Freshen your home with clearance, garage-sale finds
Q. I took advantage of an amazing sale and bought a porch swing. I’d like to paint the swing, even though it’s new. Is that crazy?
A. What is it about a porch swing — or any swing, or even a hammock, for that matter — that feels so good?
There is just something so carefree about rocking back and forth, allowing gravity and a few well-placed hinges to move you about, enjoying the breeze in your face and breathing with the motion. Porch swings are timeless and romantic, and I am glad you were able to purchase one.
Is your swing all wood?
I am curious as to why you want to paint it.
Treated wood is easier to maintain than a painted piece, but if you are after a specific color or want to give the swing an aged appearance, then paint is an option.
The wood on your swing is probably sealed, so you will need to prime the surface first, or use paint that is designed to cover sealed or slippery surfaces. Finish your paint job with marine varnish for extra durability.
We all have “saved huge on a sale” stories and “Wow, look what I found at a yard sale!” stories. Sharing your shopping
karma is almost as fun as finding the bargains in the first place.
As summer starts to wind down, this is a good time to find bargains everywhere, from online to retail to garage and yard sales. We would love to hear your stories and see photos of your exciting discoveries and transformations! Email the Debbie Travis team at the address at the bottom of this column.
Q. We found some old suitcases in a garage sale and are wondering how to freshen them up. Can you paint over leather? We are going to use them for open storage to hold magazines and books. Thanks for your help.
A. Repurposing vintage suitcases as picturesque storage pieces is a favorite decorating idea. Old suitcases and trunks make clever — and always needed — receptacles for all kinds of storage
In the bathroom, prop a small suitcase open on a shelf to hold cosmetics and lotions, or stack fresh towels in a suitcase on the floor.
Kids love to pack, so give them a few refurbished suitcases to stash away toys and special collections in their rooms or play areas. It’s always fun for youngsters to pack away a selection of toys and take them on an imaginary trip, which can simply be to another room or the backyard.
Your idea for storing books and magazines is perfect for the den or bedroom.
How you choose to decorate the suitcases depends on the shape the cases are in and where they are going to sit.
Begin by cleaning each case, inside and out.
There are a few steps you can take to get rid of musty odors. Start by wiping down the inside of each suitcase with a mild soapy solution, applied with a damp cloth, and let it dry thoroughly. If the smell persists, set a container of baking soda inside, close the lid and let it sit for a week. Once the suitcase is clean and dry inside and out, the case is ready for paint.
Yes, you can paint over leather (and most any other material). Choose a goodquality, high-hide primer and paint for full coverage. If the hardware is rusty, you can paint over it, too. If the hardware is still in good shape, either tape over it or remove it before painting.