File this under fab and almost free mini-makeovers anyone can do. We had two yellow chairs (relics from our three months in an apartment with a balcony) that looked sweet enough with our yellow door but looked more than a bit mismatched with our current red one. Nothing two cans of Rustoleum Universal All Surface spray paint couldn’t solve.
The stuff is new, and compelling for many reasons: it can be sprayed at any angle (no more straining to keep the can upright while you spray), it covers ANYTHING (from plastic and wood to metal and wicker), and it has a nice trigger spraying device (which is much more comfortable than those older buttons on the top of the can). And at around $6 a pop, the entire chair transformation was super cheap.
Check out our fabulous “new” porch chairs. Aren’t they so much better? We love the look of the glossy black with our classic looking rancher (they tie in with the black shutters, trellis and even our oil rubbed bronze light fixtures and door hardware). And it really was a super quick project (plus it feels pretty good to recycle stuff instead of investing in entirely new pieces all the time).
But speaking of eco-friendly things like recycling, this spray paint is insanely toxic (probably because it can bond to anything, so it’s chock full of chemicals). I sprayed both chairs in our two car garage with the door open and although it only took a few minutes I left with a headache, a bit of nausea and even felt a little woozy/high for a while. So let this be a warning to you: they’re not kidding when they suggest a ventilated area. If I could go back I would have sprayed the chairs on top of some cardboard on the lawn for even more airflow. And one more helpful hint: DO NOT attempt this project barefoot. I made that terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad mistake and had to use about a half a bottle of paint thinner to pry the thick black tar-like build up from my poor feet. The overspray settles on the ground like other spraypaint, but instead of being dusty and harmless, this stuff is sticky and bonds like superglue- creating layers upon layers of black goo as you step in more and more of the dust. So wear old flip flops but prepare to exert some serious effort when moving your feet (they literally get stuck to the floor). It’s exercise meets home improvement.
But don’t get me wrong. The fabulous chair makeover was totally worth the effort, and there’s no need to be scared off by my warnings above. I just wanted to make it even easier on the next person. So now that you’re armed with all the knowledge for a fast and fabulous furniture makeover of your own… happy spraying!
Anne torsiglieri says
Looooove your guys blog so VERY much! And congrats on your bundle of joy!!
I just bought a Craigslist outdoor rattan couch set (don’t you just love CL?). I’m considering painting the rattan but one of my boys is very chemical-sensitive. Has anyone come out with a low or No VOC spray-paint? Alternately, I could try the sand/oil based primer/latex paint method…….cause I know there are wonderful No VOC paints, BUT are there No or Low VOC oil based primers? Any advice on the least toxic way to paint the rattan?
Many many thanks and keep up the great work!
Best-
Annie T.
YoungHouseLove says
We would check out greendepot.com for the lowest VOC alternatives. As far as we know oil-based primer is always extremely toxic so your best bet is to find a latex/water based alternative. And you can thinly paint rattan with a brush and a can of paint if you can’t find spray paint that’s no VOC- just apply very thin and even coats. Good luck!
xo,
s
Rosie says
Hi Youngsters,
I have a terribly ugly wooden bedside table with drawers that I’d like to paint. I read your tutorial on painting furniture with brushes/rollers, but I’m wondering if it might be suitable to spray paint the piece? Hate to sound like a cheater, but spraying it just sounds like it would be a lot easier! I’m in New York City and the only place I can think of to do this is the air shaft of my building… but suppose that would be an argument against using the smelly Rustoleum. What are your thoughts?
Thanks!
R
YoungHouseLove says
We would highly recommend following the primer and paint method in our furniture painting tutorial (which would also be easier to accomplish in an NYC apartment). Spray paint on a wood piece runs the risk of peeling and flaking since wood is usually coated in polyurethane which doesn’t allow spray paint to adhere properly. Back when I lived in NYC I did spray a number of frames out on the street (I laid out an old sheet and went to town on the sidewalk in front of my apartment) though… so I guess it can be done. Your call!
xo,
s
SamiJ says
My patio chairs are looking shabby & I remembered reading this post back back when you wrote it. And I see someone has already asked how your painted chairs have been holding up. Have you considered doing a “where are they now” post (or how are they holding up) on some of your projects ? I would love to know what has held up, and what in hindsight you consider your biggest success & what has been disappointing/would have done differently. Thanks and love your site!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the awesome idea! We’ll add it to our (admittedly very long) list! Stay tuned…
xo,
s
Colleen says
Hi! Love your site. My husband and I recently bought an 80 year old house that needs a lot of work. We recently redid the kitchen and opened up the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, we have gone over budget and need to use what we have to finish the project….we have a shiny brass chandelier that I was thinking of painting and adding shades to. Our kitchen is white with kashmir white granite, ss appliances and dark wood floors. Our hardware is oil rubbed bronze…I was thinking of doing it in a color to match the hardware with some cool seagrass shades from Ballard or maybe a color, we have blue accent wall….thanks! Any tips or thoughts on painting the chandelier. We are keeping the kitchen clean looking with white walls and white subway tile backsplash…sort of natucket-like :) Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Colleen,
Those shiny brass chandeliers are actually super easy to paint. We unscrewed the bulbs and taped over those openings (so they didn’t get jammed up with paint) and just spray primed (Kilz) and spray painted ours outside (we used to have one in our formal dining room which we later turned into a guest bedroom and then a nursery). Thin and even coats is the name of the game to avoid drips. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
JaNelle says
Hi Sherry and John. I recently stumbled upon your blog and can I tell you I’m in love. My husband and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary in May and we live in Richmond too!
I am still in the process of fixing up our townhome. But I searched your site for spray painting ideas. When we purchased our wedding photos we got a 16 x 20 portrait and a matching frame. However the frame is this hideous 80s gold color. That being the case, I’ve not hung the photo – which is sad because I really love the photo. I was wondering what your thoughts are on spray painting the frame to match our decor? It would hang above our fireplace and ideally a bronze color would work to blend with the decor of the room. Any suggestions?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes you can totally spray paint it! Just pick up some oil-rubbed bronze colored spray paint (or antique bronze, etc) and apply thin and even coats after removing the pane of glass so it’s just a frame. Good luck!
xo,
s
Ja'Nelle says
Thanks Sherry – I’ll send you a pic of how it turns out!
Melissa says
I’m really wanting to repaint a faded plastic playhouse for my daughter. Any tips? Is there a difference between using Rustoleum Universal and Krylon Fusion? I’m nervous about it lasting through the winter here in SD.
YoungHouseLove says
We really liked the quality of the Rustoleum stuff that we used but it’s your call! As long as it says it works on plastic we’d say go for it (thin and even coats will keep it from peeling the way something too thick might). Good luck!
xo,
s
Pammy says
Wow. I have been reading your blog for a few months now and every once in awhile i will have some extra time on my hands to look through the archives and this section. You guys are really inspiring me to think twice about buying new! We should be closing on our house soon and I can’t wait to get started on some of these projects! I just might even get a head start on it since there is not much to do living in my parent’s basement while we wait on our short sale… I have always been crafty (i’m a graphic designer) but my husband is going to need some convincing on some of this stuff, he likes shiny, new (but expensive!) things. Have you two always been on the same page? Thanks for doing what you do!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Pammy,
We’re both cheap-os so I guess we have been on the same page in that regard. We also like the satisfaction of finding a deal or making something ourselves, so that seems to help. Here’s a quirky old post that might get your man psyched to be more hands on: https://www.younghouselove.com/2008/09/putting-the-men-back-in-home-improvement/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Katharine says
Hi there – I read this article with interest but am wondering if you have any ideas about a project I am undertaking. I have a wicker chest (never been painted) that I use to store linens. I would love to paint it white but I am concerned that even after some airing-out time, my linens will end up having a bit of a paint stink to them if I use oil-based paint. That would be gross, especially since I have a bionic nose! Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Katharine
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Katherine,
In this case we would just say to use good quality Rustoleum spray paint (no oil-based primer or paint required). Spray thin and light even coats, and allow them plenty of time to dry between each one. Should have little to no scent after a few days of airing out if you apply those coats thinly and let them dry between each one!
xo,
s
Katharine says
Thanks so much for your quick response, Sherry! I will definitely give this a try so that I can finally say goodbye to this gross congac colour I’ve been looking at for so long!
Katie says
Hello!! I am in a project mood, just messaged you about wood paneling and now I have been thinking about spray painting a really pretty ceramic lamp base that is a 70’s green to a light cream color. Is it possible to spray paint ceramic and have it “stick”? Thanks so much!! : )
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, just use spray primer first (like Kilz) and follow that with thin and even coats of high quality Rustoleum spray paint.
xo,
s
Kat Rogers says
Hi there,
I just found your site last night and cannot stop reading all your great advice. I’m definitely inspired! So, you say you can spray paint anything…I would like to paint a crib that I’ll be using. It’s an off white/beige and I’d like to paint it a crisper color white. I was thinking spray painting would be easiest but not sure that’s safe for the baby? And, since it’s a light color already do I need to do anything before I put paint on it? I was thinking I’d use this stuff: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001001LMU/ref=nosim?tag=finishingcominc Have you ever used Krud Kutter Gloss Off Prepaint Surface? The crib is glossy now… Thanks so much for your help. I love you guys ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kat,
We haven’t seen 100% no-VOC spray paints at many mainstream stores, but no-VOC cans of paint are really easy to find. We would recommend following the furniture painting tutorial on our How-To page (see that tab up near our blog header?) with some no-VOC paint and a low-VOC sealant like SafeCoat. Good luck!
jaime ciavarri says
Hi, I have been reading your blog non stop now for about a month. I get so excited when I see a new post. You guys have so many amazing ideas!! Your house looks great. I have a qustion – I just purchased a brass chandelier ($5 at a garage sale)in hopes of refinishing it.It is my first redo project! Any tips or advice you can give on refinishing it?
Thank you so much!! Jaime
YoungHouseLove says
We actually did the exact same thing to a brass chandelier that used to hang in our old formal dining room (which is now our nursery). We just spray primed (with Kilz Spray Primer) and spray painted it white. Looked great! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kristi says
My mom GAVE me 2 of the same chair(only in tan), and I hated the way they looked on my porch(white house, green shutters, awkward light blue porch), so when I saw your idea, I knew I had to try it!!!
Well, it only took about 20 minutes, 2 cans of paint, and I now have 2 shiny black chairs I LOVE.
Total cost of project:
Chairs-free
Paint-$12(but had gift card for Lowe’s
Total: FREE!!!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Awesome! Congrats on your spray painting victory!
xo,
s
Lisa says
I came to your site from ana-white.com and I just did this yesterday with my twins’ chairs that we bought 2 houses ago. Needless to say, they were rusty and just yucky. A can of $7 spray paint did the job though. They are beautiful and dried quickly too. You are right about the tackiness with footwear though. :) Thanks so much for the info. I am a spray paint lover right now.
Lisa says
Thank you for the chairspray tutorial, I have a set that my mom gave me for my yard and I thought about giving it a makeover with a nice spray paint and some pillows but now I know what paint to buy. :)
Amy says
I am re-doing a room and I have to paint the floor register/vent covers. Do you know if need use a high heat or special spray paint or can I use just a regular spray paint? If I do use just regular spray paint do you think I need to use a primer? Thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve used regular spray paint (and even brushed on latex wall paint) and it has been fine. No primer necessary (although it never hurts, especially if you have rust). Good luck!
xo,
s
Harinee says
Am back with more questions – I’ve been googling a way to paint the curtain rods that came with our flat. They’re a dingy cream now and seems to have rust spots but I want to paint them black, do you think that will help? Should I prime them first?
I swear to put up a plaque in my finished house dedicated to YHL for aaall the questions you’ve answered for me!
YoungHouseLove says
Your best bet would be a spray primer like Kilz (one to two very thin and even coats) followed by two or three very thin coats of high quality spray paint (Rustoleum makes one with a trigger spray nozzle for about $7 that should do the trick). Good luck!
xo,
s
Kayla says
Hi guys! I have been inspired by the asymetrical photo wall in your old nursery, and am going to put one together in my home! I’m so excited. Rather than buying new white frames, I am planning to spray paint a bunch of mismatching frames all white – so they are more cohesive looking. The ones I have picked out range from plastic to wood to metals….do I spray paint them? Do I prime first? Help! I’m so inspired by your blog, you guys rock!!!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
We’d use a thin coat of spray primer like Kilz followed by spray paint (again applied thinly and evenly). Good luck!
xo,
s
SLM says
Some of you may wish to study the msds material safety data sheets on these very toxic products (including the nail polish remover – remember the skin is the largest organ and absorbs – exhaust)…
So if you are going to use them do so outside (which contaminates the air and ground btw) and wear a full mask for voc’s… these never stop offgassing as well and always (like soft plastic) leach toxins into your area. They are neuro toxic (ie brain and spine)
Don’t always believe the label (the EPA and other agencies are in league with corporations)… I have an extensive background in biochemisty and decades in arts/sculpture and chemistry of materials (many artists die from using these class of chemicals). Esp be careful around small children and pets (faster metabolisms and with children not mature immune systems) Dangerous uses I see ie not vented, on skin so on…
Gina Marshall says
I hope someone has an answer for this!!! I haven’t spraypainted anything in years and cannot remember the last brand that I used but recently purchased the Rustoleum because it can be used on metal, wood, pretty much anything. I purchased a can in black (gloss)and white (gloss). I used the black and sprayed sparingly but it seems very thin and ran and bubbled immediately. Even the little I used ran and seems very thin with little coverage. Any ideas about what I am doing wrong?
YoungHouseLove says
Maybe it’s a bad batch? Or the nozzle is broken so it’s overspraying? Or you applied it in very cold or hot temps (it’s best to stick to the temp range on the can)? Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Sonja says
Hi John & Sherry,
I am loving the Rustoleum All Surface spray. I used the hammered brown to create a hammered bronze effect on our heat registers after we stained our wood floors a nice walnut brown. Problem is, my can clogged up while letting a coat dry. Has this happened to you? Any advice?
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm it hasn’t happened to me but I wonder if you can find tips by googling? Maybe a small needle or submerging it in boiling water (just the nozzle) but I have no idea! Good luck!
xo,
s
Sonja says
Well, with the hope of possibly helping someone else someday, I will embarrass myself and tell you that I don’t think it was actually clogged. There just wasn’t a lot of paint left. My husband turned the can upside down and sprayed the registers that way. Handy you can do that with this type of spray paint!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad you figured it out! Smart hubby!
xo,
s
Judith says
Hi Sherry!!! I look at your blog every day and have gotten so many ideas from it!!! I wanted your thoughts on trying to paint a chandelier. Ours is in the dining room and is that bright, builder-brass color. We like the chandelier itself, but would prefer it to be more of an antique brass color to match our furniture. We were thinking about taking down the whole shebang, suspending it from the ceiling in the garage, and spray painting it. A good idea or a disaster? Prime it before spray painting? Thank you!!
Judith
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes- that’s what we did here. Just spray prime and spray paint (while taping off where the bulbs go). Good luck!
xo,
s
Erin says
Hey Sherry and John – I have a wrought iron drink cart (Home Goods!) that I want to spray paint orange…The Rustoleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint you mention only appears to come in Black and White. I want to maintain the wrought iron look so I’ll be needing a Flat orange color….any suggestions on brands/types? Thanks!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I think anything that says it works on metal (most spray paint works really well on metal) and that comes in a flat or even a satin color should work (satin spray paint isn’t typically very glossy like the semi-gloss and high gloss stuff). Maybe try Home Depot or a craft store like Michael’s? Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Erin says
It does! Thanks so much!~
Carrie says
I have chairs just like these and they could use a paint job. The factory paint is white and is coming off leaving chalky white marks on anyone who sits in them and touches the metal. Should this be primed somehow first?
And second question, did the paint fill in the screening on the seats? I picture it getting all globbed up from the paint and looking horrible. Any close ups of how that came out?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, sounds like they need to be sanded down (otherwise the new paint will just crack off with the old stuff). You basically want to get the chairs down as far to their natural state as possible and then prime and paint so nothing cracks off anymore. Thin thin thin and even coats will help with the screening- it didn’t get globby but we kept our hands moving and just misted it so it didn’t get too drippy and thick.
xo,
s
Kristen says
Hi I’m considering spray painting an old children’s ride in car (garage sale find) but am concerned about 1)how the paint holds up and 2) how toxic it is. Do you have any experience with non-toxic spray paints and how they hold up?
YoungHouseLove says
I have yet to find any non-toxic spray paint, but as long as you don’t have a very young child who will gnaw on it (ex: Clara would nibble on things at 8 months, but wouldn’t do that at 18+ months) then as long as you spray it and let it sit outside for a few hot days (to offgas, so it doesn’t smell all fumey) it should be just the same as a store bought car or table or chair for kids that might have been spray painted in a factory.
xo,
s
Emily says
Thanks for the tips! I used your advice when I painted my mixer last week.
~em
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!
xo,
s
Julie says
Did the spray paint peel at all off of the sling part of the chair? It looks like the normal outdoor “meshy” material used on most outdoor furniture..am i correct? I have thought about doing ours but i dreaded taking all the mesh of or taping it off..I would LOVE to just spray the whole thing!! How did those hold up to the weather?
YoungHouseLove says
They held up great. That messy part is plastic and the spray said it worked on plastic so we went for it. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Linda says
I have a patio table that has tempered glass top, can the glass be painted and with what?
YoungHouseLove says
I think you might be able to paint the underside of the glass (so it doesn’t scratch when you use the surface) with outdoor paint. Never done it myself though! Good luck!
xo
s
Joan B. says
I know this is an old post but how have the chairs stood up over the past 4 years??
J.
YoungHouseLove says
They held up until we sold the house (and had a yard sale with them) – so 2+ years outside! Hope it helps!
xo
s
Michelle H. says
I was wondering how the sling chair paint would hold up to being outside for 3 seasons, especially in the hot summer sun? I’m worried about the paint melting and coming off on our clothes?
Both yours and anothers online post shows the painted chairs being on a covered shaded porch so I’m wondering how the paint would fair in the blazing sun?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I’m not sure, but spray paint is getting better and better (Rustoleum makes Universal All-Surface spray with primer built in) so hopefully it’ll hold up for a nice long time :)
xo
s
karen says
This post was exactly what I was looking for. The chairs look awesome! I have four chairs…would two cans be enough?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I think if you do thin and even coats you should be good with two cans. Especially of the quality spray paint (that goes a longer way than a cheap can ;)
xo
s
elektra says
can i spray a white patio table with glass that can’t be removed (or it would be obviously easier)–that is, i’d have to spray both the glass and the metal area on the top, legs, etc. why doesn’t the paint on the glass (mine is bumpy and looks sorta mottled) chip off?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, paint on the glass will probably bubble/peel/chip off over time. I would tape that glass part off to block the tray and spray the metal parts and leave the glass as-is :)
xo
s
Whitney says
Any thoughts on differences between the rustoleum universal and the rustoleum painter’s touch? The painters touch is about half as much and you can spray it on all the same surfaces….
YoungHouseLove says
I think the Rustoleum Universal has a built in primer that makes it stick really well and extra durable. Something about the formula is more heavy duty, which probably explains the price difference, so if you have something that’ll get a lot of use I’d use the Universal but if it’s just something little that’s not handled or used a lot maybe go for the Painter’s Touch?
xo
s
Laurie says
I found this site accidentally while looking up information on spray painting outdoor furniture. We have a patio set that’s only a few years old, but I’ve never really liked the colors (gray metal with lt tan/gray sling chairs). The website I purchased the set from states the seats are “Polyester with a PVC coating”. Can we use Rustoleum spray paint on these to change the color of both the seats and the metal trim? I want to make sure it won’t flake or rub off the seats. Thanks for the info!
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I’m not 100% sure but I would think if you use thin thin thin and even coats (nothing too thick and drippy) and then give it lots of time to dry it should hopefully be ok.
xo
s
Shari says
I was wondering if you guys have ever spray painted picture frames? I have a bunch of black and brown frames and want to transition to all white but don’t really want to have to buy a ton of new frames.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, we’ve done that with yard sale frames or clearance ones that aren’t the right color. I like using Rustoleum Universal All-Surface spray in white because it has a built in primer. Just take out the glass and backing, lay them all out on a large piece of cardboard in the yard, and spray with thin thin thin and even coats. I like to just mist them a bunch of times until it builds up to nice clean looking coverage. Good luck!
xo
s
Isabel says
Hello there! I’m starting to feel like a stalker since I’ve been working my way through the blog from the beginning! This is the exact same project I want to take on with a couple of non-matching gravity chairs (similar to this one http://www.patiofurnitureusa.com/outdoor-chairs/outdoor-chaise-lounges/deluxepaddedstripezerogravitychair.cfm) until I can convince hubby (and save the money) to buy a pair of red adirondacks. I am unsure if the paint would stick to the meshy material used for the seating and the thick elastic strings that tie the seating area to the frame. So was curious to know if the seating on yours was also meshy, which as far as I can tell from the pic, it is. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, it was plasticy and meshy! They now make spray paint that says “meant for plastic” right on the can, so I’d use that stuff and you should be great! Good luck Isabel!
xo
s
Crystal says
Isabel, just curious how your project came out? I am currently looking to repaint some dingy antigravity chair (fabric included). I was just wanting to make sure that paint didn’t rub or flake off after too long?? of if YoungHouseLove knows the answer to this??
YoungHouseLove says
Ours held up great since it was paint made for that surface. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Scott says
These are some great ideas. You can do so much with spray paint. Especially when it comes to furniture.
nayeem says
does spray paint work on the PVC/polyester outdoor chairs?
YoungHouseLove says
They make many formulas that now call out that they work on plastic and outdoor chairs. I’d try the Rustoleum Universal All-Surface spray paint.
xo
s
Amanda says
I know its been a few years now since you’ve done this – but wanted to ask if this held up? Did the spray paint on the actual sling fabric part of the seat rub off or come off on your clothing? I’m asking because I want to do the exact same with my set, but afraid to spray the fabric because I’m afraid the paint might come off on clothing? Thoughts?
Thanks so much!
YoungHouseLove says
Definitely held up and didn’t rub off on clothes. As long as you let it dry and use spray meant for that material (like Rustoleum All-Surface Universal Spray Paint you should be good!
xo
s
Bridgette Fraley says
Hi! I just wanted to see how it’s held up over the years and if you needed to do any touch ups etc…? Thanks and they look fabulous!