. I may have to try that this Summer! I have an old glass front cabinet that looks similar to what you are looking for. My husband got it out of a dumpster at work years ago when they were remodeling a building. It has that old wavy and bubbled glass in it and it is missing a piece of trim but I love it just the way it is with the old wood finish. :)

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    1. Oh wow, that sounds like a wonderful piece of furniture to have found in the dumpster! How awesome! I love the old vintage look so much. The paint trick is pretty awesome, and I love how it can take a veneered layered piece of furniture and easily make it new again :) Appreciate your visit!

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  4. I love it.....there's nothing more satisfying to me than to fix and reuse something and to make it beautiful...great job!

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    1. I agree.. I love finding things that need a bit of love, to find a new purpose again in live... much like the Savior's love in our lives, I think! Appreciate your visit today Shirley :)

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  5. Inspiring! We're up to our eyeballs in getting the house completely repainted top to bottom ...

    What a project. But oh ... that white!

    ;-}

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    1. Oh boy! That sounds like a very big project indeed! Top to bottom... I know how much work that is... a huge spring project for sure... it will be wonderful once it is all finished though! Appreciate your visit :)

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  6. You are doing a wonderful job on your new home; we've been in our house for two years now and just starting to think about painting. Thank you for sharing and being an inspiration.
    Hugs, Noreen

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    1. Painting is a big job! We still need to paint the outside of our house this spring, and I am really looking forward to getting that done, although it is quite a bit of work, it will be worth it. Hope you are not getting inundated with snow from that snowstorm! Take care my friend :)

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  7. Hello, thanks for the idea and the How To... I did save to pinterst and I think it is all looking so cozy and lovely! You have great taste and downsizing and getting out of debt is huge!
    Happy Hunting for the right topper for that shelf!
    Hugs, Roxy

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    1. It is a really neat little hack if you are thrifty-minded, for sure! Thank you for your kind words about the kitchen, it is coming along... I guess our houses are always a work in progress, lol! Always something to be done or changed or added :) I will enjoy the hunting for the right shelf topper for sure! Appreciate your visit :)

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  8. I love your cozy home....Take care sweet friend.

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    1. Cozy it is! We love it so much, and the simple life is wonderful! I just like being organized, and it is of utmost importance in a small space. Appreciate your visit today! :)

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  9. Hello there! This is such a great idea! My hubby is my go to guy for any and all day hacks. I love to save money when I can and this will be something fun to try.
    Your shelf turned out great and I hope you find the perfect topper for the perfect price. :)
    Isn't it fun to change things up a bit?
    Enjoy your week!
    Hugs, Amy

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    1. How awesome to have your hubby as your help for hacks... love it! Saving money is always fun for me when I have a project in mind too, so this was definitely a winner in my books :) I will have fun looking for the shelf topper for sure... summer is just around the corner, lol! It is always fun to reorganize and change things up just a bit, it always feels great! Hope you are having a wonderful week too!

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  10. Your shelf looks great. Thanks for sharing your paint recipe with us, I hope to give it a try very soon.

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    1. Awesome, do let me know how it works for you. I was quite happy with the results! Appreciate your kind words and visit today :)

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  11. That is a great project completed and for a great price too! I hope you fine the perfect piece to top this with. I love fresh flowers too. They just brighten the home so much but, I also use artificial ones when I don't find fresh ones. Thanks for sharing your paint project. I hope you have a beautiful day. Blessings. Pam

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    1. Thanks Pamela, it was a great easy project, just the kind I like! I will have fun looking for "part 2" to this project :) Hope you are having a lovely day yourself!

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  12. Your kitchen looks so charming. I know how hard you have worked in that room. The shelf is a great addition and now you have a hack you can use over and over again!

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    1. Yes, the kitchen required a lot of attention, but it is slowly getting improvements as I can get to them. It will be fun to see what I end up using for a topper shelf :) Yard sale season will soon be here, they start here about May 1 :) Have a wonderful day!

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  13. Wow! Your kitchen looks amazing!!! I love thrifting for furniture. My husband and I actually picke dup two end tables a few weeks ago from someone's curb (we asked the owner first ;) ) and I plan to refinish them with a darker stain or paint, and possibly do a tile top to match them to another table we have. Fun times!!!

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    1. Oh that does sound wonderful, I love finding things like that, and making them new again! The tile top sounds really awesome too! I hope you are having a wonderful day :)

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  14. Great job, my friend! The shelf is perfect in your sweet kitchen and will be even more charming when you add the cabinet on top. Can't wait to see what God provides. :) Our local hardware store is now carrying Amy Howard paint and supplies. I was tempted, but just couldn't bring myself to spend that much money on makeover paint, especially on the kind of used furniture I have (some even found alongside the curb. . .hah!). I make my own chalk style paint using plaster of paris. Same idea as the joint compound. Works great and soooo inexpensive. Have a great day and enjoy cooking in your delightful kitchen. Hugs, Nancy

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    1. I had heard of using the plaster of paris in the paint too. I may give it a try just to compare the two "hacks", lol! I am enjoying the space my new shelf provides, and can't wait until yard sale season is here, it will start here May 1 :) Hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather we are having!

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  15. You are a very "crafty" lady. Your shelf unit looks very nice. Also your Easter flowers are very pretty.

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    1. Thanks Ida! It makes me very happy to see that little space more organized, and i will have fun looking for the perfect "topper" for that shelf so I can display some of my pretties that are in storage now. So happy to have you visit... I am enjoying my rooster mug and other goodies so very much, the mug is so beautiful :) Have a blessed day my friend!

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  16. Great kitchen re-do!! It looks so homey and like a cozy place to cook! I recently made my own chalk paint using plaster of paris and LOVE how it made my new vintage/farmhouse guest room look!

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    1. Oh wow, that makes two of you who have commented here that use plaster of paris with paint, I am going to have to try it and compare it to using the drywall mud. Thanks for your visit, and sweet comment, my new little space feels so much better now that it is more organized! Have a wonderful day :)

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  17. Annie is adorable! :)
    Beautiful shelf makeover. Really, really nice.

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    1. Annie is a great companion, in so many ways, she is much loved and she knows it too, lol! Thank you for your sweet words and visit, I always love to have you visit! Have a wonderful day :)

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  18. Loveeeeeeeeee the post....thank you for the smiles and the comments to my little blog. Beautiful, friend, beautiful. Blessings

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    1. Thank you Linda for your sweet words, and visits, always so appreciated! Hugs to you today :)

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  19. Hi MM! What a great idea! Adding a little 'weight' to the paint probably made it cover so much better. And it didn't take the color or shine away from the finished product, which is great.
    Your kitchen is looking so much brighter and homier now. Great job! I wish I had a great hack to share, but I don't DIY at ALL! Lol! But I love seeing what you are doing. Hope you find that top piece you're looking for.
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Ceil! I love to do things myself and save $$ if I can, I enjoy doing it. It has been nice having the extra storage area in the kitchen too :) It will be fun looking for that special topper this summer, as yard sale season here gets started around May 1 :) Hugs to you today!

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  20. Hi,
    Well done. I like what you have done. Great ideas. I appreciate the ideas. I have some furniture that needs a perk. :-)
    I love your flowers too.
    Carla

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    1. I've been looking at all my furniture in a different light now... wondering if some paint would help, lol! I've certainly enjoyed more organized storage in my kitchen too :) Hugs to you today!

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  21. It is amazing the difference a coat of paint can make.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. That is the truth, I have certainly begun to look around my house, wondering what else might fall prey to my paintbrush, lol! :)

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  22. Marilyn, your kitchen is so sweet. I love the all white! And you did a wonderful job refinishing the bookshelf (with Annie's help!) I will have to think up a few hacks for you! Have a lovely Friday!

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    1. I will look forward to hearing your hacks Gina! One can never have too many tricks up their sleeve, lol!!! And yes, Annie is a wonderful companion no matter what projects we have going on, love her so much :) Hugs to you today!

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  23. That is excellent information about the paint recipe. I too am frugal and would find it difficult to spend so much on such a small container of paint. It isn't encouraging to spend $10 on a shelf and then have to spend $35 to paint it! You did a great job!

    I hope that you find just the right cabinet for your shelf.

    ♥Hope

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    1. Thanks Hope, it is a great recipe for sure, especially if you love being frugal :) I will have fun looking this summer for a topper too! Appreciate your visit, hugs to you today!

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  24. Thank you for sharing "the recipe". I'm not familiar with that particular paint but I'm quite curious about trying out your concoction. It looks great on your cabinet.

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    1. Thanks Kelly, it was a lot of fun to make this up, and it went on so nicely. Thanks for your kind words! Hope you are having a good week :)

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  25. Very nice. Your kitchen looks much less barren now! :-)

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    1. Thanks Abbi, indeed I am much happier with the kitchen storage being more organized. Hugs to you today :)

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  26. Friend,

    Your kitchen looks so cozy!!! The shelf is lovely. Flowers....swoon.

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    1. Thanks Chrissy, it was a lot of fun to paint this shelf, and it has helped organize my kitchen better, which I love. Hugs to you today :)

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  27. Wow, you are getting good at this! I really want to try a similar project....I have seen that paint recipe in my research but wasn't sure if it would really be as good. Looks like it is! You now have some sweet storage that you can add to when you find the right piece for the top. Very cute vintage feel to your kitchen! Flowers are gorgeous by the way!Xo
    Linda

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    1. Yes, it is a great paint "hack" if you don't mind the extra steps involved in making it, but for me it is worth it to save the $$. I am really enjoying the extra storage in my kitchen now too, and it will be fun looking for that topper cabinet. I want to be able to display my tea cups that are currently in storage due to lack of space. Hopefully that will change soon :) Hope you are having a wonderful day my friend!

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  28. I have never painted furniture but I would love to be brave enough to do it. Your shelf looks great! Pretty flowers!

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    1. It really is much easier than you think! I tried it on a piece of old furniture, and the results were really exciting to see. Hope you do get to try it sometime. Have a wonderful day :)

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  29. I have never painted furniture but I would love to be brave enough to do it. Your shelf looks great! Pretty flowers!

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  30. Oh, how pretty! This looks SO nice...you did a great job! I love how you have everything so organized and compact in your kitchen. It all just came together beautifully. So thankful for you, dear friend, and for all you do here. God bless you abundantly!

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    1. It was so much fun to paint this little shelf, and I am really enjoying more space in my kitchen too. Appreciate you too, dear friend, so very much, and praying for you! Praying the Lord is blessing your day today! Much love and hugs!

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  31. It's really coming along!

    Been missing you!

    *hugs*
    Kelley~
    (of the former Kelley Highway blog)

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    1. Well hi Kelley! Where have you been? LOL... I'm sure that is a tough question, as I know you are traveling and on the road. I've been missing you too! Thank you for coming by to visit, and I hope to see you around more! Many hugs to you too!

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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