Every time I visit my local thrift stores, I find an abundance of vinyl records. They’re typically in the back corner, patiently sitting in flimsy cardboard boxes collecting dust. If you have a record player and are a fan of old-fashioned music, this is truly a gold mine. But if that doesn’t sound like you, this sight is just another array of objects that your eye seems to glance over in the search for something visually tasteful.
But what if the vinyls themselves could be repurposed into something more eye catching?
I ventured to the internet in an attempt to find a crafty DIY project that I could make from the records. And after a little bit of research, and lots of Etsy inspiration, I came across a variety of vinyls painted so exquisitely that I decided I just had to try it myself.
Here’s how you can do it, too.
1.) Get those vinyls (and other supplies)!
At the Salvation Army I went to, they were just $2.00. (Quite the steal if I do say so myself.) You’re also going to want to snag some acrylic paint, brushes, and a primer for plastics if you don’t have any already.
2.) Get a clean workspace and start spraying!
Take a clean cloth and wipe the vinyls down to remove any dirt or dust. Then, going outside, use the primer to spray the vinyls in long strokes to create an even coat. It will take about an hour to dry, so make sure there’s a safe spot for them to sit. You can apply more coats at your own discretion.
3.) Sketch it out!
Using a pencil, it may be wise to lightly outline your desired design. Make sure it is light though, because it’s difficult to erase on this surface, and doing so may remove bits of the primer. (Or if you want to just freestyle it, that’s always an option!)
4.) Start painting!
Mix some colors. Try some different textures. You know what to do.
5.) Display your new decor!
After your vinyl is dry, be prepared to show it off. You could give it as a gift, prop it on your desk, or hang it on your wall. Regardless, your vintage craft should be recognized and appreciated!
For my project, I chose to paint some simple album covers. Looking at the image below, there’s Yeezus by Kanye West, Case Study 01 by Daniel Caesar, and Cherry Bomb by Tyler the Creator in the back row. In the front row, there’s channel ORANGE by Frank Ocean, This Old Dog by Mac Demarco, and X&Y by Coldplay. Currently, these painted vinyls are hanging on my bedroom wall below my twinkling lights.
And for the record, no one has seen any handmade decor just like this.
Did you try this project or have a suggestion for a painting? Shoot an email to hc.umassamherst@hercampus and let us know!
All images courtesy of the author