One of the fun changes I made to my porch furniture was spray painting my old wood former kitchen chairs in a glossy gray to better flow with the new porch. I have had this set for over 10 years now and bought them originally unfinished at a place here in Atlanta. They are solid wood and very sturdy and I’m happy to still have them, Queen Anne style that they are. I did a whole post on how I spray painted and distressed them early on, as well as a follow up post on spray painting black in 2010, which continues to bring lots of traffic to my blog. But, it’s time for a new look! I’ve changed the seat cushion fabric on them several times now and they just keep getting reinvented (sort of like me, ya know?!)
So, this time the glossy gray spray paint won out and I love how they turned out. Now spray paint isn’t a completely fool proof way to makeover furniture so you have to be aware that there can be drips and blobs if you don’t spray carefully. Overall, I love my new chairs and think they look wonderful on the porch now.
I used Valspar (from Lowes), paint and primer in one, in Cobalt Cannon, a nice glossy gray. You can see my old table base was a little chipped up. It’s been several years (over 10 to be exact) since I painted my chairs black.
Chairs in black. I have loved them for years in black, but it was time for a reinvention for the porch.
4 side chairs, soon to be glossy gray.
I sprayed over all the chairs giving them one good coat, left them to dry and then flipped them upside down so I could get under the edges of all the wood. It took about 1 can per chair.
Spray painting outside is quick and easy and I just left them out to dry until they were dry to the touch and I brought them back inside.
I love this new color. I wasn’t sure about the gloss finish, but now that they are done, I love it.
I opted not to distress them this time, but left them with a smooth all over color.
And here’s what they look like up close. Love them!
Spray painting is such a fast and easy update on chairs like this. It would take so much longer brushing it on and when I can spray paint, I do it!
The table base is all nice and smooth now. I added some of those clear dots to the top of it and placed the beveled glass piece on top and we have dining for 4.
We have already been using this table and chairs, sitting out here in the morning for breakfast or lunch. I know it’s going to come in handy, so I’m so happy I saved this set just for this use. I don’t get rid of things that easily and if I can reinvent and reuse, I do it! This set was in my breakfast area in my old house and they are perfect out here and fit in this corner nicely. If a little rain blows in here, it won’t even matter. You can also see I hung a lantern over the table, this was a find from Homegoods ages ago and it was hanging at my old house too. Thanks to Wayfair, I also got another set of striped window panels for this side of the room. Amazing how it feels just like a room with these drapes up!
I’m loving the screened porch SO much already and it’s quickly becoming my outside office now. I love sitting at the table or on the loveseat, blogging away!
Love the grey and yellow combo, the set looks perfect there. I’m glad your getting to enjoy the porch after all your hard work.
Lovely! Spray paint can fix all sorts of things these days. I love the gray and the gloss. Did you use one of those trigger gizmos on the spray paint can? Or just hold down the button? That’s a lot of spray painting!
Hey, Sherry, I have one of those gizmos, but this particular can isn’t set up for one. It wasn’t too bad just using the can mechanism. Spraying goes fast!
The table and chairs came out really good and I’m glad you didn’t distress them.
Love this color Rhoda! I spray-painted my chairs about seven years ago and I’m ready for a change too. I just may go bold like you and go glossy grey!
You did a great job on them. Love the new color!
Pretty, pretty. Loved that you used what you had.
This may be my favorite blog post you have done (and I have been reading you for years)! I love the gray and the shine! Your table on the pedestal looks fantastic! And your porch really is another room for your home. Well done. You are one courageous and creative lady!
They look great, Rhoda- your creativity is endless (as well as your energy)! I love that you have repurposed them- I think aside from the satisfaction of repurposing furniture- it is such a fabulous way to recycle rather than buy new!
Best,
Mimi
I love the way your table turned out with the glossy gray.
Beautiful. It’s also very inspiring what you have done with your porch. Love all the idea’s, keep em coming.
I love it Rhoda! The grey and yellow look modern and fresh and perfect for your porch. Well done!
Love the colors, Rhoda! Perfect pieces for your porch. 🙂
xo Heidi
I love the new color! I am in the process of painting a bench with the same paint but in a beautiful maize color. I love your blog and always check to see what you’re up to.
I love the gray & yellow combo, Rhoda- your chairs look wonderful. I’m still envying your new porch! 🙂
What a lovely set, Rhoda! Your porch looks outstanding! I love your drapes! I need to add some to my porch too.
This porch is a dream come true!!! The chairs and table base look enameled and are the perfect compliment to the overall feel. Great job!
I love that gray!!! It’s very pretty and perfect with your floors!! Gorgeous update!!
Pretty new colour! I am a big Valspar fan… luv the spray paint and the wonderful coverage. I agree… why brush when you can spray. I save my brush moves for the canvas.
happy today!
Hugs, Gee
Grey can be iffy, for me, if it isn’t a warm grey. This is a beautiful shade and the gloss is pretty amazing! It all looks terrific!
Cheers!,
Barbara
It’s so beautiful. I love what you’ve done.
I’ve sent the details to our contractor for our screened back porch – so sorry we don’t have someone in the family to help with it but our contractor is almost like family we’ve known him & his parents so long. I sent him a link to your porch. We’ll be copying some of the things you’ve done. My favorite – the little walk out for your grill! Our porch is high up so we can drive our cars under it into the garage. Not having to go up & down stairs to grill will be so nice. :o)
Great, Jen! I’m glad you got some inspiration from my porch.
I totally adore the new color and double adore the glossy finish! The yellow and gray is so stunning together. Your porch is looking so fantastic and it’s giving me the itch to get working on my Sunroom stat!