Updated Bar Stool Makeover

This is a special project to me, because I did this bar stool makeover for my mother.  Since getting her new Ipad, she has spent (like many of us…so don’t judge her!) hours on Pinterest, checking out cool DIY ideas.  One day she casually mentioned to me she had seen some beautiful painted bar stools on Pinterest.  She also added she just happened to have two boring bar stools in her possession that could use an update.  I’m a good daughter, so I immediately accepted the challenge!  I mean, seriously, these two bar stools really needed a new life, and I was happy to help them out.
My mother gave me free range with this project.  Her only stipulation was to make them pretty because she may need to use them when she practices playing the flute.  Yes, she is learning to play, and yes, she was joking.  But that didn’t stop me from finding some really cool scrapbook paper with music notes on it!  I decided to use Mod Podge to decorate the top, and I also thought it would look nice with a monogram on it.  I started out by tracing and cutting the paper to fit the rounded top of the bar stool.  For the letter, I simply traced around a wood letter I had sitting around my home.

To prep the bar stools for painting, I used a sanding block to lightly sand the finish so the paint would stick better.  I also sprayed a coat of primer on them.

Next, I sprayed two coats of my base color to ensure even coverage.  Yes, I said base color, because I have a special surprise for you in the next step!  I painted them upside down first to make sure I covered every spot.  The color I used here is Krylon Colormaster Satin in Jade.  Did I mention the Krylon colors matched the scrapbook paper I chose perfectly?

I really like the look of dipped furniture, and thought I’d try it out on this project.  It’s pretty simple to do.  I just measured and used painters tape to tape off each chair leg at the same height before spray painting the ends a different color.  I may patent my intelligent design here, by the way.  I cut a garbage bag along its sides to create a long piece, laid it out over the chairs and used scissors to make small holes for the legs.  Then I pulled each leg through the small hole, and slid the bag down to the tape line. I used a Glad trash bag that stretches, so it made a tight fit around the legs.  This provided protection to my chairs from possible over-spray from the new color. Genius!
I think these babies need some extra color.  How about you?  I spray painted the ends of the chair with two coats of a beautiful coral color.  Doesn’t that give these chairs an extra pop of color?  The color I used here is Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Coral Isle in Gloss.
After the chairs were dry, I removed the tape and bag, and gave them a light coat of spray sealer before bringing them inside.  The next step was to use Mod Podge to adhere the scrapbook paper to the top of the bar stools.  If you don’t know how to decoupage, check out my previous post with instructions here.I must say I’ve changed my mind about decoupage. It was super easy to adhere the scrapbook paper to the bar stools, and I had no trouble with any bubbles this time.  I guess my last project was difficult since wrapping paper is thinner and wrinkles easier.  I told you I’d give Mod Podge another try, and I’m glad I did. Just look at these beauties!

What do you think of these colorful bar stools?  Isn’t it amazing the difference I made with some spray paint and scrapbook paper?  It only took about $20 to make this transformation.  It almost makes me want to learn to the play the flute!  Well, not really, but I’m still going to hate giving these back to my mom.

I hope you like these bar stools as much as I do.  Maybe you’re considering a transformation of you own right now? I’d love to hear your comments.  Let me know what you think!

Shared with: Retro Re-pin Party