After reading the 750+ suggestions left on our original post, weighing the many possibilities, and following our first instinct, we painted the stools a bright turquoise-teal. It felt like the right fit for our kitchen: lively, modern, and coordinated with other colors in the house.
Here’s the story of how we transformed inexpensive $32 metal stools from a supply store into cheerful turquoise counter stools that anchor the kitchen and tie into the rest of our decor.
Blue finishes received a lot of votes from readers (yellow was a close second), and we seriously considered many creative options—two-tone paint, upholstery, dipped legs, ombré effects, and more. Ultimately we chose a single turquoise-teal because it complements our kitchen’s neutral backdrop—white cabinets and counters, gray tile, and brown floors—while adding a vivid pop of color that still feels cohesive with the rest of the home.
That color also references the dark teal built-ins in the dining room and the subtle turquoise accents on open shelves, without looking overly matched. I’m tempted to simplify some of the shelf accessories to white so the stools stand out even more, but for now they happily contribute to the layered, colorful feel we have throughout the house.
The transformation improved the view from the stove, making the room feel less flat and more intentional. The turquoise frames energize the space without feeling overwhelming—just the right balance for our taste.
Our home already includes bold pops of color in other rooms—teal and yellow in the guest room, green accents in the living room, pinks in the nursery, and teal/charcoal tones in bedrooms—so the new stool color helps the kitchen fit into that playful palette.
We were mindful that repainting would always be an option if we changed our minds, so taking the leap felt low-risk. The stool seats, which have a veneer-like brown finish, accepted the paint well and now read as a single, unified color with the frames. Painting the seats the same turquoise keeps the design simple and graphic rather than busy.
One of our favorite angles is the view that used to be very monochrome with gray stools and brown seats—now it’s cheerful and colorful, which makes the whole room feel more finished and welcoming.
Seeing the turquoise stools sit in front of the dining room’s subtle ikat curtains creates a stronger visual connection between spaces, breaking up the previous monotony of all-brown dining chairs and gray stools.
How we did it (DIY spray paint guide for metal stools)
1) Sanded with 300-grit sandpaper. This light scuffing gives the metal some bite so primer and paint adhere better and hold up over time.
2) Used a liquid deglosser. After sanding, we wiped all the dust away and used a deglosser to remove remaining sheen and prepare the surface. We prefer a low-VOC product for less odor.
3) Set them outside for painting. We placed the stools on a tarp and cardboard so the legs wouldn’t sink and to allow even spray coverage.
4) Applied thin coats of spray primer. Metal takes spray primer well; we used light, misty passes to build even coverage without runs.
5) Applied thin coats of spray paint. We used a gloss turquoise-teal (Tropical Oasis by Valspar) and applied about five very thin, even coats. Thin layers dry faster, avoid drips, and produce a durable finish when properly cured.
6) Allowed proper curing time. The stools sat in the sun for 24 hours, followed by two days inside a sealed sunroom to off-gas and cure fully before bringing them back into the kitchen. Proper curing helps the paint resist chipping and wear.
Budget and time breakdown
- 3 cans of primer + 3 cans of spray paint = $29
- 300-grit sandpaper and liquid deglosser = $0 (already owned; expect about $6 if you need to buy them)
- TOTAL: $29 (each $32 stool got a $7 upgrade)
- Sanding and deglossing = 1 hour
- Priming = 1.5 hours (including drying time between mist coats)
- Painting = 1.5 hours (thin coats, multiple passes)
- TOTAL WORK TIME: ~4 hours (plus curing time over several days)
Clara’s reaction—“blue stool! so pretty! like a princess!”—was priceless and confirmed that the color choice made the kitchen feel happier. These painted metal stools not only refreshed the space visually but also made it feel more cohesive with the lively color story used throughout our home.
Have you upgraded furniture with paint recently? Have you tried a liquid deglosser on metal or laminate surfaces? Painting small pieces like stools is an affordable, high-impact way to refresh a kitchen—if you’re debating a color, remember that repainting is always an option, and taking the first step is often the best way to see if it truly fits your space.