How to Paint Spoons

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Things You'll Need

  • Light oil (optional)

  • #0000 steel wool (optional)

  • Solvent

  • Soft cloth

  • Painter's tape

  • Spray-on primer

  • Acrylic paint (desired colors)

  • Small paintbrushes

  • Spray-on clear coat (optional)

When retired from scooping duty, spoons can be painted and decorated.

While digging through the silverware drawer in your kitchen you notice that some of your spoons are mismatched, old and chipped up from a few too many run-ins with the garbage disposal. If you're looking to put them to some sort of use and enjoy painting, you can turn the spoon's curved bowl into a miniature metal canvas. With some paint and a few household items, you'll soon be serving up smiles with your colorful spoons.

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Step 1

Rub away any rust or corrosion from the spoon using a steel wool pad dampened with a light lubricating oil. Use a gentle circular motion when removing thicker patches of rust.

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Step 2

Clean the spoon thoroughly with a soft cloth saturated with solvent (isopropyl alcohol, lighter fluid or glass cleaner works well). This removes any oils or dirt which may interfere with the primer coat.

Step 3

Mask off any portion of the spoon that you do not wish to paint with painter's tape.

Step 4

Spray a coat of primer onto the area of the spoon you wish to paint. Allow the primer to set and harden overnight or for the time suggested by the can.

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Step 5

Apply a base coat to the spoon's bowl (and handle if desired) using a small paintbrush and acrylic paint. Allow this coat to set for two to four hours before continuing with additional coats.

Step 6

Add any additional coats, designs, characters or symbols to the painted area of the spoon. Allow the paint to dry overnight.

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Step 7

Spray a clear coat over the painted area to preserve your work. Allow the coat to dry overnight or for the time suggested by the can before displaying or handling the spoon.

Warning

Work in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from the toxic fumes in spray-on primer and clear coat.

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