Metal: To Paint or Not to Paint

  We all have them. Those things that are outdated, the wrong color, scratched, and just not aesthetically pleasing anymore. So do you take all those picture frames, nicknacks and other oddities to Good Will?
  That's exactly what I did in the past. I hate having a bunch of stuff that I don't use, so I was always the first to round up a bag of stuff to haul down to Good Will. Now with the economy being the way it is, I am trying to find ways to recycle and reuse.
  So I did an experiment. I had a beautiful framed print that my husband gave me, but I didn't like the frame anymore. It was a silver color and I really wanted it to be dark.
  First, I bought a can of Rust-o-leum's Brown paint for metal, plastic, and wood. I also bought 180 grit sand paper. Second, I removed the artwork and glass from the frame. Third, I gave the frame a light scrubbing with the sand paper and wiped it clean afterwards. Finally, I spray painted the whole thing.
  To look at it, you would never know that I painted it and it only cost me $6 in supplies instead of $50 for a new frame.
  I have since applied this same technique to christmas decorations, door knobs, and even a metal fire place insert. For the fire place insert, I bought the Rust-o-leum High Heat black paint, taped off the fire place, scuffed up the surface as I did with the frame, and went to spraying. It looks great! Again $6 compared to $200+ for a new insert.
  Not only am I saving pennies, but I am keeping a few things out of the local landfills. Go me! Nothing like being "Green" and not even trying.
  So, watch out old metal, here I come!