How to Paint a Basket

Happy Friday! I showed you this gorgeous basket a few weeks ago as part of my Operation Organization (more coming soon… stay tuned!). But today, I wanted to teach you how to paint your own. I originally shared this tutorial at Country Chic Paint Blog, but with the positive feedback I received, I thought you deserved it here, as well. 😉

Almost everyone has an old basket lying around… and if you don’t, you can find plenty at thrift stores for a steal. This little tutorial on how to paint a basket will help you make any basket perfect for your space.

update an old basket with a fresh coat of paint via maisondepax.com #diy #decor #makeover

As you know, I started with this fabulous basket that held my fabric scraps… but it always hid in the closet because orange is not a color I typically use in my home.

update an old basket with a fresh coat of paint via maisondepax.com #diy #decor #makeover

All it needed was a coat of paint… And here are my tips/tricks to painting a basket:

1. Use a rough, natural bristle brush.

update an old basket with a fresh coat of paint via maisondepax.com #diy #decor #makeover

To get into the crevices around the woven basket, a natural bristle brush that you can jab, stab, squish, a smoosh (yes, a technical term 😉 ) will provide the best coverage.

2. Dampen your brush SLIGHTLY.

update an old basket with a fresh coat of paint via maisondepax.com #diy #decor #makeover

You don’t want to water down your paint, per se, but you also don’t want the paint to glob onto the basket. Let the woven material provide the texture, not globs of paint; dampening your brush will allow the paint to soak into the basket better.

3. Paint to your desired coverage.

update an old basket with a fresh coat of paint via maisondepax.com #diy #decor #makeover

I purposefully left some of the brown showing through; I liked the slightly weathered look it provided. But you could certainly cover more completely if you wanted.

5. Be sure to turn the basket a million ways to make sure you get every angle.

update an old basket with a fresh coat of paint via maisondepax.com #diy #decor #makeover

Obviously handles are an area that are easy to miss a spot, but with a basket you technically have that potential across the surface, as well. Make sure you look from above, below, sideways, and diagonal to assure you haven’t missed a section.

6. Add your own taste!

update an old basket with a fresh coat of paint via maisondepax.com #diy #decor #makeover

I used a strip of painter’s tape (be sure to press it down firmly at the edge where you intend to paint… it’s easy for paint to seep under the tape because of the texture of the basket). By painting a darker gray below the line, I created a simple dipped look, which I love! Also, note that I used another natural bristle brush, but this one was flatter to allow a little more control over my paint.

7. Consider your basket’s material and use to determine your top coat.

update an old basket with a fresh coat of paint via maisondepax.com #diy #decor #makeover

If your basket is of natural material (rather than a faux plastic or something), then you probably don’t need a top coat. Yay! The paint absorbs slightly into the natural materials, so unless you’re trying to achieve a solid color and intend to abuse the basket on a regular basis (like using it for your kids to store their toys), then you should be fine without any sealer. That’s always reason to celebrate in my book. 😉

update an old basket with a fresh coat of paint via maisondepax.com #diy #decor #makeover

What do you think? Do you have baskets ready for a makeover?

Disclaimer: As a part of the Country Chic Paint blogger squad, I do receive compensation in the form of goods and products from Country Chic Paint, but, as always, all opinions are 100% my own!

MORE DIY DECOR IDEAS:

Perfect gift or party favor, these little chalkboards are so precious! Get the tutorial at maisondepax.comMonogram Chalk Slate

Make your own love note throw blanket with this step-by-step tutorial at maisondepax.com

Love Note Throw Blanket

create your own rustic, antique map with this tutorial at maisondepax.com

Decoupaged Antique Map

 

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