My sewing projects require a very diverse assortment of narrow fabrics from Webbing to Velcro to Elastic and Binding tape. Since every pattern and color I add, increases the footprint by a significant margin, it was becoming a huge unwieldy mess.
The shelves already in the basement were mostly a hodgepodge of narrow plastic shelving and book shelves. None of which was cut out for the job. Not only was the narrow width cutting into usable space, but the weight of this fabric was taking a toll on the shelves. An upgrade was long over due. I was able to acquire 13 heavy duty “Muscle Racks” from the warehouse and set out to make them usable for my sewing supplies.
The first and most important thing to do was give everything a thorough cleaning. Then paint and seal the particle board shelf’s so they would hold up better in a slightly damp basement.
Jess and I spent way to much time looking at paint chips and trying to find a color that would be bright enough for the basement but wasn’t an eye sore. The color not only had to be bright, but hide dirt and scuffs, it must also blend in with the fabrics. Kind of a tall order, but we selected a color (Sherwin Williams Parakeet) and settled in their high end enamel paint.
Well long story short, it got cold, painting was delayed. The weather broke one weekend and I grabbed what paint I had on hand (Bahr Premium Plus ULTRA Exterior Enamel) and set off to paint.
The color on hand was a dull olive gray. A paint color that’s intentionally boring. I purchased it for painting structural items in the Hosta Prison and the intent was that would blend in regardless of season. Not exactly the color I wanted. Not exactly the toughest paint either, but it would have to do. All in all the color looks great. Sadly it doesn’t reflect the amount of light I hoped for, but its not bad either. The most important thing is they are sealed and ready for business.
Indian summer struck again and I was able to finally spray Parakeet.
Check out the update here: More “Muscle Rack” Shelves
Brian Paonessa
For the last 10 years I have been an Internet marketer and web developer with a passion for large system integration projects. I've spent the last few years working for a small fireworks company (Skylighter llc) helping individuals and government clients with pyrotechnic projects. my day to day tasks focus mostly on web development tasks and keeping the Skylighter email marketing machine pumping out good content and offers.