Painted Drop Cloth Rug

Turn a painter's canvas drop cloth rug into a sturdy and durable outdoor rug to brighten your outdoor space this spring.

Step 1: What You'll Need

A trip to the hardware store will provide you with all of the things you'll need for this fun project. Purchase the following items:

• Preval Sprayer -- Purchase 1 Preval Sprayer and 3 to 6replacement aerosol cans (Home Depot / Lowe's)
• Drop cloth -- There are many sizes, so choose one that most closely fits your chosen space.
• Masking tape
• 1 gallon paint & primer in one -- Color: Guava Jelly, Behr Ultra
• 1 quart paint & primer in one -- Color: Diva Glam, Behr Ultra
• Plastic sheet
• Ruler
• Pencil

You'll also need:

• Sponge brush
• Paint strainer
• Painter’s tray
• Paint roller
• Fine grit sandpaper

Step 2: Prepare the Drop Cloth

Lay the drop cloth onto plastic sheeting and roll your lightest color paint onto the fabric. We chose eggshell finish paint. Allow the cloth to dry overnight.

Step 3: Mark the Design

Starting diagonally at one corner, draw six, 2-inch horizontal stripes and one 3-inch stripe. Then repeat until you reach the end of the cloth.

Tip: Make straight lines by hatch marking 2” inch widths along the length. Then use a straightedge to connect the marks you made. (See video.)

Apply masking tape to every other stripe and press the edges down with a boning knife.

Step 4: Prepare the Preval Sprayer

Add 5 oz. of outdoor latex paint and 1 oz. of water to the jar. Use a paint strainer for best results.

Cap, shake and attach the spray can.

Spray across the taped fabric to the desired color depth and allow the paint to dry before removing the tape.

Troubleshooting Tips: As a caution, overly watery paint can lead to not so crisp lines. If this happens, use fine grit sandpaper to remove the excess color. Then, use a sponge brush to dab on the lighter color paint. When it dries, sand to blend it with the rest.