Here are 10 Must-Have Products for the DIY Designer
Today I’m sharing my favorite 10 products for the DIY Decorator!
And when I say sharing, I mean I’m really sharing them! Over on my YouTube channel we just reached 30,000 subscribers and we’re celebrating!
Thank YOU for being part of this corner of the design community!
One subscriber (on YouTube, OR Instagram, OR subscribed here to the Newsletter & blog) who comments on this blog post, or the YouTube video or Instagram post will win one of each of these 10 items for their own DIY tool kit!
|Giveaway Open to U.S. Addresses Only |
The comment should be you sharing which of these 10 items listed below is your favorite.
**Giveaway closed 09/01/2020 – Carmen Searfoss was randomly chosen as the winner. Congratulations, Carmen! **
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Another fun piece of news is that my Behind the Scenes Decor Group is opening for new members on September 23rd!!
This group is my private monthly coaching group where we do weekly zoom meetings that focus on decluttering, design, Bible study and virtual consultations. We have a great private facebook group, and fun prizes!
If you’d like to be notified when we open, you can add your name to the Wait List here. Hope to have you join us:
Now, the main event!
*This post contains affiliate links to products I know &/or love.
My 10 Must Have Products for the DIY Decorator!
Number One | Tape Measure
I always keep a tape measure with me, usually in my purse! You never know when you’re going to find a piece on the side of the road, at a garage sale, or at a thrift store – and knowing without a doubt whether or not it will fit where you want it is really helpful!
This one specifically is light weight, compact, and really great for keeping handy without all the extra bulk.
I wouldn’t try to build a house with this one, but for these applications, it’s perfect!
Number Two | Sherwin Williams Paint Fan Deck
You can actually usually find these in-store for free at your local Sherwin Williams Location!
I love their fan deck specifically because of their great selection with both new/fun colors, and all the classics.
Having a deck like this one is a great way to get started with paint projects, even if you don’t plan on using Sherwin Williams paint. This can help you visualize the colors and undertones to make your decisions. And most big brands can color match to these colors, or they might even have their own equivalent.
Some of my past paint projects:
- When to Paint Antique Furniture
- Painting a Piano with Milk Paint
- Fusion Mineral Painted Lockers – With the color “Ash“.
- Upcycled Armoire Using Chalk Paint
Number Three | A Nice Paint Brush
There are a few different brands that I use often and love.
The 1 1/2″ angled sash brush from Purdy and Kilz Magnolia are some of my favorites, but for this post today I’m sharing about the Wooster Shortcut! My friend Andrea from Pine and Prospect recently told me about this brush and it quickly became part of my must-haves. It’s got a short rubber ergonomic handle that is fantastic for painting in tight spaces (like inside my nightstands from a few months ago.).
I’ll be including one of these in the giveaway.
Number Four | Frog Tape
Now, I know sometimes there is a temptation to stick with generic items instead of the name brand – but in this case, I don’t recommend it! I’ve tried using just regular masking tape for painting projects, and have always been pretty disappointed.
The Frog tape brand is known for their paint block technology that helps create a better tape seal and reduces/eliminates bleed through.
They even package their tape in reusable plastic containers to protect your roll of tape until you’re finished with the roll. They’re serious about their technology, and they know what they’re doing!
Some of the ways we’ve used Frog Tape in our home:
Number Five | Staple Remover
This tool is invaluable, especially if you’re doing any kind of upholstery project!
It works really well to remove tacks, nails and staples! Much better than the flat head screwdriver you might think to reach for!
| Note: For big upholstery jobs, I also recommend using batting or golf gloves to help protect your hands! |
Here are some of the projects where I’ve used this tool:
- How to Replace the Old Foam in a Recliner – and the rest of the associated Slipcover and Upholstery Series.
- Reupholstering an Antique Chair
- French Chair Makeover
Number Six | Rustoleum Comfort Grip
This handy sprayer attachment clamps onto the top of a regular can of spray paint! It helps you achieve a nice even smooth finish, and also is much more ergonomic than the standard spray paint button and nozzle.
I wouldn’t suggest this for a huge project, but for a piece of furniture or decor it works wonderfully!
Some pieces I’ve used spray paint for:
Number Seven | Citristrip
This is my favorite of all the different products I’ve tried for stripping wood furniture!
Raw wood is making it’s comeback, and I’ve been finding myself liking it more and more. I’m realizing I’m currently about 50/50 about whether a piece will be painted or stripped back to raw wood.
This product is simple to use! You just brush it on with an old brush and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Then you just scrape the bubbled paint up and off the piece!
It’s also got a pleasant orange scent (like goo gone), and it’s gentle enough to do in a ventilated area inside the house.
I especially love using this on detailed areas of wood pieces like scrolls or edged trim that I can’t access with my sander. I apply this product and then use steel wool to scrub the paint off after it’s sat!
Much easier than trying to hand sand those areas!
Here are some of our Citristrip success stories:
Number Eight | OxiClean White Revive
This oxiclean has helped me on more than one occasion! I have used it to whiten my drop cloth curtains, to clean my white upholstered furniture, for cleaning vintage thrift store finds, and I always use it when I’m washing our all white bed sheets.
It’s got included enzymes that really work well against stains.
Number Nine | 220 Grit Sandpaper
I literally say this all the time, but this 220 grit sandpaper is a favorite of mine! It’s a great middle of the road grit (the higher numbers are more fine, the lower numbers are more coarse). It can be used for prepping pieces for painting, and also works well for distressing painted pieces.
Some of my favorite applications:
Number Ten | Rustoleum Heirloom White Spray Paint
This color is one of my favorite soft creamy whites. I’ve used this spray paint a lot and just love it!
There are some specifics that you’ll want to read on the can before starting.
One of my favorite projects using this paint is my Faux Heirloom Pumpkins.
And that’s my list! I hope you found some new products here that might work well for your own DIY decorator kit!
Remember that the giveaway I mentioned closes on Tuesday, Sept 1st! Make sure to subscribe and add your comment (about your favorite item here) before then!
*Giveaway closed 09/01/20*
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Thank you again for all your support!
xoxo,
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