The Making of Upcycled Buoy Art

All of the buoys I use have been found along the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean primarily in Washington State. I clean the buoys and prep them for their transformational upcycling. I try to save the original rope whenever possible but often it is damaged or disintegrating beyond use.

Buoy Care

After prepping my buoys with a plastic bonding primer for the base coat, I meticulously hand-paint each one using acrylic paints, drawing inspiration from my diverse collection of underwater photographs. Once the paint has dried, I apply a clear protective outdoor sealant to ensure durability and longevity.

While this process enables the buoys to be displayed outdoors, I advise placing them in a covered area to shield them from direct exposure to the elements. This precaution helps prevent unnecessary wear, extending the life of the artwork. Additionally, it's important to avoid displaying the buoys where they may rub against other surfaces, as this could lead to scratching and damage.