Laundry love

Painting the baskets adds a protective coat that will make them stronger and more functional for use in the laundry. Paint also enables you to give several different baskets a cohesive look, and to match the colour scheme to your décor. Add a set of super practical, eco-friendly stainless steel clothes pegs to use with your new basket.

You will need

• Second-hand laundry and washing baskets
• Resene Lustacryl waterborne enamel in colours of your choice
• Several medium-sized paintbrushes
• Black marker pen
• Dropcloth and damp cloth

Step by step instructions

Before: Choose a basic neutral paint colour, then add extra colour and whimsy using a simple two-tone pattern. I used Resene White Pointer with the grey Resene Chicago and the muted, smoky Resene Blue Bayoux.

Step 1: Ensure your basket is clean and free of dust. Use a marker pen to draw two slightly overlapping half circles around the base.

Step 2: Using the neutral shade, paint the top area of the basket area. Use a medium sized brush and apply the Resene paint from different angles using the tip to push the paint into the weave. Allow the baskets to dry overnight before applying the second coat.

Step 3: Using a fresh brush, apply the second paint colour to the base and one of the marked out half-circles. Use the damp cloth to wipe unwanted drips or dribbles. Allow to dry.

Step 4: Paint the second half-circle shape using the third paint colour. Recoat the shapes as necessary and tidy up any edges. Allow to fully dry before use.

Words and styling Sarah Heeringa. Photography Amanda Reelick. 2020.

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