UPDATE: A woman in Richmond, Virginia, has turned heads after successfully transforming her garage into a stunning stained glass studio with a DIY epoxy floor for just $200. This incredible feat comes after she was quoted over $4,000 for professional installation.
Grace Klich, a stained glass artist and passionate Pokémon collector, recently made a bold decision to sell her rare Pokémon-themed cars to fund her dream studio. “I sold my prized Pokémon cars to renovate my garage into a stained glass studio,” Klich told Newsweek. This decision, although emotionally charged, was necessary for her to pursue a lifelong passion.
Klich was the proud owner of two limited-edition cars, including a “Pikabug” Volkswagen Beetle and a Lugia PT Cruiser, which were manufactured in the late 1990s. Selling these vehicles helped her gather funds, but when the contractor’s quote for epoxy flooring came in, she knew she had to pivot. “I had seen amazing photos of epoxy floors with a neat metallic-grunge swirl look and knew I wanted something similar for my studio,” she explained.
Undeterred by the steep cost, Klich decided to take on the project herself. DIY home improvement projects are often a more affordable route, with studies indicating Americans save up to $5,118.21 by opting for do-it-yourself solutions. However, Klich was aware that this particular project required careful preparation and execution.
“Not only is epoxy very difficult to work with, you have to prep the floors by grinding the concrete,” she noted. “If the floor is not properly prepped, the epoxy will fail over time.” Faced with the challenge and a limited budget, Klich set out to explore alternative methods.
In her search for inspiration, Klich found a TikTok video featuring a user who created beautiful concrete floors using a watered-down paint technique. Inspired, she decided to replicate this method. “It gave the exact look I was going for, a grunge marbled look,” Klich shared.
Klich documented her DIY journey on TikTok, showcasing the process of prepping the floor and applying the paint. She used two shades of blue along with a metallic finish, sealing it with a glossy garage concrete sealer mixed with glitter for added flair. The results were astounding, resembling an expensive epoxy floor without the hefty price tag.
After completing the project, Klich proudly posted a picture of her new floor on Reddit, where reactions were mixed. Some commenters expressed skepticism about the durability, fearing it might peel within a year. However, Klich remains optimistic, citing the original TikTok user’s success after a year. “I’m very pleased with it. Saved a ton of money, even if it isn’t as durable as epoxy,” she stated.
By transforming her garage into a stained glass studio, Klich has not only saved significantly but has also taken a major step toward realizing her artistic dreams. The ability to create a space that reflects her passions is a triumph that resonates deeply with her journey.
As DIY home improvement continues to gain popularity, Klich’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that creativity and resourcefulness can lead to remarkable transformations. With her new studio set to come to life, Klich is excited to begin her next chapter.
What’s next for this innovative artist? Klich is ready to dive into her stained glass projects, and her journey shows that with determination and creativity, dreams can indeed become reality.