What makes the dipped look so visually striking is the gradient effect it creates. The bottom portion of the grater where it was submerged deepest in the paint carries the richest color, while the upper portion where the paint barely touched fades to almost nothing. This natural ombre transition from color to bare metal is effortlessly elegant and looks like something you would find in a boutique home décor shop for a significant price — not something you made in your kitchen for just a few dollars.
What You Will Need
- Box cheese graters — standard metal box graters work best; the four-sided variety gives you the most surface area and visual impact. Thrift stores and dollar stores are excellent sources
- Acrylic craft paint or chalk paint in soft pastel shades of your choice
- Water to thin the paint to a pourable consistency
- A tall container or glass deep enough to submerge the lower portion of the grater — a mason jar or a tall drinking glass works well
- Newspaper or a drop cloth to catch drips
- A drying rack or baking rack to rest the graters handle-side up while they dry
- Optional: clear sealant spray to protect the finished paint if the piece will be handled frequently
