Is there anything quite as abundant on the secondhand-furniture circuit as plain old plywood chairs? Not likely, which makes this quick project easy and affordable. Regardless of whether you need to brighten a dreary nook or quickly and stylishly enhance available seating options, this painted plywood chair idea from Fresh Home magazine () showcases the way a simple technique can have stylish results.
Elana Ashanti Jefferson, The Denver Post
SUPPLIES
• An old plywood chair
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent solution
• Sandpaper
• Mineral spirits
• Wire brush
• Rust Converter Primer Sealer
• Primer
• White glossy acrylic paint
• Masking tape
• Utility knife
• Multiple other glossy acrylic colors
DIRECTIONS
Step 1 Clean the veneer. Do this using a cloth and trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent solution, which helps degrease and degloss the surface. Next, sand the plywood with 80-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface so that the primer will adhere. Then, wipe clean.
Step 2 Clean the legs. Do this using mineral spirits, scouring any rust spots using a wire brush. Next, wash the legs with a mild detergent and smooth them with 150-grit sandpaper. Allow to dry completely.
Step 3 Paint the legs. Use a two-in-one rust converter product (like One Step, VHT or Rust-Oleum). This will prime and create a topcoat over new or lightly rusted metal. Allow the legs to dry at least 16 hours between coats.
Step 4 Paint the wood. Prime the seat. Then, for the design pictured here, apply a coat of white gloss acrylic paint. Allow it to dry before lightly smoothing over the paint with 180-grit sandpaper. Apply a second coat.
Step 5 Create the design.Measure the chair back and seat to divide it vertically into five sections. Mark spot centers every 3 inches along the lines, staggering them slightly. Apply masking tape over the marks. Use a coin to draw symmetrical circles on the tape to create a removable stencil. Cut around the circles using a utility knife. Peel away the tape circles. Apply the non-white colors over the circles with a small brush and leave to dry.
