File this under fab and nearly free mini-makeovers anyone can do. We had two yellow chairs—leftovers from a brief apartment stay with a balcony—that matched our old yellow door but clashed with the current red one. Two cans of Rustoleum Universal All Surface spray paint solved the problem in no time.
This spray paint is new to the market and attractive for several reasons: it sprays at any angle so you don’t have to keep the can perfectly upright, it adheres to a wide range of materials—from plastic and wood to metal and wicker—and it uses a comfortable trigger-style applicator rather than the old top-mounted button. At roughly $6 a can, the total cost for transforming both chairs was very low.
Take a look at our refreshed porch chairs—aren’t they dramatically better? The glossy black finish complements the ranch-style house, tying in with the black shutters, trellis, and our oil-rubbed bronze light fixtures and door hardware. The project was quick, and it’s satisfying to update and reuse pieces rather than buying brand-new furniture.
A strong caution about safety: this product is very potent and releases concentrated fumes—likely because it contains ingredients that allow it to bond to many surfaces. I sprayed both chairs in our two-car garage with the door open. Even though the job only took a few minutes, I left feeling headachey, slightly nauseous, and a bit lightheaded. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and work in a well-ventilated area. Ideally, spray outdoors on cardboard or a drop cloth on the lawn to maximize airflow and minimize inhalation.
Another practical warning: do not work barefoot. I made that mistake and struggled to remove thick, tar-like overspray from my feet with paint thinner. Unlike dusty spray paint, this formula can leave sticky deposits that bond to surfaces—stepping in them builds up layers of black residue that can hold your feet to the ground. Wear old shoes or sturdy flip-flops and be prepared that overspray may cling to footwear, so choose something you don’t mind ruining.
Despite these precautions, the chair makeover was completely worth it. With a little planning—good ventilation, protective footwear, and drop cloths—you can achieve the same fast, affordable, and stylish result. Now that you’re armed with these tips, happy spraying and enjoy your refreshed furniture!