Metal chairs

Question

I bought inexpensive silver-tone metal chairs for my dining room. Does anyone know how I could distress or antique them?

Sandy Stafford · Answer

leave them silver !!

Cade · Answer

I like them silver but the expensive ones are slightly darkened or distressed. These look cheap (because they were!)

Deirdre Sullivan · Answer

That is a tough question because I am not sure how well paint will stick to the silvertone surface. You can try sanding off some of the silvertone to make them look a little distressed (test it out first on a spot you can't see-- like on the inner part of a chair leg.) Also here's a decent tutorial on how to create a distresses pewter finish using paint: http://www.onecreativecouple.com/2012/10/17/tutorial-tuesday-fun-with-silver/

OnBlissStreet · Answer

I agree with Deirdre, I would sand a small area on the bottom of the seat to see what the metal looks like under the silver paint- it may be silver. If it is, I would smear a tiny amount of Vaseline on the edges, where you want it to be distressed, then give it a coat of black or oil rubbed bronze spray paint. Once the paint has dried really well, take a fine sanding block and rub over the paint. The areas that you put the Vaseline, the paint will flake off and be distressed.

Debbie · Answer

You might want to try some dark wax on your chairs, this would add a darker contrast to the silver.

Cindy Hagemann · Answer

They make Kilz primer in spray paint, I have had success painting metal furniture using this first. But I do like the silver, perhaps over time- they would just distress themselves with lots of use?

Jill · Answer

I agree with Debbie. I think dark wax will give you the look you want. Plus, it's easy to control, and/or reverse, if you don't like the look. Another option would be to finely mist them with black or bronze spray paint. You need some decent space for working and a conservative hand to get the finish right.

Cindy Moore · Answer

If you're going to keep that grouping on that rug, I'd pick up a color that works well with it AND make some cushions. A cold metal seat with shorts on is a big NO with me :)

Mcgypsy9 · Answer

I would go with the dark wax as well. Just do some light distressing and cover with dark wax. TEST of course first. Or..you could also distress with a distressing ink pad that you can find at Hobby Lobby by the scrapbooking area.

Maggie Ann · Answer

You can get a 'hammered' look by using Krylon Dual Hammered Finish. I've seen it at Wal-Mart.

Judith Dilly · Answer

I think they are nice just the way they are, but would put pretty set covers on them and then add a silver tray on table with matching fabric napkins or place mats. That way you can change the look anytime later. Also, the hammered look would be great too.

LibrarianTellsAll · Answer

I like the way your wall color, art, table, and rug harmonize. I usually like silver, but it clashes hard against everything else here. I'd use oil rubbed bronze spray paint on them. It will look rich and match the warm tones of everything else here.

Wglindner · Answer

If you want to make them look old and rusted try vinegar on them start small place at a time. Pour on rag . Wipe on chairs

Jaime · Answer

I like it the way it is. It may not look the way you thought in mind, but it looks good as it is.

Jeff C. Keane · Answer

Nice chairs. It appears they don't  r e a l l y work with the country-looking table. However, I would give them a (krylon) BROWN SPLATTER paintjob in an effort to both tone down the obnoxiously obvious silver that also loudly points out the style difference. I would also try to locate a few plain (to keep a clean visual effect) seatpads/cushions that have fabric tie-backs to keep them in place. (like on some patio chairs/wood chairs.) this will bring those 'modern' looking chairs some much-needed toning down. (just an idea or two of what my approach would be, given the room's decor- it feels to me similar to a frech cafe' look...)

Elle · Answer

LEAVE THEM AS IS. They look perfect with your décor!

Veronica Ronnie Taylor · Answer

I agree with Judith just put some chair pads on them to give it a warmer feel. They also have chair covers that covers whole chair...also see how they stand up before you go doing all that work. Best of luck...

Lori · Answer

Try chalk paint and wax to make them look distressed and older and chair pads

Metal chairs

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