Tidbits:: Painted Faucets, Clearcoats, and Frosted Windows

Are you tired of hearing about painted faucets yet? Well, I just have one more little update for you before I drop the subject.

I decided that I’m NOT going to do a clearcoat. I have two reasons for this decision. First, like I mentioned yesterday, the only clearcoat that I believe would be worth the trouble is the kind that’s used on cars. The problem? It only comes in a glossy finish, and I really don’t want the faucets and shower surround the be super shiny.

Second, I realized just how easy it is to fix any dings and scratches that may occur. You see, I had a few places that needed a bit of touch up, like this area on the shower head…

I forgot to score the showerhead before removing the painters tape, and it pulled a bit of the paint off.  But fixing it was a cinch! First, I sanded the area with 220 grit sandpaper just to remove any ridges.

Then I got a small brush, a piece of plastic (cut from the drop cloths that I had used), and the spray paint.

I folded the plastic over to sort of create an envelope, and then sprayed the paint on the plastic between the layers. I held the can VERY close to the plastic so that it would create a puddle of paint.

And then I used my small brush to paint the areas that needed touch ups.

Seriously, it took all of about five minutes.  So I figured that since this was really so incredibly easy, I’d just stick with the satin finish that looks so pretty.  Plus, if I did add a clearcoat and it got scratched or chipped, it would be a two-step process to fix the scratch, rather than one step like it is now.

Now on to another topic…frosted window film.  Have you ever used this product?  I’ve decided now that I absolutely love it.  However, had you asked me yesterday at about 3:00pm, I would have given you a very different answer.  You see, I wanted to do something about this window…

What I didn’t realize, because I had never used window film before, is that trying to cover a window this size (about 4′ x 4.5′) with frosted film by myself is absolutely insane.  I definitely needed two additional hands to do this little project, but I didn’t realize I needed additional hands until it was too late.  I was already balancing on the side of the tub, with the protective backing peeled off of a large portion of the film, window film solution sprayed heavily on the on the window, and the window film sticking to my shirt, to my hand, to itself, and to everything else other than the window.

Talk about frustrating!!!

But I finally got it under control, and it turned out quite nicely.

After all was said and done, I think I only ended up with a couple of tiny little bubbles, which I’ll take care of with a straight pin today, if they haven’t gone away on their own.

I love how this frosted film still lets in plenty of light, but blocks less-than-desirable views, and gives plenty of privacy during the day, even if the window shades are completely up. 

But I was curious about how private it would be at night with all of the lights on.  So when it got dark, I placed the ladder right in the tub and turned on all of the lights…

Then I went outside to see what I could see.  And what could I see?  Not much at all…

If you know what to look for, then you can barely make out the shelves on the wall, and you can kind of see the shape of the ladder. But if you didn’t already know what those items were, I don’t think there’s any way you could guess. I love that!! And again, that’s with it completely dark outside, and all of the lights turned on inside the bathroom.

I still need to hang a shade on this window, but now I’m satisfied that even with the shade raised a bit, prying eyes won’t be able to peek in.

So what do you think about my decision to not use a clearcoat on the faucets and shower enclosure?  Do you think I’m making a huge mistake?  And have you use this window film before?  I’m curious to know if you were able to do it by yourself, or if you needed an extra pair of hands.

Psstt…This bathroom is finished now!  Want to see the completed bathroom makeover?  Click here to see the whole before and after.

 

 

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11 Comments

  1. I did two big sliding doors w/ side lights using this stuff. It is wonderful. The seals on my glass has given out and there was some not so pretty condensation on the inside of the glass. Replacing the entire door w/ sidelights would have been expensive. The film fixed the problem and also made it private enough that we didn't have to close the drapes all the time.
    I also love this on lower level windows – where you can leave the top clear. You get the skylight but your neighbors can't see inside your fishbowl!
    Still think you should be on HGTV. Who do we call?

  2. LOVE your blog!
    What kind/Brand of frosted window film did you use? Are there different "levels" of frost? 🙂 This would be PERFECT in my tiny bathroom with only one window situated above the toilet, accross from the vanity mirror! Much better than the full blind that is up there now!

  3. The frosted film was a great idea for that window! It's always impressive to me that you are brave enough to try these things out. It looks great. Violet

  4. I purchased mine at Home Depot. You have to purchase the window film AND the little tool kit. All together, it runs about $30.

  5. I am sooooo glad I saw your bathroom on rate my space – and now onto your web site – I have a brass invaded master bathroom also – the worst part is that I chose it!! We built our home in 1998 – (pre-internet assistance). Of course just after we built, everyone started using brushed nickle. I have been wanting to replace our shower – and other fixtures – since about a year after we built. I'd really like to have a shower enclosure which is 'frame-free' but now that I've seen your redo I will save a lot of money and paint my fixtures as you have done. I am so excited. It did look like the prep was huge – but I agree, if you're going to do it, do it right. I have re-caulked around the base of our shower myself a few times – but the caulk around the shower enclosure itself seems to be very difficult to remove. Any suggestions?

  6. Sonya, the caulk removal around the shower was definitely a pain! I just used a really sharp knife and sliced it away.

  7. Kristi, I love your bathroom ideas! I am currently updating my bathroom and was looking to do the frosting on the one small window that we have. After seeing your pictures I feel comfortable with crossing the privacy concern off of my list. I am however wondering if you have a specific brand that you used of window frosting? There are quite a few different brands in the Home Depot window/blind area and I want to make sure I get this right the first time. Thanks!

  8. Hi Susan~
    The brand was Gila. In the Home Depot store here, it was in its own display bin that held several packages of the window film, and then several of the kits that included the spray, a squeegee, and cutting knife, and a lint-free cloth. I think this one was the only one marked "privacy" or something like that. Or, on second thought, I think it said something like "Day and night privacy", where the others said they provided privacy during the day.

  9. I am sooooo glad I saw your bathroom on rate my space – and now onto your web site – I have a brass invaded master bathroom also – the worst part is that I chose it!! We built our home in 1998 – (pre-internet assistance). Of course just after we built, everyone started using brushed nickle. I have been wanting to replace our shower – and other fixtures – since about a year after we built. I'd really like to have a shower enclosure which is 'frame-free' but now that I've seen your redo I will save a lot of money and paint my fixtures as you have done. I am so excited. It did look like the prep was huge – but I agree, if you're going to do it, do it right. I have re-caulked around the base of our shower myself a few times – but the caulk around the shower enclosure itself seems to be very difficult to remove. Any suggestions?

  10. Great job on the window film Kristi!  Another option with the static cling window film if you are looking to create a little better view while maintaining your privacy are decorative window films.  It's almost identical to what you used, yet can be custom printed to create any image you want.