Why paint thrift store finds?

Because it can be kind of magical and someone else’s trash is your next masterpiece of course, you dazzling little artist, you. Plus, it's a pretty calming experience when you use SeaPaints.

Thrift stores are full of forgotten stories and I suppose that's one of the reasons I love them so much. Plus, yay environment. 

There in the center, is table that once hosted family dinners, eavesdropping on quite possibly decades of conversation. That table KNOWS some things. 

It's the dresser, sitting off to the side, that’s been through some things and maybe has seen far too much and needs a safe space to process it all- hint... that's your home. 

It's the chair sitting in the corner.. that's seen far too many cats. Just kidding. There's no such thing as too many cats.

But all of these items have something in common. Under the scratches and the little mountain of dust...there’s potential. Can you see it? (feel free to send me your thrift store finds to the green chat button, I'll help you brainstorm if you'd like) 

Those little imperfect treasures that you find, are just waiting for a little SeaPaint and a brave hand with a brush. 

Here’s your go-to guide for turning thrifted "trash" into “where did you GET that?!”

 Step 1: See the Vision, Not the Veneer

Don’t get hung up on the ugly. The scratches. The dust.
Look past the color, the knobs, even the weirdly sticky surface (yeah… we’ve all been there... just don't lick it...not that you were going to...probably).
Focus on:

• Shape: Does it have good bones? If it's broken, can you fix it?

• Function: Can you use it or repurpose it?

• Feel: Do you like it, or are you just trying to rescue everything like a DIY raccoon?

If it sparks joy or creativity and fits in your car, grab it.

 Step 2: Prep Without the Stress

You don’t need to strip, sand, or cry into your coffee over prep work.
With SeaPaint, all you need is:

1. Take a before pic (you'll thank me later)
2. A quick wipe-down with vinegar water or a degreaser (bye bye, mystery goo).
3. Alcohol (to get the surface paint ready- drinking is optional) vodka works but feel free to use rubbing alcohol too.
4. A dry towel.
5. And the confidence of someone who absolutely did not read the instructions first.
6. A Soft. bristled brush and a maybe even a little 220 sand paper if you want to distress the piece after you paint it.
7. That’s it. No sanding. No priming. Just paint and go.

🎨 Step 3: Pick the Right Color Vibe

This is where the magic happens.
Different colors change the whole energy of your piece. So do different techniques, but we'll get into that another day. For now, let's help you choose your shades.

• Soft neutrals → calm, coastal, “I definitely have my life together.”

• Deep teals + greens → moody, bold, “I journal and own candles.”

• Whites + creams → airy, minimalist, “I whisper to my plants.”

• Pastels → playful, dreamy, “Whimsey is my personality.”

Tip: If you’re painting multiple thrift finds, stick to a palette of 3–4 SeaPaint colors to keep it cohesive (and easy on the dopamine, don't want you flying too high).

 Step 4: Paint Like You Mean It

Apply your first coat in long, even strokes...or short chaotic ones, I’m not the boss of you, but the long strokes result in a more even finish if that is what you're going for.
SeaPaint dries in about 3 minutes, so by the time you start second-guessing yourself, it’s ready for coat #2.

You can layer colors for depth, distress lightly for texture, or seal it for a satin finish.
(Or don’t ..this is your world, I'm just intruding in on it.)

 Step 5: Finish, Flaunt, and Feel Proud

Once it’s dry, give it a name.
Seriously! It's only weird if you don't name them all, but if you name them all, it's normal. See?

Here's some ideas of what I mean.....“The Teal Queen,” “Rescued Chair #13,” “The Emotional Support Dresser.”
You get the idea...
Because you didn’t just save furniture, you saved history. And a small part of the earth. How cool is that? Pretty fucking cool if you ask me. Pardon my french. I'm working on it. That's a lie. I don't know why I said that. I'm not working on it at all.

   Pro Tips for Thrift-Store Success

✅ Always carry measuring tape (because despite what some may say, size matters).
✅ Keep baby wipes in your car (trust me).
✅ Check drawers for weird smells before committing.
✅ Remember: imperfections = personality and charm

before you go

Painting thrift store finds isn’t about perfection. It’s about transformation and the joy you feel in the process.
It’s taking something forgotten and giving it a second chance.

So grab that brush, turn up your music, and let your creativity make something new out of something old.
Because sometimes the best finds aren’t in the store....they’re in your imagination.

Until next time....