I’m doing a small stool makeover for this month’s Thrift Store Décor Project. It’s really been a difficult project. You’d think for it being so small and so easy that it would have been a piece of cake! I never wait till the last minute for this team project. I love doing these easy makeovers. But it’s been so crazy busy around here.
How To: Small Stool Makeover
A new thrift store opened near me. I stopped in last week and spotted this cute little stool.
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This is the sticker that was on the stool. It’s actually a kid’s stool.
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Sand Small Stool
I used an orbital sander to remove the varnish off the top of the kid’s stool.
Clean and Degrease
Upon closer inspection I noticed there was quite a bit of grease and grime on the small stool. I used TSP and latex gloves to wipe it down before painting it. Painting over oil or grease is not recommended for any project. It’s an extra step that is worth taking.
Of course I used my favorite homemade diy chalky paint primer for the small stool makeover. A little plaster of paris mixed with regular latex wall paint is my favorite way to start any project, big or small. It makes the paint very flat and helps it adhere to almost any finish.
Paint small stool with paint sprayer
My Super Finish Max Extra is perfect for large or small projects. It really makes painting spindles (legs) so much easier. I always start by painting the underneath side of my projects.
Paint really improved the look, don’t you think? I could have stopped there…. but no! That wasn’t enough. It was hot and steamy outside. Sweat was dripping from my face, but I trudge on.
The next step was pretty much a project failure. I was hot, in a rush to complete my fabulous small stool makeover—and I failed! I actually tried the transfer twice. The first time I did it, it started raining and smudged the chalk paste. On my second try (bottom right) the transfer pulled off the paint a little.
Plan b!
I repainted the top of the stool and put a fan on it to help it dry in the dampness of the carport.
Add glaze to small stool
My secret weapon! Smoked Glaze by Rust-Oleum and a cheap chip brush . This stuff never fails me. Well…. almost never. I even struggled with applying this glaze—for the first time ever! It must have been due to the extreme humidity.
Seriously folks! This small stool makeover should NOT have been this difficult. I had to use my battery operated fan in the carport in order to get the glaze to dry. The fan actually moved the glaze around a little, and I had to use a clean brush to smooth it out a little.
Pin it now so you can find it later.
The small stool would be perfect for a grandma’s house. She could use it to reach items in the upper cupboard, and pull it out when the grand kids visit. For now, it’s left with the glaze. After I get over messing with it, I may decide to do the chalk transfer on it after all. Maybe I’ll do it with a pop of color instead of the black I originally tried.
Would you have kept at it, or given up? I usually have a lot of patience, but when I’m melting in the heat I suddenly lose all patience!
I’m sure my friend’s projects below will not disappoint! Hop over to check out these fabulous thrift store makeovers . . .
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The smoked glaze made all the difference. It looks better than with the transfer. Love it!!
Thank you Terri. I actually did put the transfer on it over the glaze. 🙂 I haven’t taken pics yet.
gail
Beautiful end product!
It turned out really cute despite your difficulties. I think we’ve all had quite a few paint fails, but you sure rescued this one!
congrats gammy on your little grandson mine are my joy xx
Your little stool is gorgeous! Reminds me of the one my grandpa made that a painted years ago 🙂
That’s so cute. I’m glad you finished it, but you do have to be careful about heat stroke. The glaze hides the little split in the top. I’d love to see how the chalk paste will hold up to being stepped on regularly. I’m sure that you’ll seal it. Would you seal it with a spray acrylic? I’m working on sanding a stool with 2 steps for my grandson, but it’s supposed to be 111 degrees today. It was 90 degrees when I got up at 5:15. Summer has set in.
Jennie,
My issue isn’t heat stroke, it’s sweating too much and my potassium dropping too low. I’ve been hospitalized twice for it, so I know that I need to supplement with food and OTC potassium when I sweat too much.
Yes, if I put the chalk paste on it, I will definitely seal it with a spray sealant.
Take it easy friend, that’s hot–even though it’s a dry heat. 🙂
gail
i am glad i am not the only one who has sweat dripping down my face. i love ur little stool. appreciate your step by step instructions.
I was a hot mess Nova! Never again will I wait till last minute when I have a deadline. I’m always on top of things, so I forget how rough it can be when I try to rush something. lol
gail
It turned out great! This reminds me that I have a little stool that needs to be painted 🙂 Love the finish, maybe add the transfer now that it has a finish on it and it’s dry.
Pinning for later!
Yes, I hope to do that Debbie! What color would you use?
gail
Oh, the joys of Louisville humidity. Plus all this rain we have been getting lately is not helping the situation. Where is this new thrift store, please?
The new thrift store is in Valley Station Shopping Center where the Pizza place use to be.
Ohh, the humidity! I shouldn’t be surprised it started raining–it was so thick already!
gail