Hey there, awesome Friends! I have a sweet makeover for y’all today!
I’m sharing how I updated these inexpensive bar stools I found for $5 each at two different yard sales:
Can I tell you how thrilled I am that I finally did something with these things? They’ve been taking up valuable real estate in my garage for at least two years.
Now they are updated and fresh with their beautiful new paint job:
I mean who knew those ho-hum builder grade bar stools could be so charming?
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I used.
I used a new-to-me paint, Fusion Mineral Paint, and it is amazing!! I’ve heard blogger friends rave about it, but I had never tried it myself.
I am in no way obligated to review their products or tell you anything about them, so I mean it when I say I love this paint! It glides on so smooth and the coverage is amazing! I did two coats, but I could have easily stopped at one. It is also self-leveling. Nice.
A month or so ago I got an email from the awesome people who manufacture and distribute Fusion Mineral Paint. They had seen some of my pieces and thought I might like to give their paint a try. They sent me several colors and I immediately wanted to try this one.
Isn’t it so pretty? It’s called Inglenook:
It’s a very soft green. Very coastal. Very cottage. Very me.
I started by giving these stools a really quick and light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper:
For real, less than 10 minutes to do both stools.
Then because I wanted white to show through when sanding, I used this spray primer to coat both stools:
Priming is not necessary with Fusion Mineral Paint, this was just a quick way to get that base coat of white I wanted.
(This primer went on smoothly, but sometimes spray paint or primer leaves a bit of a rough surface. If this happens, use a brown bag or brown craft paper like a sandpaper to knock down any roughness.)
Then I painted two coats of the Inglenook. Once that was completely dry, I used this stencil to add detail to the top of each stool.
I sprayed spray adhesive on the back of the stencil first to hold it in place, then I applied the Casement paint (their white-two quick coats) with a small paint brush, trying to brush away from the edges, then removed the stencil while the paint was still wet. (Then I cleaned my stencil with an old cloth and warm water, and let it dry sticky side up. Don’t try to wipe the sticky side dry.)
I sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper to show a little white peeking through…
This paint can be found here on Amazon if you want to try it out. One jar goes a long way! I barely made a dent in mine. It is also easier on the budget than most of the high end specialty paints out there.
Another awesome feature of this paint is that has a built in topcoat. Now if you like to sand like I do to achieve a bit of a distressed look, a wax finish is still recommended since you are breaking up the surface. But if you like a clean look, no topcoat needed!
I wish I had had enough of the white on hand to paint Grandma’s Vintage Dressers, I would have surely used that instead of latex.
They look great right here in my kitchen! These are the 24″ height. I believe you can find this style stool at Walmart for around $15.
I’m not quite ready to part with these, but they’ll be heading to my booth.
Time to go shop the garage for my next makeover!
If you liked this post, you might like to see what I did with this headboard as well:
Check out how I transformed it HERE!
XO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Carla says
Another amazing job! I love your vision for common pieces.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Carla! XO
Joanne Taggart says
Your bar stools are great! I love the price, stencil design and color. I’m heading over to Amazon to check out the paint. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful makeover.
Christy says
Thanks, Joanne! I love this paint! 🙂
Susanne says
loved the bar stools…..xxx
Christy says
Thanks, Susanne! XO
DiB says
Thank you for the review of the paint. I am always looking for new options.
i especially like the fact that it is more cost friendly than other lines of paint.
Your stools look great.
Christy says
Thanks, DiB! I really do love this paint. It is a bit different from chalk paint in that although it has a matte finish, it is still smooth, not chalky like a chalk paint. After waxing you wouldn’t likely notice any difference between the two, but this just goes on super smooth to start.
DiB says
I do have a question about the use of Fusion Mineral paint…did you find it any different to use than maybe a chalk paint>
At Rivercrest Cottage says
your barstools turned out pretty in the soft green. the stenciling really makes it sweet. I have to say though, I really love the white wire basket on the counter with all my heart.
Christy says
Thank you!! That basket was a thrift store find that I made over a couple of months back. I staged my kitchen with it along with the dishes for a post then, and I liked it so much, it stayed! 🙂
Bess says
What kind of wax finish do you use ? These turned out BEAUTIFUL and the paint sounds like something I will try.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Bess! I have always used Annie Sloan’s clear soft wax. This paint does not require a topcoat unless you plan to sand to distress. 🙂
Ange says
Love the color. It certainly transformed those plain ole bar stools. They look great in your kitchen. ????
Christy says
Thanks, Ange! I’m almost tempted to find two more and keep them ha ha! XOXO
Libby says
I am impressed. Thanks for sharing. (every detail) !! ;0)
Christy says
Thanks, Libby!! XO
DeAnna Moore says
You simply amaze me. It’s awesome how you can see the “diamond in the rough” when it comes to makeovers. I just need you to come to my house and “fix” some stuff for me. I sure wish you were closer and offered classes! That would be a dream come true!! Thank you for sharing everything you do and the awesome steps to get it accomplished.
Christy says
Aww your sweet words made my day, DeAnna!! Thank you! Running a workshop would be awesome! XOXO
Teresa Sole says
Love what you’ve done with the stools! I, too, love the Fusion Paint line. Very high quality and beautiful colors! Great job!!!
Christy says
Thanks, Teresa! Yes I will definitely be using Fusion Paint more in the future!! XO
Carole says
Another beautiful project. Is this new paint similar to chalk paint? What is the benefit of this paint vs chalk paint (especially your recipe which I use all the time)?
Christy says
Thanks, Carole! With the Fusion paint, you are required to lightly prep your piece by sanding the surface a bit, which is not necessary with chalk paint. But the main difference is in the feel of the paint. The Fusion paint is an acrylic paint and it just glides right on. Although it has a matte finish, it doesn’t feel chalky afterward like chalk paint, it is smooth. However, after waxing…there is little difference between the look and feel of the two. Just another alternative. The DIY chalk paint is still less expensive. 🙂
Gina Keysor says
Thanks for the paint review, always good to hear first hand experience with a new product. The stools came out great! Amazing that the stencil fit the diameter perfectly. They do look good in your kitchen but someone else will love them too,
they’re unique. My redo pile hasn’t had much attention this summer, I better get busy it’s almost fall up here in the Adirondack Mts!!!
Christy says
You’re welcome, Gina! Thank you! It was nice working with a new product. I really do like how this paint goes on. My redo pile is still up there, but slowly dwindling. 🙂
Candy Walsh says
It’s amazing what good paint can do!! I’ve been wanting to try that for a while now, but my budget only allows one thing at a time, lol. And right now I’m saving for antiquing wax. That paint is absolutely flawless and the dry time~wow!
I LOVE the stencil you added to the top, that really finishes such a classy color and look.
Maybe one day companies will send me products and want me to use their paints, etc., lol!
Your creative mind continues to blow mine daily!
Thank you!
Christy says
Aww thanks so much, Candy!! You are so sweet! I really loved working with this paint! XOXO
rose l. says
I like their new look. Unique!
Christy says
Thanks, Rose! 🙂
Patty says
Love how your stools turned out. I have heard other people rave about this paint, I really want to try it out, all I have to do is find a dealer around here. Great job Christy and beautiful stencil.
Christy says
Thanks, Patty! I had heard great things as well…so glad I was able to try it out for myself! If you can’t find a retailer locally, I was able to find it on Amazon. 🙂
Patty says
Thanks for the info Christy, I think I will have to order it from Amazon, that is the problem when you live in a very small town, but I have come to depend on online companies for things I can’t buy locally, but I love small town country life I guess there is always a trade off where ever you live.
I can’t wait to try this paint, thanks again.
Christy says
Sure…I live in a big town and still order a ton of things online…so easy! 🙂
Judy says
Christy…I have two stools that are varnished (I assume). Can I just sand them down and finish them like you did with yours?
Christy says
Yes! Go for it! 🙂
Paula@SweetPea says
Your stools look great and are sure to sell quickly. I’ve heard of this paint but haven’t tried it myself. If I get the opportunity, I will after reading your positive review.
Christy says
Thanks, Paula, I hope so! I’ve heard other bloggers rave about this paint…and I have to agree. 🙂
Becky says
PERFECT! I really really like the stenciled tops. I have 3 stools needing paint sitting in my basement right now. I dropped my laptop, ran down, grabbed them… and remembered that we’re going to have to use them TONIGHT, and it’s going to rain any minute! Tomorrow! Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Christy says
Thanks, Becky!! Oh ha ha…tomorrow for sure…do it! XOXO
Karon Gilbey says
Where did you get the stencil? The makeover is amazing!
Christy says
Thanks, Karon! You can find the stencil here: https://www.artisticstencildesigns.com/collections/wreath-stencils/products/la-grand-maison-stencil-10×10 🙂
Sandra@lookingforpotential says
These look so good, love the color, always enjoy your makeovers Christy!! :))
Christy says
Aww, thank you!! 🙂
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
Love the color, Christy and the stenciled seats pinned to share 🙂 I just found out there is a fusion mineral paint supplier in town and I can’t wait to try this product. Your stools inspired me to make a visit soon.
Christy says
Thanks, Marie! I really love how smooth this paint this…yes, definitely get some to try! 🙂
Ann says
I love the makeover on the stools. How have they held up against wear? I have painted my kitchen chairs AS Duck Egg Blue and to my great disappointment the paint has not held up against the daily use. They have scratches all over them. I feel like I need to start over but I don’t know where to begin! I’m wondering if this Fusion paint will work better.
Christy says
Thanks, Ann! Sorry to hear about your chairs. That is strange. Did you seal them with wax? The wax is what should give the paint long lasting wear, and there should be no need to sand prior either, just clean them well. I just painted these stools so I can’t speak for how they have worn yet. With fusion paint you do have to sand a little which helps this paint to adhere. Then I sealed them with Annie Sloan’s clear wax. The fusion paint goes on like a dream, and although it says it is self-sealing, I would still add a sealer, either wax or wipe-on poly.
Ann says
Hi Christy. Thanks for your reply! I sealed them with a wipe-on poly. I thought it would be more durable than the wax. I think I might try to re-do one chair with fusion and see how it holds up. I have a local retailer.
Christy says
Oh ok. They have their own brand of sealer. Check that out when you get the paint. Best of luck!