I can't pass up a cheap bar stool at the thrift store. I'm always trying to do something different with each one--this time it's farmhouse stool with a grain sack design. You will see that it almost didn't have a grain sack design on it. Because I keep it real, I will show you the mishaps that happened along the way in what SHOULD have been the simplest bar stool makeover ever!
This is our Thrift Store Day, be sure to check out all the projects below.
Farmhouse Bar Stool
As you can see, I got a great deal on the farmhouse style bar stool. Did you know that my thrift store limit has always been $5? Sometimes, I'll splurge, but if it's five bucks or under, it goes home with me!
Deglosser For Paint Projects
Because the farmhouse bar stool has a shiny surface, I opted for using a deglosser instead of sanding those spindle legs.
For this stool, I simply brushed on the deglosser and wiped it off. For a really grimy piece, you may need to use a scrub pad before wiping away the deglosser.
Naval Chalk Paint
I grabbed some chalk like paint in Naval to paint the farmhouse stool. As always, I put on a light first coat, starting with the stool upside down.
Of course, I just used a cheap chip brush. They are my favorite brushes to use, easy to clean up, and less waste going down the sink.
Related Content: More Stool Makeovers
Do you see what's different about this farmhouse stool? The legs go straight down, whereas other bar stools legs, flare out a bit.
I used some wax on the project, then buffed it with brown craft paper, then added some felt to the bottom of the legs.
Then things started to go wrong. . .
I did a mini buffalo check pattern, and wasn't very successful with it. Then, I tried to distress it a little to try to save it. Yeah, it wasn't working.
Let's go to plan B.
I decided to switch paint.
Initially, I chose the paint on the left, Bunker Hill Blue, but it was too "royal" to suit me. So, I put yet another coat of paint on the stool, going with the Yankee Blue.
After painting the farmhouse bar stool yet again, I then decided to do the grain sack design with a Chalk Couture Transfer.
Add Grain Sack Design
The transfer was so large, that I trimmed off just the part I would be using. Visit my store here.
After applying the transfer (stencil), I was ready to use my squeegee to spread the chalk paste.
Completing the grain sack design on the farmhouse bar stool was a two-step process. I had to wash and dry the transfer and wait for the chalk paste to dry before adding the other small stripe.
So, the transfer is back in place and ready for the last thin grain sack design on the top of the farmhouse bar stool.
Oh my gosh, I finally like this bar stool! I can't believe how much time I spent on making over a simple farmhouse bar stool.
Seal Project with Clear Coat
One last thing to do, the bar stool needs a sealer. Taking the easy way out, I chose a clear coat spray! It will help the chalk paste stay put as well as protect the flat finish of the Dixie Belle paint.
Do you love the look as much as I do? This isn't a design you can get with painter's tape! It's got me thinking about what I can do with those other designs on the transfer.
Yankee Blue Farmhouse Stool
10 Awesome Thrift Store Projects
Now, let's take a look at the awesome projects from the team!
Farmhouse Bar Stool Makeover, DIY Nautical Farmhouse Planter, Making Boho Vases from Clear Glass Vases, DIY Frosted Seaglass Vase, Spray Paint a Trumeau Mirror, How to Strip & Bleach Wood Furniture, Metal Garden Dragonfly Refresh, Round Wooden Box Sunflower Table, Lampshade Makeover Idea for Front Porch, DIY Welcome Porch Sign
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Maryann
Love that blue and I love the grain sack - so cute!!!!
Christy @ Our Southern Home
Gail,
I love how this turned out! That grain sack transfer is the perfect tool!
Kristin salazar
I really like the second coat of yankee blue combined with the stencil, perfection!
Gail Wilson
Kristin,
I can't believe how much money I wasted on paint on this project, but I love the end result too.
gail
girlfromwva
love it!!! the final result is just awesome!
Gail Wilson
Nova,
Thank you! It sold quickly at the White Elephant booth. š
gail
Sarah Ramberg
Girlllll, I totally understand Plan A going out the window!! It's so frustrating, but well done on Plan B!
Gail Wilson
Sarah,
Thanks! It was very frustrating, but I believe it's important for us to be honest about our failures. lol
gail
Cindy
Gail, I love this design so much! Way to persevere until you got the look you love! Grainsack designs are one of my faves! Pinned š
Gail Wilson
Thank you Cindy, I get my stubbornness from my mom. I never, ever let something win . . . š
gail
Sue at Blu
Itās always the easy projects for me that go haywire! Beautiful look on this stool!
Gail Wilson
Thanks so much Sue! I can't believe how much money I wasted on paint on this project! But, I wasn't giving up!
gail
Carlene@Organized Cluter
I love how the grain sack transfer worked out. I like the "grain" of the stripe. Pinned!
Gail Wilson
Thanks so much Carlene, the farmhouse bar stool sold very quickly at my booth!
gail