This easy makeover of three solid wood X back counter stools is my monthly installment for our Furniture Fixer Upper Group. Be sure to visit my friends to see their awesome furniture makeovers!
I thought these were simply called wooden bar stools. But while preparing to write my tutorial on their awesome makeover, I discovered they are actually counter stools. That makes sense, right?
I passed by this good deal, when my friend called me back to take a look. I got all three counter stools for $20! Yes, $5 over my limit, but these gals were worth every penny. They are very solid, and sell for $100-$200 EACH when new.
It's Furniture Fixer Upper Day! Please visit my friends and tell them Gail sent you!
Sand & Clean Wooden Furniture Prior to Painting
Because I wanted to guarantee a nice adhesion of paint, I sanded away some of the very shiny finish. Next, I used my favorite Deglosser from HTP.
When using this furniture prep (deglosser), I brush it on, and wipe it off. IF there is a lot of grime, you will want to use a scrubby. See more details in my article "How to Prep Furniture for Painting". I was happy to see that these tall back bar stools weren't too grimy.
How to Paint Counter Bar Stools
Make it easy on yourself when you're painting furniture by raising it off the ground. For these X back stools, I used scrap fence boards resting atop my easy 2X4 sawhorses. (they were easy to build, and easy to transport, plus they stack when stored)
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Typically I brush on the All in One Paint by Heirloom Traditions (located nearby in Taylorsville KY) However, for these tall bar stools I decided to us my beloved Finish Max paint sprayer to get the best coverage and a flawless paint finish.
Remember, if you're flipping furniture by painting, it's best to do several light coats of paint. This is true whether you're using a small paint roller, a paint brush, or a paint sprayer. It's the ONLY way to do it, especially if you're using spray paint. Several light coats.
Finally, it was time to set the tall bar stools upright for their next coat. Again, keeping them resting on the sawhorses will allow you to get in all the nooks and crannies, including the underneath edges.
For the second coat of paint on the seats, and other flat areas, I opted to use a small foam roller. It really gives great coverage, with no brush strokes. Again, thin coats are best.
Tall Black Counter Stools
Wow! What do you think so far? Aren't they so pretty!!
Distressing Black Paint
To do a fine line distressing, I prefer to use cheap emery boards that I buy on Amazon. You can see that I identify my sanding sponges so I don't have to guess what grit they are.
Remember, these counter stools were $20 for the set of three. I think the black paint really updated them, don't you?
I finished these barstools a few weeks ago and took them to my booth. They sold within a couple of days. I love quick and easy furniture flips! The funny thing is, I took them back to the same store where I bought them, just a few booths away!
Now it's time to see the rest of the team's Furniture Fixer Upper Projects!
- How to Paint Furniture with Latex Paint Without Sanding
- Bathroom Cabinet Makeover
- Counter Barstools Makeover (you are here, thanks!)
- Magnolia Dresser Makeover
- How to Repaint a Dresser
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.
Janette
I LOVE these fabulous chairs, they look amazing and what a bargain you got too.x
Gail Wilson
I know! What a bargain! I was in the right place at the right time, and thankful that I listened to my friend when she suggested I buy them.
gail
Jen @ Girl in the Garage
Great save, Gail! I love how chic furniture looks after updating with black paint!
Jennie
I think the $5 limit needs to be raised to $7.50 due to inflation š. They turned out to be beautiful. It doesnāt surprise me they sold fast.
Gail Wilson
Jennie
hahaha you have a point! But just this week I got two great items, one for 99 cents, the other for $3.99. Both from my friend John at the White Elephant where my booth is located. His prices can't be beat. In fact, these counter stools came from his booth. š
Take care!
gail
Lizzy
Excellent work. They're perfect.
Gail Wilson
Thank you Lizzy! I heard from my daughter yesterday when she saw this project. She asked if I still had the counter stools, just what she was looking for. oops!
gail
K S
And my husband thinks I'm silly for marking my sanding sponges. Glad to know I'm not the only one to do that š
I love how these turned out.
Gail Wilson
hahaha
NO! You're not the only one. I'm usually in a big hurry and want to quickly grab the RIGHT sponge. It works, right?
gail
Christy James
These look amazing now, Gail! And such a deal!! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki
These chairs look amazing in black! Iām not surprised they sold so quickly! š¤
girlfromwva
Beautiful job.
Janette
I love these chairs, they look amazing. You have done a wonderful job but please forgive me for being one of 'those' people who hate distressing, other than that, fabulous.xx
Gail Wilson
Janette,
To each his own, so all is forgiven. As I mentioned, they only lasted a few days in my booth, so, someone loved 'em. š
Today is a good day for a good day! May it be awesome for you!
gail