FAIL: Rug Painting or How To Paint a Rug

I read blogs that make diy/crafty projects seem so effortless and end up beautiful...this is not one of those blogs. I have a lot of mishaps when it comes to diy/crafting projects. So, I thought it would be helpful to post about how I fail. Maybe it can help others not follow in my footsteps...umm, missteps.

RUG PAINTING
FAIL

Before

Don't you just love that 90-esque geometric pattern

After

I started off with having spray cans white and blue but I quickly realized for a rug of this size (9x12) that wasn't going to work so I bought a quart container of white interior paint which is all the white color you see. I finished that can and it was not opaque like I wanted but I figured I would try to paint over it with a gallon container of exterior blue paint. The rug was absorbing way too much paint and I got no where hence why I scrapped the project. Some times you have to cut your loses and save your paint! These are the Don'ts and Dos I learned about rug painting:

DON'T

• Don't Use a indoor/carpet rug - a indoor rug will absorb too much paint
• Don't Use interior paint for an outdoor rug - you need paint that will endure moisture and even if doesn't rain much where you are from, humidity can effect the paint. I recommend keeping it on a covered porch/patio if used outside no matter what paint you choose to use.
  
• If you use an indoor rug (which you shouldn't) don't use a roller brush - you need to use a dry brush technique so the paint won't absorb so much into the rug

DO

• Do use an outdoor rug - something that is flat and has fibers that lay horizontal not stand vertically like an indoor rug.
• Do use exterior paint - the paint person was very helpful and recommended Satin so it won't be too shiny and more importantly it won't be slippery.
• Do use roller brushes - if it is an outdoor rug
  
• Do use spray cans - if the rug is small. It will work well with a stencil and paint quickly
• Do work outside - or at least in a garage with the door open. You will need good ventilation for your safety and it helps the rug dry.
• Do your research - I should have researched more and read carefully. I was so excited that I had this ugly rug laying around I just dove in to with out considering the material of the rug. Here are some sources
  

RESOURCES

• Real Simple
• Curbly
  

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If you have any tips or suggestions please share in the comments!