Back in 2002, I was on the cutting edge of the black painted furniture craze, when after doing a kitchen renovation at my house in Georgia, I painted my kitchen chairs black (which I shared about 2 years ago here). And I haven’t looked back since then. There have been many more furniture transformations using black paint since that day.  I think this trend actually started with Ballards Designs (at least to me) when I picked up their catalog and began seeing black furniture, a light bulb went off. I can do that!
You’ve seen countless demonstrations of painting furniture black on the web, but here’s mine….again. 🙂 So, join me today for another black spray paint project.
These 2 harp back chairs are yardsale finds (of course, they are!) and I’ve enjoyed them in their brown state for a few years now, but have lately been eyeing them with black on the brain. So, I got busy and changed them. First, you take off the seats by unscrewing those 4 screws.  I’ve changed the fabric on these a couple of times which is as easy as stapling and pulling fabric.
Outside they went and first I wiped them down with a liquid sander. This step just deglosses wood furniture and helps the paint to adhere better.  I do this instead of priming, which most wood pieces don’t require. I hardly ever prime real wood, but I definitely prime anything that is fake or veneer.
I used Rustoleum Black Satin spray paint on these, but any brand will do. I don’t like using flat or high gloss on furniture, Satin is always my preference.
After drying about 10 minutes, the chairs are ready for their spray paint debut. Try to spray evenly with minimal drips. If it does start to drip, keep a paper towel handy to blot it before it dries that way. Not always easy to do if there is any wind outside. I prefer to do 2 light coats, letting them dry in between.  Easy, easy! 
After they are good and dry, I took the sander to the edges. You want to distress in the areas that would most likely wear with age, like the rails, top and edge of the legs.  I didn’t go too heavy with it, since I prefer a light distressing.
Like this, this looks good.
One little step I like to do after sanding, is getting out a can of stain. This is what I had handy, Cherrywood gelstain.
Grab a q-tip and swipe a little stain on that bare wood that you’ve just sanded down. It will give it a nice deep brown tone and seal it up. I just love the way this looks afterward. Take a paper towel and wipe off the excess.
And you’ll be left with some pretty distressing.
The chairs are back in place and I’m happy with them. They fit in better with the black console table they are hanging out with.
Don’t you think?
I’m likin’ the black a lot. 
Yardsale chairs rescued and saved. You gotta love that!
So, do you have something that needs a can of black spray paint to renew and revive?
Added to:
Sarah’s Before and After Party
Kimba’s DIY Day
Susan’s Met Monday
Wow, such a great tutorial. I love the look of the chairs. They look fabulous. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Marty
The chairs look great! I’m looking forward to warmer weather so I can get out and spray paint! I already have 3 pieces in mind!
Thank you for all the great tips!
LOVE IT! The black looks so fabulou with the animal print! I’ve been a Ballard Stalker a long time too. I purchased my first antique BLACK painted chest when I was 21~! I’m 39. Crap, did I just type that out loud! I just posted a semi debut of our black painted cabinet kitchen! WHOO HOOOO! Glad to see that you’re in love with black furniture too!
Great looking chairs. I don’t have anything to paint black at the moment, but love the idea. Like you, I think Ballards was and continues to offer inspiration for those of us who enjoy decorating.
It was so nice meeting you Saturday. Your site is just beautiful!
Your chairs look great! I love black paint!
the chairs came out great!! also I love the Armoire from your other post.
I am a big chicken when it comes to painting furniture but always love when I see others! I have a harp back gossip bench (your chairs’ missing triplet!) that was a yard sale find (to quote you, “of course it was” 🙂 that’s been sitting in my basement since this past summer as I ponder. Maybe if the snow ever melts here I’ll take it outside and pull a Rhoda on it. 🙂
The chairs look WONDERFUL, love how you distressed them then did the stain thing…I wouldn’t have thought of that so thanks!!!!!! XO, Pinky
Such a fun alternative to painting everything white! Love them!
Rhoda…these really turned out great! Love the tip on staining the sanded edges at the end. The leopard print fabric looks fabulous with the black! You’re comment made me laugh on my MM post. So funny! 😉
Gosh, you are somethin’ else! I love it! Wish I was as brave as you are!
Joni
Rhoda, I love the black chairs. I have a round little table that I am going to do that to….tired of the brown wood..I have some brown wood sconces, I think I could paint them, too..refresh and renew..
hugs
Barb
Rhoda, The chairs look wonderful in black and the sneak peek into your other rooms look beautiful.
Love the gel stain trick! It is stunning, thanks for sharing!
Kristin
Hey Rhoda! I just saw where you linked up after me at Today’s Creative blog so I had to come by and say hey! My husband and I painted everything in our guest bedroom black about a month ago and love it! My mom kept singing that song “Paint it BlacK” to us, haha.
Ok, now I’m inspired. I’ve been meaning to transform an old side table for months now. Your tutorial/guide is the easiest one I’ve found. Guess I know what I’ll be doing this weekend!
turned out great!!
I’m hosting a giveaway on my blog – come and check it out!!
http://madebystephie.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-first-giveaway.html
Absolutely gorgeous, Rhoda.
Those turned out so divine!
LOVE how your chairs turned out, Rhoda! Don’tcha just love that liquid sander?! I just used that and painted a dresser in my living room black.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
~Michelle 🙂