Q: what about re-purposing everyday things as props? Like I want to take some thing plastic and paint it, but I’m afraid the paint will chip off. How do I prevent that?

A: Good question! Lots of people like to repurpose items, and it really depends on what the item is made of. If it is plastic, you can go with a spray paint on the top. Just make sure you have the right spray paint. Read the labels. Something else I’ve seen people do is if the item is clear plastic (like a dome), paint the *inside*, then seal it. That way, if it gets banged up on the outside, paint won’t chip off.

Woods need special paints or varnishes. Some items of questionable composition may need to have a base coat put on before you can paint it. And never underestimate the value of sealing your object. If you are using regular paint, your craft store will have a finisher you can paint on. If you are using spray paint, there are different types of clear coats to put on top, from matte to glossy.

Just remember – read your labels! Spray paint eats through certain materials, like foam. The product will tell you what it is intended for, what it works best with, and what you should avoid.