This is a simple, smile-inducing project that was too fun not to share.
Remember this old highchair my mom passed along to me almost a year ago, the same one she used as a child? I finally got around to refreshing it.
It had been sitting in storage for years with paint splatters and a musty smell, and I’d been saving it until Clara was big enough to use it without a lap belt. After living in our playroom for several months, it was finally time.
I considered a few finishing options:
- Sanding and staining
- Spraying a classic white or black
- Going bold with turquoise, navy, lime, yellow, or orange-red
We thought about where the chair would be used most often—the dining room table, the kitchen peninsula, and the living room table—then chose a finish to suit those spots. John and I decided on a bright, happy yellow.
- Our front door is bright yellow and that color pops into the dining room when the door is open.
- We already have cheerful yellow accents in the kitchen that look great against our neutral backdrop.
- Yellow accessories we’ve moved into the living room feel fun and welcoming.
Once the color was decided, I did my pre-spray routine, took the chair outside, and got to work.
Because this chair is very old and had paint splatters that could be lead, I skipped aggressive sanding and instead painted over the surface. I started with three very thin, even coats of spray primer, keeping the nozzle 8–12 inches away and moving continuously to avoid drips.
I used a satin white spray paint with primer built in as the undercoat. It provided good adhesion and a clean base for the yellow topcoat. After the white primer was fully applied, the chair already looked refreshed.
For the final color I applied several thin, even coats of sun yellow spray paint until I had solid coverage. Thin coats prevent runs and help the finish dry evenly.
Once the yellow coats gave full coverage, the chair looked bright and cheerful.
I left the chair outside for two sunny days to cure, bringing it into the sunroom overnight to protect it from unexpected weather or dew. After two days outside, I let it rest another 48 hours indoors with windows open until the spray paint smell faded and the surface felt dry and hard.
The glossy finish was durable and ready for regular use—important when a toddler is going to be testing it immediately. I set the chair in the living room before grabbing Clara from her nap so I could capture her reaction when she discovered it.
She was thrilled when I told her it was her new big-girl chair and eagerly tried to climb in.
With a little help she settled in comfortably and sat proudly like the new owner she felt she was.
She smiled, sang, and explored sitting up straight—quickly getting the hang of it and enjoying her new seat.
I couldn’t help taking detail shots—the gloss picked up highlights and shine, which looks great but also emphasizes any imperfections. That’s why applying thin, even coats and correcting drips between coats is important when using gloss finishes. The result is durable, wipeable paint that stands up well to everyday use.
Clara loved hiding and revealing herself from the new chair—her delight made the whole project worth it.
In the end, the makeover was a success. Clara adores her big-girl chair, and my mom loved seeing her old seat get a fresh life in a color that feels cheerful and versatile. It’s special to think this little chair has been used by three generations, and giving it new purpose felt like the right thing to do.
This finish removed one more item from the playroom and checked off a long-overdue task. Have you tackled any overdue makeovers lately? A painted chair or a quick spray-paint project can transform something ordinary into something joyful.