don't cheat and use paint markers...

I did.  
I admit it.  
I tried to go the easy route and use paint markers.  
Why?  
Because painting lettering take so long with a brush.  First you have to draw it on there and then paint it.  But I will never make that mistake again.  
Why? 
Because when it is all said and done- it looks like a child used markers.  And that is not the look I envisioned for any piece of furniture I was doing.
I wanted to use this graphic from the Graphics Fairy:
and I wanted to put it on a round pedestal coffee table. 
Well I did and it looked horrible.  Take a look:

The letters came out okay but the outside design just looked like it was scribbled with marker.  Ugh.  
Well I did a white wash over it to see if that would soften it some but it still screamed
UGLY.
 I broke out the white paint and covered it with coat one of probably three to cover that dark paint. 

Lesson learned- don't take the easy way out as it ends up being the hard way.
And easy usually looks bad when it comes to painting. 
Darn those evil paint markers now its- back to the beginning.
tammy

13 comments:

  1. Oh Tammy! Are you going to repaint it then? Is that how you did that dresser - with a stencil too?

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  2. Love the idea but you are right-the design is wonky-letters look good though. Sorry you have to start all over again-I feel your pain!

    Hugs,
    Jody

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  3. Oh that is so frustrating. I think we have all been there, done that but it sure isn't fun when it's happening.

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  4. Oh I agree!!!
    Not that your table looks bad, but that the paint markers are lacking in that more professional look.
    I am not sure what paint markers are supposed to be used for...Nail polish maybe???
    LOL
    AMy

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  5. Looks like we both posted about lessons learned today! I'm following you both ways too. Love your blog. I'm coveting Fisher and your daughter is a doll!

    Linda

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  6. Too funny! I just experienced this same thing this week! I downloaded a graphic from Graphic Fairy and since I don't have a steady hand for the fine detail and I had the two year old jumping on me while trying to paint it...you can imagine how it looked! Curse those paint markers...never again! Besides it looking like a marker, the dang thing kept exploding extra paint everywhere. I had to redo the whole thing!

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  7. I think it looks good in the picture. Sorry, I know just how you feel!

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  8. I've never tried paint pens, and now I won't. It actually doesn't look bad in the picture to me. But if you're not happy, that's what counts! Have a great day.
    Debbie

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  9. It doesn't look bad in the picture. But I have never had luck with paint pens either. Good luck with the recovering. I did a stupid boo boo today too...I used a dark wax on a chair I wanted to stay a crisp white. Now I have to repaint part of the arm where I put the wax on.

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  10. I've never used the paint markers before. I'll heed your advice though just in case! I like how your table turned out though. Thanks for stopping by my blog and introducing yourself and the thoughtful comment too.

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  11. Oh I'm so sorry it didn't turn out and you must start again! But I know it will look lovely when it is completed! New LINKY friend!!

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  12. at least you can paint over it - i know it's a waste of time, but paint is easy like that. Good luck next time - great idea on the table.

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  13. I too own the evil paint pens (need to toss those suckers)! Although I have to say, it looks good (even with your oops. Glad to have found you and your amazing makeovers! New GFC and Linky follower.
    Kelly

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