DIY Guest Post submitted by
Gina at Shabby Chic Cottage
I’d been on the hunt for the perfect plates to display on the wall ever since I found a dozen plate hangers for a quarter each a few weeks earlier. I wanted six plates, but the thrift stores only offered a few that were suitable. Some had the right shape but the wrong color; others had a lovely color but a busy pattern or chips. Nothing seemed to work together.
Then I remembered an old reliable solution: spray paint. I decided to buy plain plates and transform them with paint.
I knew traditional plate hangers would likely scratch or chip paint on glossy surfaces, so I came up with a different idea for mounting them safely.
First, I picked up six plain matching plates at the thrift store for about 50 cents each — just $3 total for a custom wall grouping. Two of the plates already complemented the paint color I had in mind, which was a nice bonus.
To hang them without damaging the finish, I used a bit of ribbon and hot glue to attach small metal rings I’d saved from an old belt. The rings created secure attachment points without marring the painted surface where the hanger would normally grip.
Once the plates were prepared, my husband stood on a chair and arranged them on the wall until we found the perfect layout. He was kind enough to hang them for me, arranging and adjusting until the composition felt balanced and visually pleasing.
The finished display is simple, affordable, and custom. By starting with inexpensive plates and using spray paint and discreet hanging rings, I achieved a cohesive look that matches my decor perfectly. This approach lets you control color and finish, avoid damaged or mismatched thrifted pieces, and create a polished wall gallery on a small budget.
If you try this, choose a paint formulated for ceramics or use a primer appropriate for glossy surfaces, and allow adequate drying and curing time before handling. Securing the rings with strong adhesive and testing the attachments gently will help ensure the plates stay safely in place. With a little creativity and patience, you can make attractive, personalized plate art from thrifted finds.