Finally, I'm replacing my porch posts and painting them with my Finish Max paint sprayer. More details below.
My home has zero curb appeal. That’s okay, because a few years ago it was a –50. I’m making improvements slowly but surely. If I had all the time and the money in the world it would definitely be on the very top of my priority list. Who wouldn’t love to smile every time they drive up to their home? I look at magazines and daydream about changes I would like to make. b.a.b.y. steps.
In recent years, I’ve taken out bushes and trees. It’s time to concentrate on the front porch.
Maple Leaf Wrought Iron Posts
First up? Porch posts. ugh! disgusting, right? We put these in—well, I didn’t. The maple leaf wrought iron posts were not my choice.
They’ve been here for about 30+ years. This is back in 1984—my daughter Jamie.
I’ve been trying to get someone to replace them for about 2 years. It seems that nobody wanted to do such a small job. So, what’s a gal to do? DIY !!
I contacted my Cousin Terry—you may remember she helped me do Leann’s barn door last year. Terry loves this kind of stuff. This is the dreaded before.
On the porch, blue porch post, trunk made from an old door, wind chime I re-strung, and painted storm door (with my Finish Max).
Middle aged women can DIY
Don’t we make it look easy? If two middle-aged women can do this, so can YOU! Honestly the most difficult part was trying to find a solid area to place the jacked up 2x4’s. (we screwed two 2x4’s together). The porch ceiling is vinyl. We had a difficult time finding a solid spot to support it. Oh, and yeah, those old supports weighed a TON!
Installing new porch posts
We used 2 levels to make sure everything was plumb. For spacers we used some 2x4 scraps-to insure that the left side matched the right side.
After we figured out where to place the jack, we were done in no time. My new porch posts are wood. The vinyl ones wouldn’t work on my concrete porch. Therefore my posts need to be painted. In a perfect world, I would have used my Finish Max BEFORE putting the posts in place. But, time was an issue and I needed to get the posts up while I had someone to help me.
In this picture we are signing our work. 
Yes, women can DIY porch posts!
New posts, and the porch didn’t fall down on our heads!
Paint porch posts with Finish Max Paint Sprayer
It was time to paint the new posts. I could have used a brush, but I just love the finish I get with my HomeRight Finish Max
. I taped up some plastic drop cloths.
The posts were pre-primed. I used Glidden Exterior Semi-Gloss in my HomeRight Finish Max.
There were two plants that I needed to protect, I used old sheets.
It took me longer to hang the plastic than it did to paint them. I did three light coats, following the dry times on the can. I’m thrilled with how they turned out. The Finish max did such a great job.
Thank you Homeright for helping me DIY stuff around this old place!
I tackled something I had no idea I could do. One more thing checked off my list! Thanks to this YouTube video. Have you done something around your home where you surprised yourself?
gail
disclaimer: I’m happy to be a brand ambassador for Homeright. All thoughts, opinions, projects are my own.
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.
Kevin
I am going to remove iron post similar to what you had. My question is how did you attach the upper post to the roof of the porch.
Gail Wilson
Kevin,
I honestly don't remember. I can't find any pictures to elaborate on the situation. After asking cousin Terry, we're not totally clear on how we did it. I apologize for not having more information for you.
gail
Ray
Sorry you got rid of that beautiful iron work
Kaye Diehlman
I just found your post on the porch posts. I'm currently looking for one like the old wrought iron ones you removed. Any suggestions as to where? I'm in central lower Michigan.
Gail Wilson
No, Kaye. I'm really sorry I have no idea. I had those old posts for so many years, I can't remember where we got them. If you're on facebook, I would start there and ask your friends and family for help.
lots of luck to you!
gail
pam
Gail, I have 4 of the iron decorative posts. Do you have ideas on repurposeing them. I love them and hate to get rid of them.
Gail Wilson
No, Pam I'm sorry to say I don't. Especially if they are as heavy as mine were.
gail
Mel
Your posts look great! Did you have to thin the latex paint to use your sprayer? I was getting ready to paint shutters and on my paint (sherwin williams) it says I don't need to dilute it but I haven't used this home right sprayer yet and was nervous it will be too thick. Figured I'd get a second opinion. Thanks!
Gail Wilson
I always thin and strain my paint. Is your paint water based or oil? You will love how easy it is to spray your shutters. Might I suggest you start on a piece of scrap wood or a spare thrift store find? That way you can get a feel for it before you tackle your shutters.
good luck, have fun!
gail
Kristen Brouwer
Where did you get the porch posts?
Gail Wilson
Kristen,
This project was so long ago, I'm sure I must have gotten the porch posts at Home Depot. That's where I shop for such things.
gail
Michelle
I need some of those wrought iron posts - where can I find some?
Gail Wilson
Those are over 30 years old, so I have no idea. 🙂
gail
Joyce T.
Please come help me with my old rotted porch posts!!.
Did you consider just building a facade around the old wrought iron posts to make them look like wooden pillars without having to jack up the porch & pull the posts out? That looked like the hard part.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Joyce,
The original porch posts were barely supporting the porch due to rust. But, that would have been a great idea otherwise! Smart girl!
gail
Terri Hughes
Gail, you and your sister did a great job on the new porch posts. Very nice!!!!
chris aka monkey
super woman xx
Sylvia
Great improvement. The old wrought iron supports just didn't go with the style of your home. Now, you must paint the porch ceiling haint blue since you are in the South and all.
Patricia
I have no idea how this got in under my radar...
I can't believe you tackled this just the two of you... middle aged women... hahahaha!
Thanks to cousin Terry... for giving you a big ol' hand too.
and it didn't fall down on y'all. Great job.... girls!
Patricia
Debbie
They look great!! You can do everything!!
Debbie
Trish
Good for you . I don't think there is anything you can't do.
cassie
SOOOOOOO much better! i am all for vintage details, but i typically don't like ornate iron work on a house.
Suzanne
You make everything look easy, but I know projects like this take time and skill. You are amazing!
Mindi
Wow! Amazing job, it totally looked easy and your new porch columns look so good!
girlfromwva
what a great job!!! congrats!
Laurel Stephens
You guys did make that look easy. I love the new porch posts, Gail. They look great!
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
Those posts are just lovely! Now how will you repurpose the old posts?
Amy
You two did an amazing job. Can't wait to see how you repurpose the old posts.
Carmen
You two are just amazing
Christina
Gail, You and Terry did a GREAT job!! Wow, I love the finish you got with the Homeright Finish Max! Oooo now to repurpose those heavy old posts. :)) Do I see a garden trellis in their future. :)))
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Christina,
Thanks for your comment!
Those old posts have been scrapped. They are so heavy there was no way this old gal could even try to repurpose them. I do know my limits. LOL
gail
Nance Greenwell
Great job! This gives me hope to do a similar job myself. Thanks!