I’m a huge fan of ironstone. It’s easy to decorate with and looks pretty mixed with lots of different decor styles. The problem is, I’m rarely able to find it. And when I do manage to find it, it’s usually more expensive than I want to pay. I’m not above faking a cheaper version of the real deal, and I thought I’d throw together a quick and easy post for this month’s Monthly DIY Challenge to show you how I did it.
This post is sponsored by HomeRight and may contain affiliate links.
Before we go any further, if you’re not sure what ironstone is, you can check out a few pictures on Pinterest here.
I stopped by our local thrift store a couple days ago and hit the motherload of easy to flip decor items. Among the things we found were these random ceramic containers. I thought they’d be perfect faux ironstone candidates.
I recently got a HomeRight Small Spray Shelter and have to say I love this thing. It makes it so much easier to spray paint items in my backyard without worrying about getting paint on everything else. Prior to getting the shelter I was using a cardboard box to contain overspray so this thing was a much needed upgrade. You still need to use it in a well ventilated area, and I did notice that it doesn’t contain 100% of the overspray, but overall it’s a huge improvement from my cardboard box days. Bonus: it started sprinkling a bit while the paint was still drying and the tent kept the rain off my project.
The shelter is extremely lightweight and comes in a little carrying case. It pops up in a matter of seconds and folds up easily when you’re done.
I put a couple bricks inside the tent just because I was worried a gust of wind might take off with it.
I experimented with three different spray paints: Rustoleum Universal “Gloss White”, Rustoleum Painters Touch “White”, and Krylon Chalky Finish Spray “Classic White”. I don’t recommend the chalky finish paint if you’re going for an ironstone look. There was nothing wrong with the chalky finish paint itself, it just wasn’t the right paint for this project. If you’ve never used it, it has even more of a matte finish than brush-on chalk paint and had a slightly coarse and powdery texture. Both Rustoleum paints worked well. Whatever paint you go with, just choose one with more of a glossy sheen. Here’s how they looked after a couple coats.
Already so much better! This is such an easy way to marry mismatched pieces together. If you’re trying to fill a cabinet or hutch with similar pieces you can make your own for a fraction of what it would cost to buy them new.
Remember that HomeRight Small Spray Shelter I mentioned earlier? We’re giving away an entire HomeRight package that includes the small spray shelter, large spray shelter, a HomeRight Finish Max paint sprayer, and the rapid clean tool. To enter, just use the Rafflecopter below. Open to residents of the US and Canada.
When you’re done entering the giveaway don’t forget to scroll down just a bit more to see the rest of the Monthly DIY Challenge projects! If you see something you like just click on the photo to see the full tutorial.
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I have tons of projects. I even have them ready to paint. Prepped and all.
Great idea! I could use the Homeright sprayer package to help me paint a big bunch of furniture that needs to go to my shop. Thanks for the contest!
I love a quick and easy project ~ especially when the results look so good!
Oh I’ve been needed a sprayer for a while now! I’m working on my hall bathroom next, so I’ve got tons of accessories that will need an upgrade! Thanks for hosting this giveaway ladies!
I’ve been wanting a sprayer! It would make furniture painting so much faster!
Love the ironstone
Yes! This is a brilliant way to get a matchy look at a fraction of the price. Great idea!
I have the same Pfaltzgraff creamer and pitcher. The chips in my sugar bowl will look MUCH better in ironstone! Thanks for the tutorial!
Never thought about grabbing up items like these and spray painting! DUH!!! The spray shelter would make it so much easier since I live in a townhouse!
My next project is a farmhouse style two piece hutch. A sprayer would definitely make it much quicker to paint.
I would refinish my dining set. Thank you so much for the chance to win!
Once again – you are super-smart! The new faux finish is fantastic!
I never would have thought to paint that! It looks beautiful Amy!!!
Paint my coffee table
These pieces all turned out so beautiful, Amy! Love the way you styled them too! xo
What a prize! Just what I need to keep over spray off my car & driveway in the windy woods I call home. I am a closet painter, meaning I do all projects while hubby is at work and leave no traces. This would be the next best thing to having a cooperative mate!
I really want to make a bar for our patio for parties so that would be my first project.
Awesome! I would paint my end tables and coffee table.
I have a few dressers that have been hanging around that I really want to paint but it’s so daunting with a brush. Would love to try them with the prize package!
So many projects I could get done… would love to try it! First up would be some outdoor metal furniture.
Thanks for teaching me what Ironstone is – I had no idea! That said I LOVE the clean classic white look – perfect neutral decor pieces that will go with anything! Lovely!
I would give it to my sister likely….she LOVES TO SPRAY PAINT EVERYTHING! I just think it’s awesome that you have a contest open to Canadian residents so I wanted to enter:)
I have so many projects and have been wanting this spray tent! I have been putting off a dresser, end table and china cabinet because I wanted to spray them and didn’t want my garage to be covered with paint. I also collect all sorts of pitchers and really prefer the look of ironstone – this would be fabulous!!
So simple and perfect for staging! Love how these turned out!
I have two old ice cream parlor chairs that I planned to paint along with a drum table that belonged to my parents when I was little. I want them for my 3-seasons room. This would be so wonderful for any number of projects including freshening up outdoor decorations.
I’d paint my kitchen cabinets!
I love using spray paint, but it makes a big mess. I have furniture that needs to be sprayed and would be thrilled to try the Homeright sprayer.
Love your faux (and affordable) version of ironstone. A little paint made the mismatched ceramics look beautiful!
I went shopping last weekend at an antique shop and found the prettiest and biggest ironstone pitcher I’ve ever seen for $27. Since I didn’t want to carry it around while I shopped I didn’t pick it up figuring I’d take another loop around and grab it. About an hour later on the way home I realized I never made that second loop 🙁
Great Ideal. Would love some faux ironstone. Time to Play!
I have some shelves and baskets for the guest bathroom that I would love to spraypaint in shades of blue.
I love what a lot of creativity and a little spray paint can do! 🙂 Thank you for sharing this and thanks for the giveaway!
I would paint several end tables & some baskets.Thanks
Thanks for the great idea! I have some painting to do now.
Blessings,
Candy
I have an older picnic table that I would like to sand and paint.