What is it with me and vintage scales?
My daughter had an early dismissal from school today so on the way to the library I stopped by to see a good friend
who also owns a beautiful resale shop.
And as I walked into the shop I saw this old scale.
I’ve been searching for one of these old scales for a long time!
I know, it’s not a very pretty color and my studio is beyond messy, but I wanted to share a before photo.
At first I was thinking of painting it white which would look pretty, because you know how much I adore white.
But my heart was telling me that this scale needed a pretty shade of pink.
Before I started to paint this old scale, I first needed to clean the grime off of it, including the glass.
Even though I wasn’t planning on painting the glass, I wanted it to look fresh and clean before I even started.
If you’ve ever wondered about painting metal using chalk paint, I’m here to tell you that you can 🙂
No need to prime before painting, but you will have to do a little prepping if you have a dirty piece as this one was.
I cleaned it off well using soap and water.
This old scale was really dirty and grimy.
Once your piece is cleaned well, you’re ready to paint.
I mixed a combination of Annie Sloan Old Ochre, Antoinette, and a little fuchsia pink acrylic paint I had on hand.
Often I am asked how I mix my paints and what is my formula.
I really don’t have a way of mixing, I just add colors until I get the color I want.
It’s fun doing that because you never know what you are going to get and it ends up being a custom color.
I love projects that are easy to do, and one step.
In fact I didn’t seal this with a clear wax or top coat.
I don’t always seal my pieces.
If they get scratched or marked up, I let it be.
If it starts to look too shabby, well, I’ll repaint it 🙂
I love the soft pink with that rusty scale bowl.
My roses still look beautiful and really look amazing with this piece!
Although they look a bit crooked in this photo.
So where is the final destination for this piece?
Well, I was thinking my kitchen island would be the perfect spot!
I’m sure I’ll keeping a fresh pitcher of flowers on it!
Have you tried chalk paint on metal?
So cute in pink, Anne.
Thank you Kim!
I think you’ve become the master at finding unique old scales! I know who to contact now if I’m looking for one. I like the light pink color you gave it.
Thank you Kelly,this will be a keeper.It is really heavy and would cost a fortune to ship.
I wouldn’t have thought of painting the scale pale pink, but it looks fabulous!
Thank you Vickie.I normally love keeping things as is.I love vintage patina,but this was dirty dingy gray not pretty.
Very pretty Anne. I love the color you gave to the scale. I cannot wait to see the other treasure you found and are working on.
Kris
Thank you Kris!
great paint job, anne! it looks darling in the pink!
Thank you Lynn,I agree pink is a great color for this scale.
The scale is a great find, Anne! Painting it pink is totally unexpected, but it looks wonderful, especially with those beautiful roses in the pitcher.
Thank you Lynn!
Gorgeous!!! I just bought a couple scales a few weeks ago and when I got the one home I decided I didn’t like it… But now seeing yours painted I think I will try to change mine up a bit with paint! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
You are welcome Pattie.A little paint can do wonders.
Anne just beautiful, love your scales.
Cynthia
Thank you Cynthia!
I love the scale and the choice to paint it. Especially pink. But you said it was pretty bad. What did you do to clean it up?
I just cleaned it up with good old fashioned soap and water Barbara Ann.It worked well for getting the grime off.I don’t like to use strong cleaning chemicals unless I really need too.
GREAT scale! Love it! I even loved it unpainted!!!!
Thank you Diana!
Love, love, love the scale! Either way it’s pretty great. I have a thing for old egg scales. All makes, sizes and models.Isn’t funny what catches the eye….
Thank you Kerry!Yes as much as I disliked the original color I still saw the beauty.
Anne, this scale turned out so pretty in the soft pink! It looks lovely with the roses, too 🙂
Susan
Thank you Susan!