How to Spray Paint Metal Chairs
Transform metal chairs for just the cost of spray paint! Instead of buying new chairs, paint what you have. How to spray paint metal chairs in a quick afternoon!
Spray paint is the fastest way to transform metal furniture while still maintaining a long lasting finish. Get our pro tips here!
how to spray paint metal chairs
We’ve been painting furniture since 2007 and have learned a thing or two along the way! When I started my recent dining room makeover (full reveal here!), I wasn’t sure my aqua metal chairs would fit in.
Instead of replacing them which would cost me several hundred dollars, I decided to make them over with the cost of a few cans of spray paint.
I perused Home Depot for the right boho farmhouse dining room chair color and stumbled upon Copper Rose. It was a warm, pinky/brown metallic color, the perfect shade for a boho style room.
Check out how I spray painted 8 metal chairs for just over $50 and saved myself hundreds of dollars in the process! (I used 7 cans total for 8 chairs, spraying the underneath side as well, to give you an idea of how many cans you’ll need.)
Supplies Needed:
*Note: some links may be affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission per sale and NO EXTRA cost to you.
- Metal Spray Paint [Save yourself a step (and money!) by using a paint and primer in one!]
- Metal Spray Primer (if not paint and primer in one)
- Sander + Sandpaper (The lower the grit sandpaper, the more coarse it is. We prefer 120 grit for prep, 220 grit for sanding between coats.)
- Spray Sealer *optional, we didn’t seal these chairs, personal preference
- Microfiber Cloth
more furniture painting tutorials
- How to Paint a Piano
- How to Paint a Hutch and Add Floral Paper
- How to Turn a Dresser into a Bathroom Vanity
- How to Stain a Table
- How to Turn a Crib into a Porch Swing
How to Spray Paint furniture:
CLEAN/PREP FURNITURE
Wipe down any stickiness or dirt from chairs. Just can use soap and water, If it’s really bad, use Krud Kutter the wipe with soap and water.
If any rust or old paint is flaking, use a wire brush to remove it. Wipe clean.
SAND
Sand the furniture down. Whether it’s because it’s in bad condition and has rust spots or is perfectly smooth (like mine today are), sanding it will give the new paint something to grip so give it a quick sand, regardless.
PRIME
This step is only necessary if you’re not using a paint and primer in one.
Starting with the underside of you chairs, hold the can of primer 6-8″ from the surface, spray with a sweeping motion side to side, slightly overlapping.
Let it dry for ten minutes, flip upside up.
Prime the top of the chairs using the same sweeping process. Paint in light coats to avoid drips.
Wait 30-60 seconds in between coats until its fully coated.
After ten minutes of dry time, you’re ready for paint! Note: If your project is still “tacky”, wait till it’s fully dry to start painting.
FAQ: Do you have to prime furniture before painting it?
Yes and no. You don’t HAVE to but there are several reasons you should:
- It’ll give the final finish a smoother feel.
- It’ll cover old damage and dark colors.
- It’ll prevent rust in the future.
RUB DOWN
If you primed: after your chairs are fully dry, use a microfiber cloth to rub down any rough patches or little pieces of build up. If you have fine sandpaper, lightly go over the chairs. This is a pro tip that not a lot of people share: this extra step will give you a SUPER smooth finish!
PAINT
Starting with the underside of you chairs, hold the can of primer 6-8″ from the surface, spray with a sweeping motion side to side, slightly overlapping.
Let it dry for ten minutes, flip upside up.
Spray the top of the chairs using the same sweeping process. Paint in light coats to avoid drips.
Wait 30-60 seconds in between coats until its fully coated.
This spray paint dries in about ten minutes and can be handled within the hour.
RUB DOWN
When it’s fully dry, repeat your rub down process with the microfiber towel.
That’s all there is to it! It’s SO easy to transform furniture in less than an hour. We’ve found that most people are lacking confidence is all!
If you mess up, sand it down and paint again. Paint is very forgiving and is the quickest way to change a space!
update: CHECK OUT OUR FINAL DINING ROOM MAKEOVER!!! ?
We completed this whole look for about $200 with creative decor hacks like creating this thrifted boho basket wall for $13!
(If you missed it, get caught up on our Instagram stories.)
room source list
*May contain affiliate links which means we’ll make a commission and NO extra cost to you!
- Kalina Rug
- Metal Chairs
- Mason Jars
- Florals for Jars: Flowers, Lisianthus, Berries
- Dining Room Table *similar linked
- Basket Light Shade *similar linked if you need the full light kit
- Rubber Plant
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
- Rattan Plant Baskets
xo
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- process pictures: jane preset
- front porch pictures: jane preset
- front porch picture with Kelli: alexa preset
Thanks for the article. I bought metal chairs from amazon for another purpose, however, I’m using them in the kitchen at my new bar table instead. They’re an interesting purple color, but I’d prefer black. I appreciate the paint recommendation and prep instructions.
Of course! We touch up a few times a year (my kids are HARD) on mine but it’s certainly cheaper than replacing them 🙂 Happy painting!