Not a fan of the color of your metal stools? Don’t worry! Learn how to paint and distress metal with this quick and easy tutorial.
Last Christmas I purchased these gorgeous metal bar stools from Overstock to complete the look around our kitchen island. However, even though I loved everything about these beauties I found myself wishing they were. . . different.
Honestly, I love the color, but with our kitchen countertops being so dark as it is I felt like the bar stools just didn’t look right, or have the “popping” factor that I was looking for.
First, I tried just distressing the metal and the original paint job, but … ugh. Still not getting it done for me.
So, what’s a girl to do when faced with suchhhhh a dilemma? Well, you either go big and bold, or you go home.
Are you ready to learn how to paint and distress metal bar stools? Good! Let’s get started!
1.) First things first, wipe down your stools with a little bit of lacquer thinner to clean off any random debris that could cause the spray paint not to stick, or give it a weird texture.
2.) Pick out the color of your choice for your stools (or whatever project you’re working on). I’m happy to announce that this brilliant can of happiness did just the trick!
I know I haven’t mentioned it in any of my previous posts, but I recently attended the blogger Haven Conference, and had such a great time! I met so many new faces as well as finally be able to put a name to a personality. Always a plus!
One of the other amazing bonuses about this conference was the amazing goody bags that everyone received! For instance, this handy-dandy Rust-Oleum Spray Paint Comfort Grip
3.) Then, it’s time to paint! Remember: use LIGHT and MULTIPLE coats to prevent running and drippage. (Sure, of course. Drippage is a word!)
Also, if it’s crazy humid in your location you might want to bring your project inside a garage with a fan or a/c unit. I started off doing all the stools outdoors, but after an hour I found that they were still super tacky. So, indoors they went!
How to Paint and Distress Metal Bar Stools
4.) After you have painted all your stools and they’re good and dry it’ll now be time to distress. My favorite method? Lacquer thinner. Just put a little bit on a paper towel like you were cleaning them again, and buff out the edges. Depending on how much distress you will want will ultimately depend on how long this part will take. For me, maybe 10 minutes. Nothing too crazy.
5.) If you would like, go ahead and spray down your stools with a clear matte finish. Honestly, I do not think this step is necessary (since you want the distressed factor!), but it can’t hurt to add a little bit of protection.
6.) Enjoy these lovelies!
I still can’t believe how much of a difference this color swap has made! Soooo incredibly happy that I went with my gut.
In a few very short weeks I’ll have the remaining projects posted for the kitchen, and then I will FINALLY be done! Yay for getting projects off of my to do list!
You can’t see it, but I’m totally jumping up and down right now.
No, I am NOT twerking! Who said that?
First off, trust me, those crazy days are over for this girl. I don’t think I would even know how to move like that… or want to!
Looking for more inspiring DIY projects?
- Mason Jar Pendant Light
- Repurposed Table Turned Wood Tilt Out Trash Can
- Fairy Tale Reclaimed Wood Signs
- 14 Industrial Home Decor Ideas
What kind of projects have you guys been creating lately?
I hope you have a great week, and chat with you soon :)
Pssttt…. Don’t forget to check out my DIY projects page chocked full of DIY and decorating goodness!
-
- DIY Mason Jar Pendant Light
-
- Trust Your Heart Wood Sign
-
- DIY Hanging Plant Tutorial
-
- DIY Bedroom Chandelier
-
- How to Decorate with Plants
ananda says
August 3, 2015 at 1:29 pmwow LZ these look like they just came out of the hottest magazines!!! stunning!! i LOVE your style and the tutorial!! xoxo
LZ Cathcart says
August 3, 2015 at 9:31 pmYou are too sweet Ananda! Thank you so much for the kind words :)
Cynthia - Clockwork Interiors says
August 24, 2015 at 8:37 pmWow! Such a happy color! Appreciate the great tutorial, as well!
LZ Cathcart says
August 26, 2015 at 9:28 amThank you, Cynthia! Lime green is definitely a favorite of mine. It just screams fun and happy times :)
Kati says
August 25, 2015 at 12:14 amI love how they turned out. I have been wanting some of those metal bar stools for my new island, but I couldn’t find any colors that I liked, now I can just grab the next ones I find a good deal on!
LZ Cathcart says
August 26, 2015 at 10:09 amHi Kati! That’s a great idea, and my motto is… you can always paint it. ;)
Stephanie R says
August 27, 2015 at 8:30 pmI love how these turned out. Its really amazing what some paint can do to really brighten up that space!
LZ Cathcart says
August 29, 2015 at 1:46 pmPaint is truly amazing, and lucky for us… there are countless colors to always be able to select from :)
Desiree @ The36thAvenue says
August 30, 2015 at 12:45 amLZ, I am in love with your kitchen and the new color of your barstools is fabulous… I love GREEN!
I’ll be featuring you next week on the blog… THANK YOU so much for visiting our party!
LZ Cathcart says
August 30, 2015 at 8:34 pmHi Desiree and thank you so much!! I am so psyched to be apart of your features for this coming week :)
Beverly says
August 30, 2015 at 9:18 amI love the new look and the color is awesome. They look great in your kitchen. I have a stool that needs to be painted. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for sharing at Wake UpbWednesday,
Bev
LZ Cathcart says
August 30, 2015 at 8:21 pmHi Bev and thank you so much! This color definitely makes my day every time I look at it :)
Erin says
February 3, 2016 at 5:38 pmThese are great! I love the color and love the distressed look! I’m totally doing this! Thanks for the tips :)
LZ Cathcart says
February 4, 2016 at 9:57 pmHi Erin and thank you! Isn’t lime green the best?! I’m such a huge fan, and I’m so happy you like it too :) Best of luck with your next project!
Kathy says
September 21, 2016 at 6:11 pmHi! Your stools look lovely, I love the color! I am looking to paint/distress wrought iron wall peace. Would I use the same method I would for metal? Also, does any old spray paint do? Thanks so much!
LZ Cathcart says
September 22, 2016 at 7:57 pmHi Kathy and thank you!! You know, I’ve never tried this method with wrought iron before, but I imagine it would work out just the same. You’ll definitely have to let me know! Personally, I’ve never had a good experience with using old spray paint. Boo, right?! Best of luck :)
Jackie B says
November 11, 2016 at 3:55 pmHi there! I am painting my barstools today because of you! :) Thanks so much for the tutorial. Just wanted to ask – how is your paint holding up? Scratch easily or anything like that? I am thinking of adding wooden seats to mine so that jean rivets and things like that don’t mark them up.
LZ Cathcart says
November 12, 2016 at 5:33 pmHi Jackie, and yay!! :) Honestly, I haven’t noticed any “easy” scratching. It still looks incredible, love the color, but the beauty also of this particular project is that since it is distressed I probably won’t notice too much either. P.S. I love the idea of adding wooden seats! Best of luck!
Petra says
February 11, 2017 at 1:57 pmI want to paint my coral barstools. Should I use your same technique even though they came colored. Would it work?
LZ Cathcart says
February 11, 2017 at 9:18 pmHi Petra! Are they made out of metal or wood? If so, I definitely think this tutorial will be perfect! Best of luck :)
Kathryn Ontiveros says
May 6, 2017 at 10:52 amCan’t see your pictures for some reason, but this sounds like the kind of tutorial I need to paint my barstools! Any chance you send me the pics?
LZ Cathcart says
May 6, 2017 at 6:19 pmHi Kathryn! Thank you so much for letting me know. How are they working now? Have a great weekend :)
Kathryn says
May 20, 2017 at 1:44 pmSeeing them now, thanks! Painting my barstools this weekend, thanks for the tips!
LZ Cathcart says
June 5, 2017 at 1:35 pmAwesome! Best of luck :)
Larmonica revels says
July 22, 2017 at 11:01 amHello..Love the color. I want to distress some metal barstools that I have without painting. I love the color (grey) but want the distressed look. Do you think the same rechnique will work without painting?
Linda Zahora-Cathcart says
August 3, 2017 at 11:40 amHi Larmonica! Honestly, I do not. I tried it on mine originally, but nothing happened. I would highly recommend at least adding one coat to have the same affect. Best of luck :)
Amphasis says
July 7, 2018 at 11:51 amThis is so lovely, thank you for the detailed instruction, I will try to do it.
LZ Cathcart says
July 9, 2018 at 7:57 pmSo happy to hear, and thank you so much :)
Jonathan says
October 7, 2018 at 12:22 amHi! Thanks so much for the tutorial. I have these stools in bright orange, and I’m looking to swap out for a new color. Do you foresee any issues going from a bold color to something more subdued?
LZ Cathcart says
October 13, 2018 at 12:28 pmHi Jonathan, and what a fantastic question! Personally, I probably wouldn’t try to distress the paint on your stools if you don’t want to see it popping through. Even if you’re going from a bold color to a light one I don’t foresee any issues as long as you put on plenty of light coats over one another. Best of luck, and have fun :)