Post #377927 by woofmutt on Sun, May 4, 2008 10:32 AM

This is MadDogMike's project from his post Tiki Pitcher.

MadDogMike's original post:

There is a plastic pitcher at Party City and several other places (previously mentioned in different threads). I bought one for $8 but it was just too ugly to bring to the table! I painted it tan (outside only) with the spray paint for plastic, then wtbrushed brown acrylic paint over it and wiped off the excess. When it's dry, I'll give it a clear coat spray. I doubt that it will be (dishwasher) safe but it should be OK to handwash.

Here is before and after, it won't win any awards but it's better than nuthin'.

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I took the liberty of re-posting MadDogMike project here because the Tiki-On-A-Budget thread is a an excellent resource. I like seeing all the good low cost ideas together.

MadDogMike's project came off real well and is a good example of what can be done with all the craptacular Teekeeee-Parteeee! stuff out there.

It'd be really easy to hit one of these Teekeeee-Parteeee! decorations with a fake wood grain on top of the base coat. It's a skill even the most clueless TV makeover show participant can master so should be a piece of coconut cake for folks as wonderful as ourselves.

For the extra lazy (such as yours truly) a well sprayed coating of rattle can flat black can work wonders on the lousiest Teekeeee-Parteeee! decoration or poorly carved piece from the Phillipines.

The paint technique MadDogMike used is a simple one that can yield excellent results. It works well on furniture too, and can give instant age to some ugly or plain pieces. (In the late 60s-70s it was called "antiquing'. Usually a wood stain wash was used over the base color and the technique was responsible for ruining many actual antiques.)

"Natural" paint tones work great, but there's lots of combinations to consider. Black over deep colors looks great. Fluorescent base colors with a black wash can have that high priced low brow look.

I use this this technique when I paint my original pieces. I usually use a black wash over the base color, like this piece:

A white/off white wash over black or gray can yield an aged stone appearance:

(Both of these swell photos were posted by Selector Lopaka.)

Speaking of Tiki-On-A-Budget: Like most my Stuff & Junk Like That these pieces were made with thrift store found materials and inexpensive craft acrylics. The savings are passed on to YOU!