Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Spray Painting Chair Legs Oil Rubbed Bronze

Spray paint. Again. Who’s surprised?

I’m nothing if not completely predictable when it comes to spraying my troubles away. I mentioned wanting to ORB (that’s “oil-rubbed-bronze” for those not privy to ridiculous decorating abbreviations) the legs of this old chair in our living room for a while. They’re clashy and red in real life…

Chair Legs Before

… as opposed to the nice dark ORB legs that we addded to Karl The Sectional:

Legs Detail On1

They also didn’t exactly “groove” with the gray-washed beams overhead and the deeper more brown-based wood tones in the console table that we made for behind the sofa (seen fully accessorized here). We plan to refinish the floors someday too – probably in the same hues as the console table – so don’t let those orangey-red floor undertones throw you.

Chair Legs Before2

Anyway, back to those legs and my ORB aspirations. First I picked up a can of Rustoeum Universal Metallic spray paint in “Oil Rubbed Bronze” (the same stuff we used to deeply bronze Karl’s legs here). Update: Here’s an affiliate link to this exact spray paint on Amazon for anyone who can’t find it in stores.  

Karl Legs Rustoleum

It took me about fifteen minutes to tape two big black garbage bags around the plushy seat part, poking holes for the legs and using painters tape to ensure that no spray could get through to the upholstery. I also made sure spray paint would get all the way to the top of the wood legs so none of that orange color would remain (like four evil rings that taunted me up near the seat).

Chair Bagged Not Sprayed

After 15 minutes spent bagging and taping, it only took about five to spray those hot little legs of his (no sanding was necessary since the legs weren’t sealed or glossy, just dry & chalky = ready for paint). Gotta love prep time that takes three times longer than the actual job. And yes it is resting upside down on a recycling bin. I’m like MacGuyver MacGruber. “Quick hand me that recycling receptacle, some metallic spray paint, and two garbage bags! Hurry Chloe, we’re running out of time!” (somehow this turned into my Jack Bauer impression).

Chair Bagged Sprayed

Oh and when it comes to spray painting tips, here ya go:

  • Skip the bad/cheap/terrible $2 stuff in favor of the quality $7+ options (I like Rustoleum’s trigger spray nozzle because it goes on thin and even – and doesn’t get all over your fingers).
  • Always keep the can moving. Seriously. If you’re a-sprayin’ your arm better be a-swayin’.
  • It’s best to keep the nozzle about 8-10″ away from whatever it is that you’re spray painting.
  • You really want a mist, not a heavy wet coating.
  • Three thin and even coats are better than one thick and drippy one.
  • Spray paint has yet to go no-VOC, so apply it outside with a mask, and let it fully cure as long as the can recommends outside whenever you can (usually 24 hours, we try to double that just to be even safer).
  • You can “seal” any spray paint (to limit off-gassing once you bring it inside) by applying two thin coats of Safecoat Acrylacq, which is low-VOC and non-toxic.

Chair Sprayed Leg Detail

Ah, so much better now:

Chair Legs Afterclose1

To save your poor weary fingers from scrolling to the top, here’s that before again:

Chair Legs Before

Now those gams blend (with a little subtle gleam thanks to the quiet metallic finish). Which is nice, because although I did call those legs of his hot, they’re not exactly what we’re hoping everyone who enters the room will focus on (kinda like how I hope others will politely overlook my blindingly white mom legs). I’d much rather leave the scene stealing to those purty silver lamps (mixed metals = yes please), or the curtains, or The Karl. Or The Bean. Pretty much anything not chair-leg related.

Eventually we’d love to trade this chair for something a bit more special (think thrift store upholstered armchair or slipper chair with turned legs or castors), but for now a $7 spray paint upgrade did the trick. Well, technically $3.50 since I still have half the can to use on something else – and you know I will. Beware all other objects in the house. I will pull this car over and ORB you.

Psst- I got listy over on BabyCenter today (so many fun summer activities for C, so little time).

Pssst- Who watched Design Star last night? Did anyone else catch when Cathy said “camel tone” and it sounded like something else, or was that just me? Any non camel related thoughts about the cast in general?

Comments

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Nope, they weren’t sealed or glossy (like Karl’s legs) so I knew the dry and chalky texture would take really well to a few thin and even coats of spray paint. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  7. gina says

    could you mean macgyver? ;-)

    struggling with my own bearing wall removal…Can’t wait until you guys tackle that

    Reply

  9. Cait @ Hernando House says

    The red-hued legs didn’t bother me, but that looks great! Gotta love a simple fix!

    I think that’s the same spray paint we’re about to use on the lamp post in our front yard. Because, you know, after a year with an ORB light, the black (peeling) post is starting to bother me.

    Reply

  10. Penny says

    Hello from a fellow Richmonder! It’s been so hot and muggy here lately (no suprise for a central VA summer)–what’s your “cut-off” temperature-wise for painting outside? Or does it matter too much with spray paint? Lots of projects to do and paint–perhaps I’m using the heat as an excuse NOT to do them???

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I always apply suuuper thin coats of spray paint, so they seem to almost instantaneously dry, even on those hot days. I wouldn’t spray outside on a day like yesterday though- that was torture! Maybe 85 degrees and under (I aim for the morning or later in the afternoon) is my deal?

      xo,
      s

    • Reenie says

      Oh gosh….I live in Kansas ~ and our temps have been in the 100’s. I just spray painted picture frames and I think it was 108 that day ~ and it worked fine….and it sure dries a lot faster ;)

      My friends call me the Spray Paint Queen ~ nothing is safe around me =)

  11. Amanda says

    It never fails to amaze me how big of a difference a little spray paint can make! I love it! And I haven’t watched Design Star yet but I can’t wait to!

    Reply

  13. Chris says

    Ha, yes….I totally misheard “Camel Tone” and giggled about it. I’ll save judgement on the cast until I see a few more episodes, but I’m kinda blahhh about there being too many decorators/stylists and not enough makers of things. And how about that DayGlo room? Eeesh.

    Reply

    • Kristen says

      Yea, I wasn’t a huge fan and it didn’t get me that excited for this season… We’ll see how it goes.

  17. Sarah says

    This is completely unrelated, but an idea popped into my mind and I had to share with you! I recently spent a day volunteering through my work at Habitat for Humanity. Of course it is rewarding to help people, but my secondary motive was to gain new DIY skills (I learned to drywall). It was like having private lessons with a General Contractor! Anyways, I wanted to offer it up as an idea for you all in the future- you could blog about it! Hopefully this doesn’t come off as preachy or pushy…I just had a nice experience and I thought you would too!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We have had that on our list for a while now and would love to do it! We donate (house items and moolah) to them whenever we can- but we’d love to get in there and get our hands dirty too! Sounds like you had an amazing time.

      xo,
      s

    • em says

      Wait, you can spray-paint door knobs? And it holds up? We have hideous “brass” scratched up door-knobs anywhere. This could change my life! (although I am more of a nickel or pewter girl than ORB- sorry Sherry)

    • YoungHouseLove says

      NO!!! Well, I’m not sure yet. Haha. I’ll report back when I do it though. I figure it’s worth a try before buying all new ones- but it might be a bust.

      xo,
      s

  20. Whitney says

    You guys would be proud to know that we are combining two of your projects. We are currently creating a wall of frames going up our stairs. We are spray painting all of the frames white. We are using the same Rustoleum paint but I find that is splatters everywhere! Do you have that problem? Any ideas on how to stop it from splattering?

    Thanks!
    Whit

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Ooh sounds like you got a bum can (the nozzle is clogged). I’d bring it back and ask for another one (and buy another one if they won’t replace it for free) just because a nice thin mist is the best way to spray! Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  21. holly says

    yes, i giggled at “camel tone” too. I didn’t really like that lady. My big disappointment was the visual merchandiser. I thought he would be good. However, my two faves now are the girl who made the cute little alcove under the stairs and the guy who loves to build furniture. I think he is adorable.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I totally had high hopes for the visual merchandiser! But I still do because I think the first challenge throws everyone off. Hopefully he comes back strong next week (prediction: he’s the one Candice is talking to in the promo for next week when she says “You really took the notes last week and listened!”).

      xo,
      s

  22. Shaina says

    The chair legs look great! Very blend-y :) Also, that camel tone comment is the main reason I’m writing to you because OMG! I had to rewind! I was sure I heard wrong, and thank heavens I did! I was seriously concerned about her design style haha!

    Reply

  23. laura says

    I totally heard something else when she said “camel tones” too…I even mentioned it to my husband who seemed less then amused at my junior high immaturity! Ha, whatever it was funny. Anywho, love the new chair gams….do you think that spray paint would work on door knobs/locks? Or would it mess with the movability of them? I got some awful brass knobs in this house that need a facelift!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I actually have been meaning to try that whole process (I would sand, use spray primer, and spray paint) some hinges and knobs and locks- so I’ll have to report back when I do. I figure it’s worth a shot before replacing everything!

      xo,
      s

    • Heather W says

      I have heard this works too. I have bought the supplies to complete but haven’t had the time yet. I bought the same ORB but not sure if it is metallic though. Also, not sure to do just outside door knobs or whole house. I have brushed nickel in two bathrooms would the door knobs look funny if they were bronze? They are shiny gold now YUCK! Opinions welcome please…..

  24. Marissa says

    Thanks for this post! I’m about to redo an Ikea parsons chair myself so this is perfect! I’m also trying to sew my own slip cover to match, so fingers crossed for me.

    Reply

  28. Marcie says

    Looks great! Funny what a little ORB can do :) The room also looks great! Any plans for the floor, or leave it as is? I have the same type in my entry-way and am at a loss for what to do with it. I’ve thought about painting it… Don’t really have the funds for a complete re-do. hmmm. :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We’d love to refinish that floor in the same not-red-or-orange wood tones in the console table that we built. That’s down the road though!

      xo,
      s

  30. Sarah says

    Nice! I used the same Rustoleum oil rubbed bronze spray paint to re-do the hardware in our master bath last month. The old handles on the cabinets were shiny silver. Quick fix, very cheap, and no patching/new hole drilling needed for new hardware.

    Reply

  33. Elisa says

    Such a quick and awesome fix! This weekend I got to enjoy standing in front of the wall of spray paint at HD and taking in all the things I could be spray painting. Phew. And thanks for the tip about Safecoat!

    We just did a down and dirty spray paint upgrade too: http://theselflife.com/

    Reply

  34. Ryann says

    I just got into spray painting recently as we just bought our first house. My first project was a bookshelf we actually got from our new neighbors for my son’s room (it was free – love that!) and I sprayed it a happy cherry red. Not my best work but for a first try it came out alright! Love the dark chair legs!

    p.s. I did watch Design Star last night – totally think we are in for a drama filled season, cant wait!

    Reply

  35. Yancey says

    Thanks for reminding me of my list of “Things to Spray Paint”! During DStar last night my husband turns to me and says, “do you like ‘warm camel tones’?” I almost peed from hysterical laughter! We had to rewind to hear her say “warm camel tones”! Priceless!

    Reply

  36. Kristina says

    It was my husband who shouted “What? Camel…” It was funny. Sherry, I have been ORB CRAZY lately. I was more than a little smug because I already had an ORB curtain rod and clock, but when I did my gallery wall I did mix some black spray painted frames with a few ORB ones for subtle difference. I love it.

    Reply

  38. Elizabeth says

    Totally watched Design Start last night and glad Blanche got the ax. Not that I like reveling in the pain of others, but because she seemed a little obnoxious asking about credentials in the beginning. Poor girl…

    Reply

    • Beth W. says

      True. Plus, seriously, those little paper snowflake things? As soon as she started putting those up, I was like…oh, this is not going to go well for her.

  39. Allyn says

    I love spray paint. Love it, love it, love it. We’ve gone through quite a few cans since our move, trying to combine our two houses worth of stuff into one attractive, cohesive, and well, pretty dang quirky (just like us) house. Spray paint+Anthropologie knobs=my happy place.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We found it at a local eco building supply company. So maybe google or check your yellow pages? Or you can order it online, just google around to see who sells it. Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  41. Ade@fortheloveofpainting says

    I hate to say this, but I DVRed Design Star, because I am so hooked on the bachelorette…I cannot wait to watch it however…hopefully this afternoon! The legs look great…you guys are like me, paying attention to the smallest details!

    Reply

  42. Alex says

    That looks great. I have a question though – for either of you, or anyone else! Where do you suggest spray-painting when you live in an apartment building? I don’t have outdoor space to spray in…but i’d love to spray down some stuff!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We spray painted some frames when we lived in NYC on the sidewalk. Haha. Here’s how: 1) lay out a huge old bedsheet somewhere outside that isn’t completely in everyone’s way 2) lay out frames and use thin and even coats of paint to get ‘er done 3) hang out outside for a few hours with them until they’re dry to the touch and you can cart everything back inside. We’re crazy.

      xo,
      s

    • Kate says

      I’ve spray painted in apartment complex lawns and in the parking lot (in an area where no cars parked). Cardboard or an old shower curtain to catch excess paint and then I hung out with them until I could take them back inside. I also once spray painted in the bathroom with a lot of drop cloths around (I had paint that said it could be used indoors – don’t believe it, the overspray didn’t stick but it was really messy) and once on my balcony with drop cloths protecting things (that one worked pretty well).

    • Stephanie says

      That was exactly my question! Do you think I’d get the stink eye from the local police (not as sweet as Burger’s I’m sure) if I tried this at a park?

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm, maybe. Might be like graffiti? Even if you use a sheet? Hmm, you could try the whole “school project” thing. I used that in NYC all the time. Haha.

      xo,
      s

    • Alex says

      haha great thanks! I’ll definitely use the school project excuse if it comes down to it :)

  43. Barb says

    My question for you is….where do you buy that spray paint. I am looking to spray some lamp bases……have been meaning to ask this question for a long time.

    B.

    Reply

  44. Carol N. says

    Oh the ‘camel tones’ had me doing a double take! I was watching and thought that my husband was doing his puzzle but during elimination he said ‘that bald guy should be sent home for the day glo bedroom’. Surprised me that he was paying that much attention. I had it right on the final two and on which one would leave. That framed wallpaper looked like a pre-school project. And a not well done one at that. Holding my thoughts on who is the best but I liked the bonus room the most from last night.

    Reply

  45. Heather says

    How did I spend 28 years completely oblivious to the wonder of spray paint? Its sad, really….

    The chair looks great!

    Reply

  46. John says

    Ok just enough paint left to do the mailbox like you suggested. I used a clear spray paint on a new brass exterior light fixture, this will keep it from tarnishing for years.

    Reply

  47. Joan says

    Looks great and blends beautifully with the floor.

    I’ve had a lot of luck using spray paint in my old bungalow house. I completely renovated old l923 kitchen cabinets using different colored spray paints. Spray paint applications definitely works wonders on furniture. There are a myriad of different looks that can be achieved including shabby chic and faux-like finishes.

    I also used decorative gold spray paint on the base of my metal glass topped dining room table. It was originally silver and was chipping and peeling and very shabby looking.
    With some light sanding and the gold spray paint it was restored to its original beauty within a couple of days.

    I think homeowners forget about the versatility of spray paint and the ease of application.

    Love your blog.

    Cheers.

    Joan

    Reply

  48. Anne says

    Quick question:
    Have you ever spray painted dipped wrought iron outdoor furniture? I have a hand-me-down set that is a pale mint green, and it would look soooo much better with our house if we could paint it a dark taupe. However, I worry that spray paint just won’t do the trick, and maybe it actually has to be dipped. If that’s the case, it would make more sense to buy a new set in the color I like, but gosh I love the sweet vintage style of this table and chair set!
    We love your blog! Thanks!

    Reply

  49. Rachel says

    I totally thought the same thing when she said camel tone.

    I did some spraypainting myself this weekend–a vintage metal hamper and some picture frames. I have to say, reading your blog has really inspired me to take the time and do things right. Before, I was impatient and wanted to finish my project NOW! But now I take my time to do it right so the finished product will look great!

    Reply

  50. Jacqueline says

    Would you be able to tell me if that Safecoat Acrylacq works on semi-gloss paint? I’m in San Diego and had a hard time finding low voc paint so I went with Home Depots semi-gloss paint to paint our baby’s dresser. Would you suggest I order the Safecoat Acrylacq to put on top of the paint? Another problem I had was the paint is not curing to the wood, I wonder if the Safecoat would help that?

    Thank you so much for your help with this!

    JB

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yeah- it works on any finish. And if you apply it very thinly and evenly with ample drying time between thin coats (and lots of drying time after- like a week without putting anything on it) you should have a piece that looks great and lasts! Good luck!

      xo,
      s

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