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…
… as opposed to the nice dark ORB legs that we addded to Karl The Sectional:
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
Ah, so much better now:
To save your poor weary fingers from scrolling to the top, here’s that before again:
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?
lizzy says
ahhh, these minor tweaks make such a major difference!
our mantle was the same color as this chair’s legs and it has been driving me crazy since we moved into the new house. just this past weekend, we constructed a cap to put over the existing mantle – we figured that would take half as long as it would to sand and refinish the existing mantle – plus, a beefier mantle never hurt anybody! it just needs one more coat of stain tonight and then i’m slapping that sucker on!
LeighS says
Love your blog…so inspiring! When you are thinking about decorating a room do you start with the paint color to guide you or do you think about the furniture/accessories and then paint color? I see so much that I like on decorating blogs that I have trouble making a final decision!
YoungHouseLove says
I just start with whatever I’m in love with first. Haha. For example, we knew we wanted a huge dark gray sectional in our living room so we thought light platinum gray would be nice on and walls and the beams were even inspired by the dark sofa and it all sort of went from there (we added color and texture to keep the gray from getting too much, etc). Just start in one spot that you’re confident and excited and grow from there!
xo,
s
Sierra says
Carmel tone? bahhhhhh!!!
bridget b. says
looks great Sherry!
which got me thinking…do you think that a whole nightstand dresser spray-painted oil rubbed bronze would be too much? black would be too dark for my decor, and i think brown spray paint would be a little too blah.
YoungHouseLove says
I think it could look really nice! Just be careful when spray painting a huge piece of furniture (I usually prefer to paint bigger wood pieces like that) since spray paint can look drippy and bad if you’re not super careful about application (a small foam roller is a bit more error proof for most beginners). Good luck!
xo,
s
bridget b. says
thanks for the tip – i’m definitely in the error prone category. does regular paint come in ORB?
YoungHouseLove says
Not sure- Martha has a nice line or metallics I think. And someone else does- forget who. Anyone know of a paint that looks ORB?
xo,
s
skye says
I have yet to purchase or use ORB spray paint but I did have the pleasure of of explaining to my in-laws last night that ORB is NOT black. They were buying a light fixture and they thought everything was black and I finally convinced them that black & ORB are not the same! It was quite entertaining!
Anyways – Love the simple fix and the recycling bin usage! Gotta love recycling a recycling bin into something else! Kinda brings it all full circle!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I would have loved to be a fly on that wall!
xo,
s
Kim says
Can you use Safecoat Acrylacq on metal? I spray painted the door pulls from my kitchen cabinets, changing them from a hideous brass to “hammered” black. I’d love to be able to seal them, since they’ll get daily use, but wasn’t sure about using poly.
YoungHouseLove says
I would worry that it would end up tacky and might even hurt the durability. This stuff is made for metal so I’d just leave it at that for the most “insurance” that it’ll cure properly.
xo,
s
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
Love the new finish! Now I can’t wait to watch Design Star. I’ll have to listen for camel tone. ;)
I would also love to spray paint my brass door knobs. Hate them. It would cost us like $300 I think to replace the door knobs & hinges & locks. It’s crazy. I’m thinking about trying the spray paint first. Since we open and close the bathroom door the most, that is probably where I will try it first and then see after a month what everything looked like. I think I might be buying some spray paint soon. Done with the brass!!! ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Agreed! We can’t wait to try it out. Here’s hoping it works for all of us. Haha.
xo,
s
Robin says
So excited about the ORB spraypaint. Have a brassy light fixture in our new house just BEGGING to be painted! Can’t wait to give it a bash! Totally missed camel tones comment on Design Star last night. Going to have to pay more attention!
LauraC says
Looks great!
Tina B says
Sherry!!! I am on some crazy spray paint kick too?!? What is it all about?? Idk, but I love taking some UUUUUUGLY and making it PUURRRDY with a fresh coat of rustoleum! I recently did this Good Will Owl (i’m also obsessed with owls right now):
http://teebliterary.blogspot.com/2011/07/owl-be-crazy.html
and these candle sticks, also found at good will:
http://teebliterary.blogspot.com/2011/06/good-will-hunting.html
its a sickness I guess, spray-paint-cleosis?! I love it though!
The chair looks great:) So does everything else in that room, I heart it all!
YoungHouseLove says
Love it! Especially “Owl Be Crazy.” Hilarious!
xo,
s
Nellie says
That small paint job made such a big difference! Great vision.
Amanda says
Would you recommend spraying an end table (for a living room) with this paint? Or would it be too metallic-y ?
YoungHouseLove says
I think it would look amazing! I’m just weary about spray painting large wood furnishings (a small foam roller is usually more error proof, so beginners with spray paint can wind up with drips and marks they don’t like). Good luck!
xo,
s
Kara says
I really don’t spray paint enough, but will try. After painting furniture in my house and it being successful, I walk around the house looking for things to paint!
holly says
you are a genius. legs look fabulous!
design star! i loved the “trees” in the bonus room with that chair in front. that was definitely my favorite part of last night’s show.
you should watch the selling new york that aired last week—it was all about picking the space to house the design star designers. mmmm, mmmm. love that hgtv!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s so much fun! Behind the scenes stuff is my favorite.
xo,
s
tracie says
looks really great!
Sarah says
I am a huge fan of spray paint too, especially the rustoleum brand. The chair looks great, I have a pair of stools with the same leg color with a black top and I have been wanting to paint the legs a different color but I wasn’t sure what to go with…your post is pushing me to go dark :) Enjoyed design star, actually agreed with the judges for the best room, thought it looked great & glad that Blanche went home early, thought it was funny with the big sign relax on a bright orange wall…
Amy says
Totally none post related and I understand if you don’t have the time to answer, maybe other commenters can weigh in…
We’re going to look at a house this week and it’s not what my husband and I thought we’d even be interested in, but it’s sparking our (my) interest. There are a few oddities and I just needed some thoughts on some of it.
Here is the link to the home:
http://www.newenglandmoves.com/real-estate/property/324-wash-pond-road-hampstead-nh-03841/single-family-home/mls-71258077/1359071?link_type=details&src=alert_ss
Just wondering your thoughts (or anyone’s) on what we could possibly do with the fireplace in between the kitchen/livingroom, besides painting it a crisp white. Also the fridge placement. It just has really no home besides floating around on one side of the fireplace.
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
You could paint the fireplace glossy charcoal or chocolate for a nice feature! And you could frame out the fridge with wood so it looks “built-in.” Maybe post a pic and question on our Facebook page for more feedback?
xo,
s
Elizabeth Webber says
OMG I totally rewound and giggled at the “camel tone” too! Totally did not sound right. Love the new chair legs though! Just gave me an idea to try with some IKEA chairs I have that are just too yellow of a wood for my new place. Thanks!
Kelsey says
That looks MUCH better and gives the chair a much more high end look! I have to know where you guys snagged that mirror above the desk??? It is GORGEOUS! I wonder if you could DIY a similar one? Super cute!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Hobby Lobby for 50% off! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
toni from says
I also heard “camel-tone” on Design Star and cracked up. I had to rewind that to double check and yes that is what she said…LOL. Great season so far, I loved the downstairs room-the tree mural was awesome and also the under the stairs reading/ lounge area= major love!!!
Jen says
Ha! My husband was half watching and half surfing the internet and he was the one who went, “Did she just say that?” I immediately went, “Mmmmm, warm camel tones…”
On another note I paused it when they were all lined up on the stairs right after they finished the rooms, and poor Kellie was right up in front covered in white paint, and told my husband, “Quick, can you tell which one I relate most to?” He looks up and smiles, “Yeah!” (I have a reputation for always ending up with paint all over me!)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- that was so funny. We couldn’t believe she didn’t have a moment for a wipe-down. Haha. I’ve totally had days like that.
xo,
s
Ashley @ DesignBuildLove.co says
LOVE the changed legs on the chair! Totally wasn’t a fan of the prior orange-y toned versions, and ORB totally has stolen my heart!!! :)
As for design star… ya, I heard that same thing!!! Totally laughed my butt off while my husband stared at me like I was crazy or something… LOL
Also… what was up with that bedroom. BRIGHT ORANGE and a cutout sign that says “restful” (I think that’s what it was)= totally loud and not restful at all. I loved some of the elements of that room, but I think those colors would have better served as a stimulating office space!!!
Lindsey @ A Pear to Remember says
REALLY love.
Guess what, J & S?? Leaving the apartment, like this second, to go tour a 1949 rambler… to move into!!!! Hope it’s as dreamy as the photos. The realtor said it was charming, I can’t wait to create!!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahooo! My heart is beating faster for ya! Good luck!
xo,
s
Yvette Kelley says
Question? Do you think you could use that exact same spray paint for a fireplace surround? We have two fireplaces in our house.. and I went crazy trying to find a “high heat” one.. but it only came in a use-your-paintbrush version. It took a billion hours of drying-between-coats to look even and not streaky. Needless to say, I’ve only done one so far…That spray would be ideal for the second. Thoughts??
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, maybe try reading the can to be sure it’s not flammable or doesn’t say anything about not using it in high heat scenarios. I figure some people use it to spray things like metal outdoor fire pits so there should be a disclaimer if that’s a bad idea. Good luck!
xo,
s
Rachael says
I totally caught the Camel Tone on Design Star as well.
As I’ve only seen one other episode of Design Star I was wondering, do they ever tell you their budget? Maybe I’m so used to the format of Project Runway, but I think there’s a big difference in a challenge where everyone had $10,000 to spend per room and one where they had $500. It didn’t seem like they worried about budget last night.
I think Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader and Purple Girl are the dark horses of this season!
YoungHouseLove says
The last few seasons mentioned budget a lot- so maybe moving on to the White Box challenge will be when they mention it? I would have loved to know it for last night’s project though! That tire ottoman couldn’t have been cheap…
xo,
s
Mindy M. says
Just one thing… Sherry, you crack me up. I totally get your sense of humor.
Pamela says
I love spray-painted items (especially the fabulous ORB!), but I’ve hesitated painting door knobs & bathroom towel bars since I remembered a contractor mentioned that the paint may transfer to your hands/towels, thus to your eyes. Perhaps spray paint wouldn’t transfer over time, but the thought of the chemicals ending up in my eyes/on the face makes me skeered. Perhaps on door knobs that are used infrequently would be just fine. What ‘cha think, Sherry?
YoungHouseLove says
I’ve seen lots of folks spray paint hardware like knobs or pulls or towel bars and once it cures I don’t believe anything can transfer (fumes can still off gas if they’re not sealed, but I don’t believe that actual paint particles would be released with everyday use (unless there was obvious cracking and peeling, like lead paint on walls- when it’s not cracked and peeling or sanded it’s not being released). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ivy says
So, totally unrelated. I just wanted to let you know of a fun (to me, im amused easily i guess) little game I have been playing with your posts lately. I read from google reader and the- by: sherry or by: john part is so small I miss it. So, I read the whole post then try to guess who wrote it. Then I scroll to the top and see if I am right. Yeah, Im a dork. Haha.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- what’s your accuracy percentage? I wonder if we sound different enough for folks to tell.
xo,
s
lizzy says
haha! you can TOTALLY tell who writes which post without the “by” at the top. :)
YoungHouseLove says
500 YHL points to everyone who knows. That’s funny because I feel like J & I are slowly turning into each other. Haha.
xo,
s
Cherri T. says
I did watch Design Star last night, and I have to say I’d disqualify Cathy on the basis of her scary-big eyes. Sorry, she’ll need to fix that if she gets her own show!
Amy @TriangleHoneymoon.com says
They look awesome and blend so well now. It’s the little things that can sometimes make the biggest difference!
Vanessa says
I need to do this more often! I am quick to get rid and buy new rather than fix up!! I see a new outlook coming my way!!!
Jenn P says
Oh, I’m so glad Design Star is back! Three cheers for reality shows that are actually talent-based.
The bonus room awesome, and Karl was deserving of the W. The tree mural was perfection considering the time restraints!
I thought the great room was fantastic, and I happily snickered when Leslie took the lion’s share of the credit after being verbally abused by her partner for the whole episode. You’d think they’d be savvy enough to realize that they aren’t going to win if they aren’t likeable.
I’m not surprised that Blanche went home, but I thought the worst room, by far, was the “Relax”-ing orange bedroom. Somebody should have taken a fall for that mess!
Olivia says
yeah I thought the bright orange bedroom was waay worse then what Blanche did.
Brittany says
Wow I can’t believe what a difference that made! I really hadn’t noticed them until you said anything.. but now? OoOoOoh Baby! Take me now! Hahaha
Jaime says
Your project looks fab as usual – well done!
And YES I watched Design Star last night. I thought that /surely/ I was the only one who heard Camel Tone incorrectly. I’m so glad to be in good company! The pillow bench was atrocious, btw Miz “5 Emmys”, so let’s step it up a notch and earn some design cred!
Cindy Berisic says
Speaking of “camel tone”..did you notice the major “camel tone” on Genevieve in the first scene??
YoungHouseLove says
YES. I had to look away. And that, my friends, is one of ten million reasons I don’t want a show. I’d get caught picking a wedgie or my nose or something equally embarrassing. Props to everyone on Design Star, judges and contestants alike.
xo,
s
Charlotte says
I’ve been looking for some recommended spray paint for a while now but I just checked the website for a DIY shop over here and it’s shocking! One can of Rustoleum spray paint is £12.48! That’s $19.86 according to Google, more than double what you pay.
:(
YoungHouseLove says
Holy craziness! Someone in the US needs to ship it your way for a milder profit, haha.
xo,
s
Rachel @ We Heart Minnesota says
In response to Bridget B.-Ralph Lauren also has a line of metallic paint that is really cool. They have a “bronze statute” color. http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/products/paint/Finishes/items.aspx?haid=116
We used the RL paint in our bathroom in the Silver Plated color, and we love it. http://weheartminnesota.com/2011/05/04/recap-of-our-bathroom-redo/
And Sherry’s right that Martha Stewart has a metallic line at Home Depot. She also has a “glitter” line I recently noticed there. My husband had to talk me down.
ruthie says
Oh gosh, I didn’t catch the comment, but I have it on the DVR- will re-play! But I was disappointed when they just threw sheets over a headboard b/c they had no time! and what was up with the bedroom that had like 4 twin beds in it?
Jessica says
Just yesterday my daughter was playing in the woods behind our house and brought in an old basket she found. I told her it was too dirty & rusty to keep. Her answer: That’s okay, I’m going to wash it & spray paint it! Apparently addictions spread through the home and start young – keep an eye on Clara!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- it’s contagious!
xo,
s
Kate says
I’m dying to paint two shiney brass lights in the bathrooms in our new house. The lights aren’t the greatest, but they can stay for now if they just aren’t brass.
Jared says
Love you guys and check the blog regularly but have to keep it real on this one. I think the old legs looked better. I thought the color and character they added was nice.
YoungHouseLove says
Ain’t no thang chicken wing. I have a theory that guys dig “leaving wood alone” a lot more in general. Haha.
xo,
s
Barb says
FYI….Found the spray paint at HD…you were right on!!!
Thanks Sherry.
Now, the lamp project-0!!!
B.
YoungHouseLove says
So glad!
xo,
s
Olivia says
What an interesting and quick idea! Thanks for sharing :)
Olivia
I am still learning
http://jojfamily.blogspot.com/
Rachel Tatem says
Simple yet effective and makes all the difference
Amy D. says
Love your blog!! I look forward to reading it everyday, sometimes checking many times a day for updates(depending on how the workday is going..haha). I have been searching for inspiration on decorating my second bedroom in my 70+ yr old house while using furniture and artwork from my previous house (that was decorated with a different style). I am having difficulty using my old stuff in my new space. I am at my wits end with this project, the rest of my house has come together but i feel like this room is left with all the stuff that did not work/fit elsewhere. It needs to be a bedroom and an office workspace.
Do you ever do consulting work?
YoungHouseLove says
Sadly there just aren’t enough hours in the day for design help but if you post a pic of the room you’re working on (on our Facebook page) people will hopefully chime in with advice. We try to add some whenever we can too!
xo,
s
Kitty says
The legs didn’t bother me until you pointed it out and I love the fix! But now that you have me staring underneath the desk, have you considered hiding the cord? My lamp cords were showing through my open night tables so I got some 3M Command Cord clips (medium) ran them along the top edge and dropped down to the plug. Although you see the cord, you only see about 6″ going into the plug. Plus Roomba breezes right by. Just a thought.
YoungHouseLove says
I’d love to be that organized someday!
xo,
s
Jessica G says
seriously hilarious. warm camel tone. that joke/phrase in general makes me uncomfortable but is hilarious.
love candice, vern, gen and tanika. so much. and nice work on the legs. i was JUST about to search the archives to remind myself of how you glamed Karl’s gams…but i hadn’t had a chance to…so thanks! perfect timing!:)
Kim @ Location27 says
Those legs look so nice and glossy! The orange would have driven me mad, too. Have you ever spray painted something like that, then applied a high gloss sealer and had it turn almost frosted instead? We’re struggling with that problem right now and can’t seem to figure out what we did wrong!
YoungHouseLove says
I’m wary of sealers for just that reason! So sorry, but other than sanding and respraying and not sealing I don’t know how to solve it!
xo,
s
pam says
I heard the comment(Design Star)! My husband told me to get my mind out of the gutter. Seriously – are there no better designers in this country!?!?
Good idea to paint the chair legs. I’m researching spray paint colors this week…
Kacie says
What a difference! Those look great. Do you know if you can spray paint a ceiling fan????
Kacie
http://www.acollectionofpassions.blogspot.com/
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah- just take it down first and take off the blades and all the other parts that you can and do thin and even coats, wait for it to dry, and reassemble it.
xo,
s