The other day, we bought this ribbed door mat for the Patio door. It is just a plain looking dark grey mat for the indoors. Naveen suggested that we add some color to the boring plain mat before we start using it. Hence, this quick DIY Makeover of Indoor Mat.
Supplies:
- Indoor Utility Mat
- Fabric paint
- Painter’s tape
- Foam Brush
- Polyurethane spray- clear
Indoor Entrance Mat Makeover
Lay the mat on floor, vacuum and wipe off any dust on it. Then gather your painting supplies.
Do not use acrylic paints as it will wash off when in contact with water if its not sealed properly. Since this mat had carpet like material, I chose fabric paint as it can sustain washes. To be on a safer side, we will still seal the paint with clear PU at the end.
Since the mat had ribbed construction, I figured, it will not be a good idea to do any random patterns. So, I planned to paint along the horizontal lines. Apply painter’s tape and grab a foam brush. Use a foam brush with chiseled edge for painting. It will help avoid bleeding and the paint will settle well in the gaps. To apply, just pick up little paint on the edge of your brush and dab on the raised ribs. The usual way of painting i.e, horizontal front and back motion will not work here. Slowly, dab paint on the grooves. Apply 4 to 5 coats to get full coverage.
Next, I used Cricut machine to make a stencil out of vinyl for the word “Cherish”. (Hey if you are interested to know more about cricut machine and useful projects made with it. Click here). Weed and apply the stencil on the mat by slowly holding with your left hand and pulling the backing apart with your right hand.
So far it went great. Then I thought instead of coloring with fabric paint, I wanted to try spray paint on the word. So, I covered everything around the stencil and sprayed rose gold over it. For projects like these with uneven surface, you have to spray straight above the design. i.e hold the can parallel to the surface instead of angle. Even though I sprayed directly over the text, I still ended up having some smudge around the letters. 🙁 I did not like the outcome. So, the lesson for you guys is to avoid using spray paint for mats with ribs or undulations. You will be better off with fabric paint and foam brush.
Once the paint is completely dry, spray clear Polyurethane over the mat. This will seal your paint and avoid fading.
Here is another entry way wall hanger using scrap wood.
DIY Simple & Versatile Wall shelf
