Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Spray Painting Chair Legs Oil Rubbed Bronze

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…

Chair Legs Before

… as opposed to the nice dark ORB legs that we addded to Karl The Sectional:

Legs Detail On1

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.

Chair Legs Before2

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.  

Karl Legs Rustoleum

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).

Chair Bagged Not Sprayed

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).

Chair Bagged Sprayed

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.

Chair Sprayed Leg Detail

Ah, so much better now:

Chair Legs Afterclose1

To save your poor weary fingers from scrolling to the top, here’s that before again:

Chair Legs Before

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?

Comments

  3. Kayla says

    bahaha! The “camel tones” comment got me too!! I loved the episode and totally agree with the judge’s decisions. The bonus room was definitely my favorite room. I also really liked the purple and green bedroom. I always wonder how they select their contestants. There always seem to be just enough “design divas” to keep things interesting without getting too crazy. I think my favorite designer as of now is Leslie-the tire table was such a great find!!!

    Reply

  5. Sandy says

    Ooooooooohhhhh there it goes. Never mind .. sorry. Now I can view the pics from this post only though.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm, maybe it’s an issue with our server and the other ones will “catch up” in a little while? Glad these pics came back already though – hope the rest follow suit! Can you tell us if they’re all back yet? We’re dying to know if it’s still happening (and everything looks fine on our end- arg!). Thanks!!!

      xo,
      s

    • Sandy says

      I can view the pics from both posts now. Up and working. Thumbs up for the new do! Looks great (sorry wrong post but .. too cute).

  9. mypatsyann says

    I have been meaning to do this to the chair legs of my parsons dining chairs. Right now they’re all different colors b/c they were craigslisted from different places. But I thought it might look stupid. You have given me courage! Hurrah. Onward.

    Reply

  10. mypatsyann says

    BTW…where do you find that great spray paint? My local Home Depot and Lowe’s have the most dismal selection of spray paints…

    Reply

  13. terra says

    I’m so glad we’re not the only ones who heard that camel tone bit wrong. We DVR’ed it and my husband just HAD to rewind to see if she really said what we thought she said.

    Reply

  14. Sarah says

    “If you’re a-sprayin’ your arm better be a-swayin’.”

    High time you start a page/reference manual on YHL for Life Lessons.

    Reply

  15. Robyn says

    Just saying, I tripped and almost fell of the treadmill when she said camel toe.

    Then I told my boyfriend I’m clearly not as design savvy as I thought because apparently there’s a color called camel toe and I had no idea.

    Reply

  17. Jennifer says

    It makes me feel much better about myself to know that I am not the only one with a spray paint addiction. Maybe we can start a support group? SPA (Spray Painters Anonymous)?

    Reply

  18. fabiana yee says

    Do you recommend spray painting IKEA veneer furniture?

    I did once, and the spray paint chipped easily ( but I also didn’t use any primer).

    Would primer really help the chipping problem, even on veneer?

    Thanks,
    Fabiana

    Reply

  19. Lauren says

    I’m a spray paint virgin!! But not after this weekend :) I”m going to spray paint the vent covers (floor and walls) in our house. I bought new ones but they don’t fit!! I guess our house has wierd sizes :( Do you think there will be any issues spray painting metal vent covers?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Nope- they should turn out awesome! Make sure the spray you get says it works for metal (the kind we used is awesome for metal, btw). Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  20. shelley says

    Wow!Great job!! Amazing how a little paint can transform anything!! This afternoon I used your tips to tackle my own spray painting project!
    While I was on a run last week I came across an old wooden rocking chair at the side of the road that was in great shape.I decided to scoop it before anyone else did and carried it home on my shoulder! It took me under an hour to lightly sand and spray paint the chair! I wish I could share the pics! I took all of your advice into consideration and it turned out perfect! Thanks for the tips:)

    Reply

  21. Satirical says

    Hi, I came across ur page one early morning in South Korea…haha…while looking up Women of the Bible for a story I’m doing…and I must say, it is so touching, impressive, and motivational. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of love, decorating, family, and fun. May God continue to bless your family.

    Reply

  22. Nicole says

    Hi! I have a question that is unrelated to this article! I have a paint emergency, I have used the Olympic, No-voc paint mixed at Lowes to match Benjamin Moore decorators white… when I use my Purdy roller with a 3/8 nap, it causes little tiny bubbles everywhere!!!!! I dont know what to do. Has this ever happened to you guys??

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry, that hasn’t happened to us. Maybe the can was shaken so much it got bubbly? Perhaps letting it “settle” and gently sanding the bubbles before the next coat will work? Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  23. Andrea says

    I started priming my jewellry shelf today and was constantly murmuring “Remember what Sherry said: If you’re a-sprayin’ your arm better be a-swayin’.” to myself. I bet our neighbours think I’m deranged ;D
    It’s going to be my first spray paint job, but certainly not my last.

    This might sound cheesy but I’m so glad I discovered your blog. You guys are awesome and SO inspiring :)

    xo,
    Andrea

    Reply

  24. Lisa H says

    When you’re a-sprayin’ and your arm is a-swaying’, are you repeatedly pumping the nozzle (or trigger), or do you keep it firmly pressed the whole time?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Good question! It’s just pressed for a while. I probably push it down, swing my arm around for about a minute from all angles, and then take a “breath” (removing my finger from the trigger) and then restart again. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  26. Jamie says

    I think you guys live on the east coast, right? I am currently in NC and I seem to be having problems with my spray paint cracking and then bubbling? I have done a ton of spray paint projects and cant remember having this much trouble, on family task clipboards to say the least! Do you have any recommendations? All of your projects are fantastic….

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh no! We’re in VA, so just a bit North of you. It sounds like you might be dealing with an oil-based reaction (perhaps the clipboards were sealed with an oil-based sealer?) so I would sand and then use a spray primer first and then do a few thin even coats of paint misted on there. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  27. Nicole says

    I was wondering what kind of mask you use when you spray paint? Can you tell us where you got it? The ones I see at HD in the paint aisles say they don’t keep fumes out, just particles and dust.

    Also, when you spray paint in the summer, how do you keep bugs from sticking to what you’ve painted? Seems like they are always attracted to that stuff.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I got one of the heavy duty gas mask ones that is around $30 – looks like a real gas mask but blocks the actual fumes. I also try to spray on a not windy day so stuff doesn’t get blown into the paint. And very very thin coats = faster drying (so nothing sticks since it hardens right away).

      xo,
      s

  28. Jyssica says

    I have a question, I just spray painted a laminate dresser with Krylon fusion I hate the texture. My husband wants to paint latex over it. Can I do this or will there be a reaction?

    Reply

  29. Katie says

    Hi S & J
    I know this is an old post, but its got some good info and has me nearly talked into trying to spray paint my honeycomb blinds.

    The blinds are currently an off-white color that I’d like to paint either white or a subtle grey. They are room-darkening already, so I’m not worried about the light shining through in an uneven pattern.

    Just curious if you have any suggestions for it, do you think its worth a shot?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm, I’d be worried about this bombing but it’s worth a shot if you don’t like them as-is and just want to see if you can make them work before tossing them. My only advice would be to use high quality spray paint and do very very very light and thin coats. Good luck!

      xo
      s

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