How do I paint these bar chairs to go with our new home?

Jane
by Jane

first of all, I am not a DIYer in fact most of you intimidate me! But we moved and these chairs are comfortable, would like to use them but the finish and the fabric no longer work in our new space. I will get the seats recovered but can I spray paint these chairs? Any ideas or tips to be aware of? Seem to be some sort of metal; good shape still; swivel. Our Home decor now is more muted, grey and brushed silver so any ideas are welcomed especially if there is a specific type of paint I should use. thanks to all.

  9 answers
  • Peggy L Burnette Peggy L Burnette on Oct 17, 2019

    Hi Jane, here are some ways to redo your bar stools. You can also check out you-tube for step by step instructions. Good luck you can do it !!! Bar Stool Makeover - How to Refurbish Bar Stools | Bringing It ...

    1. https://www.pinterest.com › pin

    Chalk paint, kitchen table makeover, dining table makeover, wood stain and chalk paint .... Bar stool makeover - All you need is a little paint, foam, fabric, ...

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Oct 18, 2019
    Only use top quality spray paint on the metal. Latex and chalk will peel or chip off. Spray on several light coats. Remove the seats first. You'll do fine.
  • Karen George Karen George on Oct 18, 2019

    I can't see the underside but it looks like it would be easy to remove the seat and put new fabric on. Just another option.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Oct 18, 2019

    Before you start clean the chairs well and then get all dust/cleaner off before painting. You can use 150+ grit sandpaper to level off anything you find that isn't quite right.


    Although Rustoleum doesn't state to use a primer before a finish spray I can tell you that my most recent projects I did use their primer first and it made a HUGE difference on both the finished look and the strength of the finish. You don't need full coverage of primer - just enough for "tooth" for the finish paint to grip to.


    Make sure you buy their products that state specifically for use on metal. Spray outdoors after you've removed the seats. The probably just screw in from underneath. (btw - I BET you can even recover the seats all by yourself! 😎)


    Spray somewhere that is protected or surround the chairs with some boxes so no spray gets everywhere and to keep debris from falling on wet paint. Keep the can upright 8-10" from the surface and start the spray BEFORE you get to the chair and keep it going until you've passed over it. This keeps things even without drips. Don't try to get full coverage - just do as many LIGHT coats (probably 2-3) as it takes to cover. Follow the can direction as to when to recoat - don't rush things.


    Once painted, do allow the chairs to "cure" for a week or so before any heavy handling. You want to make sure the paint is completely dry all the way through the layers so you don't mess up the gorgeous new color I know you can do! 👍


    Remember: If you get worried or frustrated, we all started with our first project. And just think how proud you will be when you can tell everyone you redid the chairs all by yourself! 🤗

  • Debi53 Debi53 on Oct 18, 2019

    Robyn Garner has told you exactly right. I would have written the same thing-especially go with many very light coats (after priming). Your first coat will NOT cover the old color. Spray and move on to another area. The worst mistake you can make is putting on too much spray. It will drip and make a mess. Walk away after a light coat and come back after that dries and do several more light coats. If you notice any roughness to your paint job after you are finished and the paint has cured for several days, I like to polish them with Scotch brite white polishing pads. It smooths any tiny rough places and gives your piece a smooth beautiful finish. You can usually find them at paint stores or Home Depot. https://www.amazon.com/Sanding-Hand-Alum-Silicate-S-Fine/dp/B01M128Y80/ref=sr_1_26?keywords=scotch+brite+white+pads&qid=1571397805&sr=8-26

  • Cherylbeatrice Cherylbeatrice on Oct 18, 2019

    If you are not a sit person you could check places that do automotive painting. As a designer I had some metal chairs painted at a collision center once for a client. They were beautiful and the finish was very hard and durable. Lots of colors to choose and NO drips.

  • Jane Jane on Oct 18, 2019

    just wanted to thank everyone for your quick, complete and awesome responses and most of all encouragement!!! I am not normally one that holds back on things but painting furniture just seems so permanent yet its only paint!!! can you believe I am a psychologist that can help people with just about any life issue yet I feel stymied to take on a simple update. :) your thoughts have been awesome. maybe I will really go on a limb and send updated pics. thanks to all!