26 Things You Didn't Think You Could Paint

Have you ever looked at outdated decor in your home and thought, “I wish I could change that, but it’s plastic/glass/metal”? This post is for you. Today I’m sharing 26 real‑life projects that prove you can paint almost anything—with the right products and a few simple tricks.

If your decor feels old or outdated, don’t toss it—paint it. A little paint can completely transform tired pieces, save you money, and let you personalize every item to fit your style.

You can transform thrift-store glass decanters with an easy dry-brush technique, or upcycle old coffee cans into chic vases using white wax. Paint old outdoor mesh furniture to match your new seat cushions, or give your child’s playhouse a major makeover with a paint sprayer. There are endless possibilities with paint and your imagination.

Look around your home and select a piece or two that needs updating. Choose chalk paint, spray paint, latex paint, or any other paint product and get to work. You don’t have to be a professional painter!

Recommended Supply List

Cleaning Products: Dish soap, good household cleaner, and rubbing alcohol to ensure surfaces, such as glass decanters, are free of oils and dust.
Paints: Chalk Paint (like the Mustard shade used for the coffee can vase) for metal and wood, or Metallic Spray Paint for transforming plastic mailboxes and metal buckets. Latex paint for home accessories and small furniture projects.
Texture Additives: Standard Baking Soda to mix into latex paint for a stone-like finish on glass, or fine sand for plastic planters.
Supplies and Tools: A Paint Sprayer (like the HomeRight Super Finish Max) for large items like playhouses, painter’s tape for creating designs, sisal rope and seashells for coastal decor, and Stencils or Decals from the Dollar Tree to add detail to iPad stands or metal caddies.