Painting a Collection of Windsor Chairs 11/14/10

Awhile back I saw a really neat inspiration pic in MSL of a black harvest table lined with light blue Windsor chairs. After browsing and browsing for ideas to turn our Chicago brick bungalow dining room into something extra-special, that lit the bulb. So far we’ve installed a beautiful crystal chandelier, picked up 2 antique candlestick lamps at an estate sale, found a beautiful old black wood buffet at a flea market, and scored big time on a bartered harvest table made locally out of reclaimed barn wood. I’ve scrounged up 5 chairs so far, with an ultimate goal of 8. The only requirement is that they be the same height. I like the idea of them all being slightly different, with paint color being the uniting factor.

Windsor chairs have rich historical significance and great clean lines, but may be thought of as blah, boring, or common. All they need is a fresh color to bring them up to speed.

It’s super easy to find a bunch of them and most are about the same dimensions, so don’t be afraid to pick one up here and one up there. As long as they’re the same height, the subtle differences can add charm while the color will tie them together. You can usually nab them for about $10.

A little spray paint in a modern shade, and you have revitalized a classic into something worth keeping for less than $15.

You’ll get about a chair and a half from each spray can. So let’s whip out the Big Blue Tarp and get to business!

Step 1:
Better safe than sorry. Primer in white is a must-do step. Don’t skip it, even if you think you can. Why ruin a chair or go through paint removal over a $4 can of spray primer that takes 5 minutes to apply?

Step 2: Thin layers of spray paint evenly applied. Better to add thin layers than sand and repaint thick globs. Note: spray paint is really the way to go here. Applies faster, too many nooks & crannies on a chair for a paintbrush, plus the enamel finish will stand up to daily use better than a brush-on latex.

Tip: I like to put the legs up on something, like these baby food jars. Otherwise there will undoubtedly be something that brushes against the tips of the legs that ruins the paint finish there. Plus it helps to add a little height when you’re trying to get at the underside of the chair.

Done! 2 down, 6 to go. Can’t wait to see them all lined up at our new table!